Six Tips To Reopen Offices Safely

Some of these strategies and best practices are likely to pay dividends that will outlast the current pandemic

With vaccines rol ling out, more businesses are weighing how to safely bring employees back to the workplace and if it is worth the risk. With everything we’ve learned about the virus over the past year, there are some clear, evidence-based steps that employers can take to protect their workers. A guide:

Address the risks of closures

Although Covid-19 is a key health concern, long-term building closures can present risks of their own. Plumbing systems that sit unused, for instance, can be colonised by Legionella pneumophila — bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’s disease. In buildings with lead pipes or fixtures, high levels of lead can also accumulate in stagnant water. Employers can reduce both risks by thoroughly flushing their taps or letting the water run for 15 minutes to an hour, before reopening. Companies should also check for mould growth and pest infestations.

Upgrade ventilation