As we approach the start of the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, our understanding of the virus has improved. We are also seeing broader consensus on what we must do to protect our employees in the workplace as this pandemic continues. Make sure your
organization is taking appropriate actions to protect workers.
We have seen multiple shifts in advised protocols from experts and government agencies over the past two years as study and experience taught us how the virus acts and spreads.
While continuity would surely be more convenient, we need to make sure we are updating protocols and acting in line with the best science and guidance.
In COVID updates provided in 2021, we stressed the importance of vaccines. This continues to be the most important and impactful countermeasure to this virus. Organizations should at minimum encourage all physically eligible employees to receive the vaccine
and booster. While the Omicron variant is leading to breakthrough infections of vaccinated/boosted individuals, it is showing robust ability to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Beyond encouraging vaccinations and administering current and potential future mandates impacting your organization, what should be the focus of your COVID protocols and protections? Here are 5 steps to limit aerosol transmission of COVID.
- Increase airflow in your buildings. Do this mechanically when possible. But also use open windows to achieve this goal when seasonally reasonable.
- Improve your HVAC systems to protect workers. Some systems, especially more aged systems, may not be able to accommodate MERV 13 level filtration. But if you can, install filtration at least to this level to provide protection
against COVID aerosol transmission.
- In rooms and areas where HVAC systems cannot provide needed air circulation and cleaning, consider portable air cleaners that provide HEPA level filtration. Look for manufacturer specifications about ability to “remove 99.9%
of particles as small as 0.3 μm. Also pay attention to CADR (clean air deliver rate): this explains how many air changes the air cleaner can provide to the space.
- Up your mask game. We recommend that organizations provide masks to employees that provide clear and stated levels of protection, such as KN95, KF94, and FFP2 masks. When purchasing, we strongly recommend avoiding Amazon and other
marketplace sites where it may be difficult to verify product authenticity. Look to a trusted vendor, or check out ProjectN95. Our list did not include N95 masks; this is due to the requirement that
if you require N95 respirators be worn by employees, you must fit test them. The masks listed here help provide an elevated level of protection while avoiding the administrative headache of including most or all staff in a respiratory protection
program.
- Provide increased space between employees. Shortening durations of interactions, avoiding group meeting when possible, and providing private workstations for employees provides layers of protection.
If you have questions or need guidance or ideas on COVID safety, contact the Retro team.