5. What would a safer workplace look like?
A safer workplace would be one that follows OSHA’s guidelines, CDC guidelines, and your local reopening plan on reducing worker risk of exposure to COVID-19. A safe workplace for liver patients also recognizes risk factors of certain individuals and accommodates their needs.
Ensuring that workplaces have an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, which includes research surrounding federal and state recommendations and resources, and an action plan if an outbreak were to occur in the workplace are two important elements. Ensuring that basic infection prevention measures are put into place within the building, providing personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed, and encouraging and providing resources for proper hygiene is also very important. Implementing appropriate methods of identifying and isolating those who may be sick and providing reasonable accommodations for those who are immunocompromised are also recommended. CDC has recently published a set of recommendations and guidelines for employers to follow to re-open office buildings. Ensuring that the procedures of the company and office space are compliant with CDC recommendations will be very important prior to returning to work.
6. What is the safest way to get to work?
Using personal vehicles is the safest way to get to work, but using ride-sharing services and public transportation can be possible if certain prosecutions are taken.
The safest way to get to work is by driving in a personal vehicle. This helps to avoid unnecessary exposure to others and public surfaces that are frequently touched. Frequent cleaning of commonly touched areas like door handles and steering wheels is important in keeping personal vehicles clean and safe.
Using a ride-sharing service is also an alternative to avoiding public transportation. Uber and Lyft have implemented guidelines for drivers and passengers to help ensure the safety of both parties. Sitting in the back seat, requesting the windows remain down, and frequently using hand sanitizer are all ways to help mitigate risk.
If using public transportation is unavoidable, there are a few ways to help stay safe. They include avoiding touching surfaces like handrails, using touchless payment methods and doors when possible, trying to maintain distance between yourself and other passengers, traveling during non-peak hours to avoid crowded buses and trains, using hand sanitizer after touching surfaces, and wearing a mask. It is also important to consult local public transportation agencies to learn about their specific COVID-19 guidelines and any potential service disruptions.