take tiMe to Plan Before returning to the workPlaCe

Workplace safety guidelines from Oregon OSHA call for wearing masks, providing hand sanitation devices and maintaining social distancing requirements.

by kristine thomas

From Zoom meetings to converting closets to office space to wearing masks and social distancing, the pandemic has drastically changed the way people have worked in the last year.

With the promise of available vaccinations for adults who want it by summertime and the decrease in COVID cases in Oregon, many business owners and managers are evaluating the steps they need to take to safely have their employees return to the workplace.

Layla McGlone is a consultant and leadership coach with Layla Fay Leadership: Strategic Keys for Pioneers in Construction.

“The most important thing I tell human resource managers and business owners is to consistently communicate with their employees about what’s happening,” McGlone said. “An informed employee is set up for success and feels safer in their work environment, confident their employer is looking out for their best interest.”

She advised business owners to seek professional assistance when they are unsure of what steps to take. In the long run, it’s time and money well spent, or as Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Here are a few tips to consider:

Consult Oregon OSHA

Oregon OSHA Public Information Officer Aaron Corvin said many people associate Oregon OSHA with the enforcement of workplace health and safety standards.

“We offer so much more,” Corvin said. “We offer free, confidential consultation services, including consultations specific to COVID-19.”

Corvin said Oregon OSHA expects employers to comply with the temporary rule adopted to reduce the risks of COVID-19 in all workplaces. That rule states employers must maximize the effectiveness of existing ventilation systems, maintain and replace air filters, and clean intake ports providing fresh or outdoor air. Guidelines also call for wearing masks, providing hand sanitation devices and maintaining social distancing requirements.

He encourages employers to call their local OSHA consultant to receive advice on how to safely reopen. The no-cost confidential services specific to COVID-19 include risk assessment, respiratory protection and compliance program reviews, infectious disease preparedness and response plans, and how to safely return to work and restart processes.

Corvin shared OHSA consultants can meet virtually with businesses and review their reopening plans. To arrange a meeting, call 800-922-2689 or visit www.osha.oregon.gov.

Communicate and communicate again

During the last year, McGlone has worked with owners and human resources teams to help them navigate the changes in the workplace due to COVID-19.

“With construction work, it’s not possible for employees to work at home unless they are in an admin position,” she said. “I worked with HR teams to help them comply with the regulations and make the hard decisions on who works remote and defining the priority of on-site staffing. Under severe constraints it is imperative to get your team efficient and at top performance.”

McGlone said employees and employers in the construction industry have the grit and expertise to adapt and get the work done. “COVID or no COVID, my advice to business owners and managers is to stay compliant with the OHSA and state guidelines,” McGlone said. “It’s not worth the risk to a business to not follow the guidelines. By doing so, employers are creating a safe environment for employees to feel safe and respected.”

McGlone said the companies she worked with who commit to consistently and clearly communicating what’s happening with their employees saw greater efficiency and a massive growth margin in company profits.

“Increased communication leads to employees having a higher ownership in the company and more efficiency in their work,” she said. “The safer your employees feel, the more they are eager to come to work.”

She encourages employers to continue offering hand sanitation stations, encouraging employees to wear face masks and practicing social distancing when necessary, until the state lifts the health guidelines.

“We can all agree that COVID has been a pain in the butt and that businesses need to be nimble to navigate operations,” she said. “We all need to continue to be wise in dealing with what’s happening so we can continue to move forward. Central Oregon depends on its construction leaders, they are an integral part of our economy. We need all areas of construction to succeed.” l

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