As a warehouse employee, your job could require you to work in a setting that needs you to be physically present. This meant risking your health and safety during a crisis.
Here are CDC’s guidelines to help you prevent and combat the spread of coronavirus disease:
Follow Proper Social Distancing Measures
The CDC recommends that you stay at least six feet away from customers and your coworkers whenever possible. This measure helps to prevent the spread of virus resulting from close contact. Avoid gatherings that would otherwise compromise social distancing.
Always Wear A Face Mask
Facemasks or coverings help to prevent the spread of the COVID virus carried by particulates originating from the mouth and nose from people that could be infected to others that are not. Request disposable masks from your employer that would be given at the start of the work shift and thrown out at the end of the day.
Additionally, the CDC guidelines cautions care when putting on and taking off your facemask. This includes not touching your face while wearing a mask or covering, and washing your hands when using them. If possible, wash your face mask after each use, and throw them away immediately and properly when they are disposable.
Be Aware Of Contact With Frequently Touched Surfaces
Working in a warehouse means you would touch various surfaces, which have also been touched by many people. Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes, especially when using frequently touched items or equipment.
The virus may remain alive on surfaces for hours even after initial contact with an infected person. This gives it the ability to transfer from person to person easily.
Regularly Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds kills the virus preventing further spread to you or others. However, you could use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content if you do not have ready access to soap and water.
Wash your hands before, during and after preparing and eating food; after going to the comfort room; after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose; when using facemasks and personal protective equipment (PPE); before and after work; and, after touching or using shared surfaces or equipment.
Cover Coughs And Sneezes
When coughing or sneezing, use tissues to cover your nose and mouth, or you could use the inside of your elbow. Always throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Do Not Touch Your Face, Mouth, Nose, Or Eyes
The coronavirus disease could enter your body easily through your mouth, nose, and eyes. Therefore, it is essential for you not to touch your face, especially when working with items or equipment frequently touched by people.
If You Are Having Symptoms Of COVID-19, STAY HOME
If you show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, immediately discontinue work and follow the CDC recommended steps of home isolation. As much as possible, separate yourself from other people by staying in a specific room and using only designated items to avoid further spread.
Alert people you have recently been in close contact and advise your supervisor of your health condition. Additionally, discuss your situation with your healthcare provider and ask for the proper precautions and when it is safe to return to work.
Check out these other COVID warehouse articles:
What Covid 19 Signage Should I Have In My Warehouse?
How To Do A Covid 19 Risk Assessment For Warehouses?