SALT LAKE CITY-As Utah commences its first conventional workweek under “yellow” (low risk) guidelines, the Utah Department of Health has released workplace guidelines.
If businesses consider reopening, which is now possible for all businesses to do if they so choose, the re-openings are asked to be consistent with applicable and state local orders and employees need regulations in place to protect them from higher risk for severe illness.
Recommended health and safety actions in place include the promotion of healthy hygiene practices such as hand-washing and employees wearing cloth coverings when feasible.
Additionally, the intensification of cleaning, disinfection and ventilation must occur.
Social distancing is also strongly encouraged, entailing sufficient spacing between employees. This entails physical barriers, changing the layout of work spaces, encouraging tele-work, closing or limiting access to communal spaces, staggering shifts and breaks and limiting large events, when and where feasible.
Modification of travel and commuting practices should also be considered. Employees who do not live in the area should use tele-work technology when feasible.
All employees should be trained on health and safety protocols.
In real-time, businesses should develop and implement procedures to check for signs and symptoms of employees, daily upon arrival, when feasible.
Employers should also encourage workers who are sick to stay home.
Employers should plan for scenarios wherein workers are sick as well.
Regular communication should occur concerning developments in need of monitoring with local authorities and employees.
Employee absences should be monitored and consist of flexible leave policies and practices.
Finally, employers should be ready to consult with the local health authorities if there are cases in the facility or an increase in cases in the local area.
