How to Maintain a Healthy Workforce
November 15, 2019
While a growing number of employees are working from home these days, a significant percentage of employees still report to an office or place of employment, at least a few times a week. That means sharing certain pieces of office equipment, and spending time in shared spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and conference rooms. The more people that workers are exposed to, the more likely it is that they can catch a cold, flu virus, or stomach bug that is floating around. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that the work environment is as safe and healthy as possible. Fortunately, there are simple steps that employers and employees can take to prevent infectious diseases or keep them from spreading throughout the company.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, full-time employees spend over 25 percent of their entire week at work. If it is a large company where employees work near each other, an infectious disease can easily spread if workers are not careful. The following tips can help minimize the risk of potentially serious infectious diseases from spreading:
● Educate employees about disease prevention: Employers should provide workers with materials that offer simple ways to prevent diseases from spreading. Whether this includes informational printouts, company-wide emails, or an educational seminar run by the human resources department, these are effective ways to educate workers about infectious diseases.
● Encourage sanitation in the workplace: If the workplace warrants it, provide workers with respirators or masks to prevent airborne germs from spreading. Always make sure that there is plenty of hand soap in the bathrooms, and hand sanitizer available in common areas. If the company uses a cleaning service, find out if they use products to kill germs that cause illnesses.
● Establish a pro-health work environment: Employers should consider offering flu shots and other communicable disease vaccinations on site, and at no charge to the employee. Workers who get sick should have the option of telecommuting or taking a day or two off until they are feeling better, and are no longer contagious. Make sure that employees understand the protocol for taking a sick day, including who they need to call and how to report a sick day. Workers should never feel that they are going to be penalized for taking a sick day.
Both employers and employees should use common sense when it comes to washing their hands, keeping their distance from fellow employees if they are sick, and covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze. This is particularly important during cold and flu season.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Workers Exposed to a Contagious Disease in the Workplace
If you became sick at work from being exposed to a contagious disease, contact the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. You are entitled to a range of benefits, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to your illness. We will walk you through every step of the claims process and ensure that you receive the maximum financial benefits you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients throughout Maryland.
