Employee Action Plan

The nation’s health protection agency, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID- 19”).

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the vision, when viewed microscopically.

Since there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, it is very important to not only protect communities, but our workplaces and ourselves. Following some basic best practices and good hygiene, we can all take steps to prevent the spread of the illness. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA), most American workers will likely experience low (caution) or medium exposure risk levels at their job or place of employment.

The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states that an individual who has been exposed to COVID-19 can start experiencing symptoms within 2-14 days. These symptoms include:

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Cough
  
• Fever
  
• Shortness of breath
  

SAFE WORKPLACE RECOMMENDATIONS

• Assess essential functions
  
• Ramp up housekeeping measures and practices to be proactive
  

Clean and disinfect surfaces daily and/or routinely utilizing disinfectant cleaners, which combat the Coronavirus.

• Clean “high touch” surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables.
• Wash laundry thoroughly, using the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label. Limit congestive public settings as much as possible.

• Maintain distance of at least six feet from other employees
  
• Separate sick employees and send home
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
• Monitor your own health for signs and symptoms and call your provider before going to a hospital or clinic to describe your symptoms and let them know that you may have encountered someone with COVID-19.
  
• Enhanced cleaning measures and disinfections after COVID-19 exposure at work location.

1) Established Hand-washing Station

2) Wellness Check List:

a) Ask crew members if they are symptom- free (No fever, no cough , no sore throat)

b) Remind employees if they feel sick they are to go home

c) Remind employees to avoid standing together, wash hands frequently, wash tools and equipment frequently, avoid touching face

d) Please list any employee(s) that informed you they are sick/sent home ( )

3) Vehicles – Service Trucks:

Instruct crew members drivers to clean and and disinfect the interior of vehicles and tools regularly.

4) PPE:

Encourage the use of mask and gloves to prevent contamination spread.

Remind employees not to touch their face even when wearing gloves.

5) Clothing:

Remind employees to change clothes and to leave boots out side their home place.