Don’t Reopen Your Office Until You Get This Done

Employees will soon be returning to the workplace as restrictions to stop the Covid-19 spread continue to be eased. Nevertheless, health experts warn that everyone should still be cautious, which means continued and strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOP).

There are also a few ways for employers to reduce the risks of workplace clusters growing. 

 

How to create a safe workplace

Head of social and preventive medicine of Universiti Malaya, Dr Victor Hoe, said that businesses should focus on creating an environment that is safe and conducive to work, as well as to receive customers.

He said companies could implement a hybrid method that allows workers to alternate between working at the office and working from home so there would be enough space for social distancing. 

There should also be adequate space for the employees to enjoy their meals safely, given that most workplace transmissions occur during mealtimes. 

Hoe said that it is essential to provide proper ventilation to curb the spread of not only Covid-19 but other airborne contagious diseases, such as measles and influenza. 

Employers have to ensure the air-conditioning system is adequately serviced. They must also avoid interfering with a centralised air-conditioning system by opening windows as it could disrupt the airflow and cause condensation, which leads to fungal growth. 

 

Covid-19 screening for workers

According to Hoe, instead of making Covid-19 self-screening mandatory, any decision to require it should be based on the risk level and the workplace type. 

He said that companies should carry the responsibility of making their own decision on self-screening. 

As a reference, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that the Covid-19 test be done weekly, considering the Covid-19's incubation period. 

But, Hoe said that this procedure might not be feasible for most workplaces. He recommended that weekly or fortnightly tests be conducted in workplaces where workers have to stay in confined areas for a prolonged period.

He said that in other workplaces, businesses should make the decision on self-testing based on risk levels. Otherwise, they should only conduct the test for employees who show symptoms or have been exposed to a Covid-19 patient. 

The employer is responsible for their workers' well-being in the workplace.

No need to worry about unvaccinated coworkers?

Professor of epidemiology and public health, Dr Sanjay Rampal, said vaccinated persons should not worry about their unvaccinated coworkers. 

He said that unvaccinated persons should be more worried as they face a heightened risk of severe symptoms if infected. He suggested those returning to the workplace to keep following the existing SOP and wear face masks. 

He said that companies should reserve the work-from-home (WFH) policy for a time when the healthcare system is overwhelmed. 

 

Are we truly ready to return to the workplace?

President of Malaysian Employers Federation, Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman, said he is confident that with an improvement in the vaccination rate, employers are prepared for their workers to return to the workplace. 

He said that it is an employer's legal obligation to bar those who are not vaccinated or are only partially immunised from being at the workplace. 

The many vaccinated workers should not be exposed to the infection risks by the few who chose not to get vaccinated. 

Syed Hussain said employers should also prioritise ensuring that all workers, including foreign workers, are vaccinated to protect their customers and other employees and to avoid legal issues in case of workplace infections. 

Citing the government's decision to make vaccination mandatory for public servants, he said private sector companies could do the same. He added that through this policy, workers who fail to get vaccinated could face disciplinary action that may lead to termination of employment. 

 

Source: The Sun Daily

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