Returning To Work During Covid-19, The New Normal

FacebooktwitterlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterlinkedinmail

What to expect when you return

The pandemic changed a lot of things in the work environment. People that were working from home during staying at home orders are transitioning back to the office. Now it is all about making the workplace safe during the return to the office. As people return, they should expect to see the workplace look quite different during this Covid-19 crisis.

It should not be a surprise to anyone that has had social gatherings for birthdays or holiday parties in the office to see these things come to a halt. These types of gatherings are no longer feasible inside of the work environments.

Mask Requirements

Another thing that people can expect with work safety concerns as they are transitioning back to the work environment is the requirement of masks. There are some work environments where the masks must be worn on a regular basis throughout the course of the workday.

This is often the case for people that work in healthcare. They do not have the luxury of removing their masks while they are working. There are some that work in automotive and healthcare environments that will need to wear the masks when they are in close vicinity to other people. It all really depends on the environment and how much close contact is made.

Temperature Checks

Another thing that people will become mindful of as they return to work is the regular temperature checks. People that have a temperature that is over 100 will find themselves being asked to leave and get tested for the Coronavirus. Anyone that is battling any sickness will instantly raise red flags. The possibility of infecting someone else at the office is what causes the alarm with work safety.

The best thing that people can do is practice social distancing. Employees will also be expected to wear masks when they are away from their desks.

A Safe Work Environment

What most people will find out is that there is a new fear when it comes to the Coronavirus. They will find that hand sanitizer is clearly visible in break rooms and other common area office spaces like copier rooms.

Leaders that are in charge will send out emails and memos as reminders about how to be safe while working in the work environment. All of these are things that play a part in promoting safety and healthy work environments as people return to work. There will be COVID-19 memorandums about washing hands thoroughly and wearing masks.

Meetings

Even though people will be returning to work there are still going to be more virtual meetings whenever possible. Meeting in a conference room may not be on the agenda at this time. More people will be doing the video chats from their office space.

The work environment is changing, and safety is a much bigger precaution. People that are interested in coming back to the office must be aware of how the office place has changed. There is a greater need for reducing interactions and social distancing is the way.


 

Boat, Motorcycle, & ATV Safety Tips

FacebooktwitterlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterlinkedinmail
Motorcycle Safety Helmet

Pleasant spring, summer and fall weather entices many to enjoy the outdoors by land or water. Millions own ATVs, motorcycles or boats. However, unless vehicle operators adhere to basic safety precautions, accidents occur. Statistics from 2017 indicate that more than 100,000 injuries and 5,300 fatalities occurred secondary to ATV, boating and motorcycle accidents. Keeping in mind a few precautions ensures that all stay safe while enjoying recreational activities.

ATV Safety Tips

  • Protective gear-ATV riders should always wear a full helmet along with protective outerwear, boots and gloves. If a spill occurs, the rider’s body remains protected from possible injury.
  • Perform an inspection-Before each ride, ATV owners should consider inspecting the vehicle’s tires, wheels, cables, the chain, connectors, electronic components and fluid levels.
  • Ride with a buddy-Riding with other people ensures ATV safety. Dangers that one rider sees are easily passed on to other riders. In the event of an accident, a companion is able to offer emergency assistance or contact help.
  • Ride responsibly-Avoid performing stunts or tricks. Do not push the limits of your skill or the function of the ATV.

Boating Tips

  • Use common sense-Stay alert, do not speed, avoid other vessels and respect navigational devices. Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Have an assistant boat operator-Besides the boat operator, another individual must be familiar with the vessel’s function, regulations and emergency protocols in the event the captain becomes incapacitated.
  • Flotation devices-Boats should carry one life jacket for each passenger, which should be worn. A life preserving float is another option.
  • Trip itinerary-Before embarking on a boating adventure, inform a loved one where you plan to be on the water. Include the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the passengers along with details of the planned journey.
  • Communication devices-Smaller vessels should have at least a smartphone for emergencies. Larger vessels should be equipped with more advanced two-way radios along with personal and positional emergency beacons.
  • Be weather wise-Before departing, obtain weather information for the area in which you plan on traveling. If storm clouds appear, the winds increase or the water becomes rough, leave the water.

Motorcycle Tips

  • Take a safety course-New bike riders especially benefit from taking a basic operator safety class. The courses typically involve written instruction combined with learning riding techniques. Completion of the class enables riders to take the MVD test for an operator’s license.
  • Pre-trip inspection-Before heading off on any road trip, owners should perform a quick inspection of the bike’s tires, fluids, chassis and the electronic components. In this way, you reduce the risk of malfunction while riding, which could contribute to an accident.
  • Wear a DOT certified helmet-Thousands of fatalities occur each year when riders do not wear a motorcycle helmet. A properly fitting full helmet is the best, as the gear protects your face, ears and head.
  • Additional gear-Riders should consider also wearing protective outerwear in the form of heavy jackets and pants along with gloves and boots. In the event that a rider falls from the bike, their body remains protected from suffering scrapes, lacerations or bruising.