ITASCA, Ill., April 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- National
Safety Council President & CEO Lorraine
Martin today issued the following call to business leaders
across the country to take aggressive action to ensure employee
safety from COVID-19. In a survey conducted this week, over
70% of NSC member companies indicated they have employees still
reporting to work, unable to work remotely. Many of these
employees are in critical roles and crucial to supporting the
functioning of our society.
"In partnership with our employees, we as leaders must be
vigilant as we grapple with a workplace safety issue we've never
seen and face the challenge of protecting those on the front lines.
In occupational safety, the onus to protect workers from
all hazards, all the time, falls to employers, full
stop. In this time of global crisis, we need to understand the
critical responsibility we have to our workforce.
"First, business leaders cannot forget that the everyday risks
their employees face easily can be compounded by the pandemic. Many
companies are operating with skeleton crews, which could lead to
worker fatigue – an issue that impacts more than 90% of employees.
Some employees will need proper training on new equipment and
operations, so issues like distraction and complacency are
important to address. Business leaders must understand that added
stress can lead to spikes in substance use disorders, and 75% of
businesses have been directly impacted by opioid misuse under usual
conditions. Caring about employees' physical and mental
wellbeing are paramount.
"Next, ensure your workers reporting to job sites practice the
federal government's directives for hygiene. Provide disinfectant
so workers can clean high-touch surfaces every two hours. Make sure
they can practice physical distancing recommendations and follow
CDC workplace guidelines. We not only need healthy workers today,
but we will need a healthy workforce when it comes time to return
to usual work environments and routines. Preventative measures
today are critical, including following CDC guidance for
disinfecting and cleaning buildings and facilities after an
employee tests positive for COVID-19. The guidance includes closing
off areas used by the sick person, opening windows and doors and
waiting 24 hours after the sick employee leaves the facility to
start cleaning and disinfecting, if feasible.
"Finally, we need to acknowledge and applaud those companies for
shifting manufacturing lines to support the production of new
equipment to join the fight. We also encourage business leaders in
all industries who are able to donate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) to our front line workers, which would assist in addressing a
well-documented shortage. Our healthcare workers are in the direst
need, but our workers in manufacturing, construction, grocery
stores, delivery services and transportation need protection, too.
Companies can visit donateppe.org to identify donation drives and
to donate based on the needs of local areas.
"We all must take care of our employees. They are our greatest
asset and they deserve protection, now more than ever."
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety
Council (nsc.org) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to
eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and
on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, NSC advances this
mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected
officials and the public in areas where we can make the most
impact.
Connect with NSC:
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SOURCE National Safety Council