The coronavirus has led to significant business disruption and for many, it has critically impacted their bottom line. While many essential businesses have been able to remain open, a large number of businesses have had to shut down or alter the nature of their operations. If your business has had to close or change procedures, you are looking forward to a return to normalcy. But before normalcy can even begin, you will have to reopen your doors, a process that could be more complicated and involved depending on your industry. We at Capital Insurance Group have prepared a guide for you to follow during this process.
A Guide to Reopening Your Business
To protect your customers and employees alike, your business must follow these guidelines before reopening back up to the public in the wake of COVID-19.
Determining When to Reopen
The primary question you are most likely asking yourself is how will I know that it is acceptable to reopen? The best way to be informed on these sorts of business regulations is to review guidance from state and local governments. COVID-19 has affected states and regions differently, therefore, if a business in your industry is allowed to reopen in one region that doesn’t necessarily mean that your business is allowed to reopen as well.
You should also be aware of the risk of exposure for your business. Some businesses may have a greater risk of COVID-19 exposures than others. Be sure to perform a thorough risk assessment before reopening. Review the guidance from OSHA, state, and local agencies, as well as your local health department.
Conducting a Risk Assessment
As mentioned in the previous point, you must conduct a risk assessment before reopening. The complexity of a risk assessment varies depending on your type of business, but it should include you identifying hazards related to infection, determining who may be harmed from such hazards, and assessing potential consequences of the identified risks.
Your business must also consider ways to control risks. Control measures should include cleaning protocols, work from home orders, and even mandated personal protective equipment. Be sure to monitor your solution for effectiveness.
Maintaining Workplace Safety Using OSHA and CDC Guidance
After you have conducted your risk assessment, you must remember to also follow the guidelines and recommendations set out by OSHA and the CDC. Some of their suggestions include installing high-efficiency air filters, increasing ventilation rates in the work environment, and installing sneeze guards.
Other less intensive recommendations are to encourage social distancing and to separate sick employees by having them work from home if possible. Furthermore, have employees practice good hygiene and perform routine environmental cleaning and disinfection.
In addition to this guide, you should seek the expertise of legal and insurance professionals. Capital Insurance Group wants to help your business through these uncertain times. Feel free to contact us today and speak with one of our experts at 248-333-2500.