Best practices for business operating under new regulations designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic rocked the business world when in March of 2020, many businesses were forced to close suddenly, unexpectedly, and with no information regarding when they might be able to reopen. Many business owners were confident that they’d be able to reopen when it was safe to do so, but they were also worried about how their businesses would function under the new strict regulations put in place to protect business owners, workers, and customers from the COVID-19 virus.  
 
The government continues to release regulations and recommendations aimed at helping businesses protect workers and the public from the spread of COVID-19. There are many things that business owners can do to prevent COVID-19 at work. 

A pandemic plan is a plan that protects against the worst-case scenario

Put a Pandemic Plan in Place

A pandemic plan a plan you hope you’ll never need. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic has proven, pandemics can happen, and they can have a sudden, lasting, and very drastic effect on your business. Your pandemic plan should cover elements that would keep the business going during adverse times. 

Learn More About COVID-19 Action Planning

Prepare your Store

Whether your business is large or small, make it physically safer by ensuring that all staff and clients can physically distance properly. This may include signage instructing patrons where to stand, plexiglass shields installed at counters, or making aisles one-way only. Some stores are limiting the number of clients allowed in at once, to ensure there’s always enough space to physically distance.
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Review your Safety Program

Does your safety program include all of the new processes and procedures need in light of the COVID-19 outbreak? Many safety programs will need to be reviewed, and new policies will have to be written and included that directly address preventing the spread of COVID-19 at work. 

Encourage Sick Time for Sick Employees

​To protect staff and patrons, encourage employees to stay home when they’re unwell. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for employees to attend work under the weather, out of obligation or necessity. However, it’s important now that employers really and truly encourage employees to take sick time when it’s needed without feeling guilty or like they’ll be punished. Likewise, consider posting a policy that asks customers to stay home when they’re unwell, too. 

Wear Masks

When used in conjunction with physical distancing and handwashing, masks are a proven method of decreasing the spread of COVID-19. Provide masks for all employees and ask clients to wear them when they visit as well. 

Masks are a proven method of decreasing the spread of COVID-19

Consult the Professionals

​There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 crisis has changed the way we do business. One of the biggest challenges that business owners are facing is the rapid pace at which new changes, regulations, and recommendations are being placed. Luckily, you don’t need to go it alone. MidSouthWest Training and Consulting is offering COVID-19 services such as FREE online Covid-19 safety training, consulting services aimed at getting your safety program up to speed with the COVID-19 regulations, and distance learning, including Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) training. 

Be Ready for Anything

More than anything, the COVID-19 has forced business owners to be flexible and be prepared for anything. Although many businesses have reopened, it’s not the same as it was pre-COVID-19. Business owners must be ready to operate under new and uncertain times and to change strategies on a dime when new regulations, recommendations, or best practices are announced. The best way to be prepared for these changes is to expect anything, be prepared for anything, and be flexible. The more open to change your organization is, the more resilient it will become. 

MidSouthWest is your Online Training Solution Provider

If your business is forced to shut down or reduce production, providing online training is a great way to keep workers productive. With our extensive catalogue, competitive pricing, and user-friendly training platform, MidSouthWest offers an effective, efficient, and cost-effective online training solution. Courses can be purchased online and accessed anywhere, so training can be done safely from home.
 
We are also offering Post Pandemic Business Recovery consultations.

Book a Post Pandemic Recovery Consultation

Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting

We are in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, including the way we do business. But, we’re all in this together.
 
To learn more about MidSouthWest Training and Consulting’s COVID-19 consulting services, our FREE COVID-19 online training, or our online training options, including COVID-19: An Action Plan for the Workplace, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.

​Last updated October 19, 2020