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Sanitary Tips to Help Protect Your Workspace During COVID-19

As we continue to adapt to the changes in the current state of the world, it’s important to ensure that you and your employees are prepared for this new normal. States all across the country are now transitioning into reopening phases by increasing (but still limiting) capacity indoors, expanding in-person operations, and emphasizing the importance of public health protocols.

HPBA recently held a webinar hosted by L. Joseph Orchal III of The Chimney Scientist and Alan Rush of Rush Profits/Partner of Surefire Training Academy to share sanitary techniques. With plenty of information available on the internet, we understand it can become overwhelming.

The webinar shared insightful tips and information that addressed health safety concerns during the reopening periods. Based on this session, here are some takeaways to protect the public safety of your facility, employees and customers.

These tips are not a guarantee of safety but are common safety precautions that all retailers should practice. For more direct guidelines, follow your individual state’s orders.

Note: A list before the list

Be sure to have the following cleaning products at all times and follow basic sanitary protocols:

- EPA-approved disinfectant, mask(s) and disposable gloves, (alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol can also be used as a disinfectant),

- Pre-clean surface areas before applying disinfectant solution,

- Remove disposable gloves first before adjusting or removing mask,

- Try to dispose of gloves after each use or have one specifically for disinfecting,

- Wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds or more.

What exactly do I disinfect in the workspace?

It can be overwhelming at first but to practice safety cleanliness, routinely sanitize the following:

- High-touched surfaces (i.e. desks, tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, computer and other electronics).

- Common areas (Kitchen, restrooms, lobby/reception area).

- Commonly used items such as pens,

o   Invest in contactless transactions such as disposable pamphlets, catalogs or brochures, and have documentations by virtual means.

- Frequently clean the use of sale equipment (i.e. transaction devices, showroom, etc.). 

What about electronics in common use?

- It’s recommended to clean electronics before entering the workspace and at the end of the workday.

- Such electronics include smart tablets, touch screen monitors, computers and keyboards, TV’s, remote controls, and smartphones.

- Recommended: Invest in wipeable covers for commonly used electronics.

Preparing the workspace

For employers:

- Employers should have social distancing signs or labels marked on the floor or other common areas. Employers should move workstations so that employees are six feet apart or more.

- Limit customers’ ability to touch showroom displays or other items to control the spread of germs.

- Practice social distancing.

- Recommended: clearly label items such as commonly used ink pens stations as ‘Clean’ or ‘Dirty.’

- Clearly designate ‘Employee Only’ sanitation stations and ‘Customer Only’ sanitation areas (if any),

o   These stations should include masks, disposable gloves and disinfectant solution.

For employees:

- Follow your workspaces entering and existing procedures.

- Follow your workspace disinfectant protocols.

- Encourage the use of face coverings and practice social distancing.

For more details and information, closely monitor community guidelines by following your state/local orders and regulations. For additional safety practices, refer to the CDC guidelines.

 Stay safe and healthy!