As new vaccines begin to slow the spread of COVID-19, businesses are bringing their employees back to work. While the idea of getting back to normal is exciting for many, we still need to remember to stay safe.
From the moment you get into your car to the time that you clock out for the day, you need to make smart decisions to stay healthy and avoid future illness. That includes keeping up with COVID-19 guidelines, protecting yourself in the office, and effectively communicating with management if you see a hazardous situation. Below are some dangers to watch out for and helpful tips to protect yourself.
On the Way to Work
Before you step foot back into your workplace, you will want to get confirmation that the environment you are returning to is taking the proper precautions to keep you safe. You can do this by setting up a work meeting online to ask what the business is doing to protect you and to tell them what you’ll need to adjust back to work life, which may mean reduced work hours and workload.
Communication will be incredibly important both now and going forward, especially when you see hazards around the workplace. Spills and leaks should be reported immediately to avoid slips and falls. If you work in a warehouse atmosphere, and you notice hazardous chemicals or conditions, report it to management posthaste.
Once you have verified that your workplace is safe, you’ll probably have to drive there after a long hiatus of working at home. If you haven’t been driving your car regularly, you should still be keeping up on its maintenance, such as tune-ups and brake pad changes. Doing so will ensure safe operation while also improving fuel efficiency. Your car will also run longer because of it. Make sure to go in for your regular oil changes and tire fill-ups, and go to a mechanic if you hear any strange noises.
COVID-19 Precautions
Then, of course, there are the necessary precautions to avoid contracting COVID-19. The vaccines are a good start, but there is still a chance to catch the virus or one of its variants, so it is a smart idea to keep up with the routine of wearing your mask and washing your hands frequently. If you ever feel sick, you should call into work and take a day off so you can get better before returning to work.
Social distancing is still a big part of keeping yourself and others safe from the virus. If you don’t feel comfortable with the space allotted by your employer, ask for dividers between the desks, or better yet, you can request to work a different shift, so fewer people are working at once.
If you are in an at-risk group or you just don’t feel comfortable going back into the workplace just yet, then talk to the human resources department about continuing to work remotely from home. Remind management that you can attend all of your meetings over video conferencing apps and stay in contact through messaging programs. If you are a top performer at your job, make your case and ensure them that you will remain just as productive from home.
Safe Working Habits
Even an office environment provides its fair share of hazards. For instance, with open drawers, power cords, paperwork everywhere, and items on shelves, there is always the chance that you could slip, fall, or be struck by a falling item. Always keep a clean workspace and be watchful for these hazards.
It is also important to be mindful of how you sit at your desk as too much slouching or bending forward can be harmful to your back and spine. When at your computer, sit up straight with your shoulders back and your buttocks touching the chair. If that position doesn’t allow you to work at your computer effectively, adjust the chair height or the location of the workstation. Failure to sit properly could affect the health of your bones and make you more fatigued since your muscles are doing more work to keep you erect and functional.
Last but not least, you want to take good care of your eyes when working. Staring at your computer screen for too long can lead to blurred vision and eye strain. To prevent overexertion, make it a rule to stop every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. If you work outdoors for a living, you need to be careful of dangerous UV rays from the sun that can permanently damage your cornea and retina. To stay safe, wear UV-blocking glasses or contact lenses whenever you are outside for long periods of time.
While we are all excited to get back to work, our safety is the top priority. By carefully planning your return, you will feel more fulfilled and satisfied overall.
