COVID-19 isn’t going away anytime soon, but you have a warehouse to run. Unlike many companies with the ability to have employees work from home, a warehouse job requires showing up in person.
As one of the top staffing agencies in Lehigh Valley, PA, HTSS, Inc. takes safety very seriously — especially during a global pandemic. The key to keeping employees safe right now is implementing protocols designed halt the spread of COVID-19.
While there’s never a guarantee an outbreak won’t happen, doing everything possible to avoid it significantly increases the chances of your team staying healthy.
5 Ways to Protect Your Warehouse Employees Amid the Pandemic
Institute a Mask Mandate
A mask services as a huge safeguard against COVID-19. Each person in your warehouse should wear one at all times, as it serves double duty by protecting the person wearing it from others who potentially have the virus, while also shielding everyone around them, in case they have it. Provide all employees with a new disposable mask at the beginning of each shift, because you can’t rely on people to bring their own.
Put Social Distancing Measures in Place
Warehouse work is often a team effort, but right now, people need to be spaced at least six feet apart. Ensure workstations meet this requirement, adding additional space between people when possible. It’s also wise to place markers on the floor that denote six feet of space and use arrows to direct traffic one way in busy areas.
Consider Having the Same Employees Work Together
If one employee contracts COVID-19, everyone who has worked with them will need to isolate. This can cause serious staff shortages, so consider placing employees in teams right now. These people will work together every shift, making it easier to avoid a massive outbreak. Instead of having the virus spread throughout your warehouse, it will just be contained to the team.
Close Off Areas Where People Congregate
Gatherings of any type cannot happen in your warehouse right now. This even includes employees eating lunch together in the breakroom, so resist any temptation by removing chairs or temporarily shuttering these areas. Right now, it’s safest for people to take breaks outside or in their cars. If you must have a meeting, hold it outside with proper social distancing measures — and masks — in place.
Enforce the Rules
COVID-19 policies are only effective at your warehouse if they’re enforced. No doubt, you’ll have a few employees who resist the rules, so it’s important to carefully monitor people and jump into action when you see non-compliance. It only takes one person who doesn’t follow the rules to spread the virus to their co-workers.
Need to Expand Your Lehigh Valley Warehouse Team?
HTSS, Inc. is here to guide your search for the perfect fit. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!