Sure, we want to avoid crowds and coming in contact with possible COVID-19 carriers. Should we wear a mask? Looks good, so it’s becoming something of a fashion statement. But if it’s not worn properly so that it fits, a mask is next to useless.
Now Commonwealth and State governments are preparing to invoke emergency procedures, banning spectators from events. Many employers (like the banks and insurance companies – and increasing numbers of schools), are telling their people not to come into the central workplace – just do your work from home.
But most transmission of the virus occurs in the home!
The safest way to keep your business running
At the best of times, there are many traps, pitfalls and challenges associated with working from home. Indeed, working from home may not be for everyone, COVID-19 notwithstanding. But with the likelihood of a jump in the infection rate in Australia within the next few weeks, now is the time to consider what actions can be taken to limit its spread – and still keep your business going.
When considering working from home, issues to be considered include:
- How to maintain contact with your clients and customers when you can’t just go and see them; consider setting up a Facebook or WhatsApp chat group so you can liaise with your clients and team members; you can even set up a YouTube channel if you need to educate customers or staff (or subscribe to The Work Safety Channel “WorkSafetyHQ”).
- If you are working from home because the government or your employer has said don’t come in, it’s probable your children also will be at home as their school will have been shut. Already, numbers of schools are proposing to bring forward the Term one break by one week, and (perhaps) resuming Term two a week later. This will create a four-week term break – or longer. So, there are potential impacts on family relationships to consider, when Mum or Dad may be at home but, because they are “at work”, cannot be disturbed.
- The “obvious” issues, such as providing a suitable desk, chair, computer, the traps of using laptops and tablets, and so on.
- The “not-so-obvious” issues, of maintaining a ‘work-life balance’, when you find it hard to get away from the work when it’s just down the hall and not knowing when to stop.
Top tips on working from home
Even though you may be working from your home, there are still some important steps you need to take to avoid being infected by or transmitting the COVID-19 virus, whether or not you manage to get out of your home. So, make sure you:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds. Alcohol-based sanitiser is OK but not as good as soap and water, so save it for when you can’t get use soap.
- Try to maintain “social distancing” of at least 2 metres from others. And avoid direct skin contact – no hugging, kissing or handshaking.
- Try to avoid touching your face and mouth (this may be one benefit of wearing a mask).
- Avoid touching things that others might have touched, such as door handles, handrails, auto-tellers and touch screens, and even cash; wearing hygienic gloves will help and if you must handle cash, wash your hands immediately after and certainly before handling food, touching you face or mouth, or other personal items.
Dr David McIvor, Director, WorkSafety Pty Ltd and author of “Working From Home Safety Handbook”
