The COVID-19 virus has completely changed the landscape of how businesses are operating. Now with the vaccine distribution becoming more widespread, many companies are looking to slowly transition from remote back to the workplace. At the same time, many essential businesses have been operating in-person since the outbreak began. Businesses can help contribute to the fight against COVID-19 by screening and testing their employees regularly for the virus. Employee screening and testing can be the key to risk mitigation within the workplace.
>> Bringing Comprehensive COVID-19 CARE & Consulting to Your Business
Why Do Businesses Need to Screen for COVID-19
Health screenings are the first step in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus within the workplace. Companies can help keep their staff (and their families) healthy by taking preventative steps to keep the spread of the virus within the building to a minimum. This includes temperature checks, swab testing to confirm the virus is present in the body, requiring employees to answer a health questionnaire, and providing hand sanitizer throughout the facility.
Is a Business Required to Screen?
There is not currently a mandate for businesses to screen their employees, however, it is a good practice in order to keep all those in the workplace safe and limit exposures. Companies are responsible for their employee’s safety and should take measures to make sure they are not put at risk to the virus unnecessarily.
The CDC recommends that employers implement a plan that is specific to their workplace, identify all areas and job tasks with potential exposure, and have measures in place to reduce exposures. Since an employee who has COVID-19 will present a threat to the health of others, an employer can test employees before they can enter the workplace. However, testing should not be the only method of mitigating the spread of the virus within a physical location. Businesses should take a proactive approach to this health issue.
>> Bringing Comprehensive COVID-19 CARE & Consulting to Your Business
Best Ways to Reduce the Spread
There are several ways to monitor possible exposures within the workplace and reduce the spread among coworkers.
- Temperature Checks: Fever and chills are two common symptoms of the coronavirus. Taking employees’ temperatures before they enter the facility can help prevent the virus from entering the building. A fever means that the employee should stay home and get tested.
- Cleanliness: Keeping the facility clean is another defense against the coronavirus. Providing employees with hand sanitizer or PPE, as well as reminding them to regularly wash their hands are great ways to reduce exposure within a facility. Regular cleaning of highly-trafficked areas is also helpful.
- Health Questionnaire: Employers can learn more about their employees’ health status with the use of a health questionnaire. The questionnaire should be digital to make it easier for the employee to fill out and for the employer to track responses. Employees that do not feel well should be encouraged to stay home.
- Swab or Saliva Testing: COVID-19 CARE can be done at private or commercial labs and facilities. The use of swab or saliva tests are particularly useful in a situation where a staff member has been potentially exposed.
- Health Apps: Larger facilities might consider the use of a health app to track employee symptoms, notify the correct agencies, and contact tracing. This can streamline all of the COVID-19 related data to one place.
- Educate Employees: Employees should be encouraged to follow any company procedures if they (or someone in their household) should become sick, and how to prevent themselves from getting sick. This pertains to activities both at work and at home. Encourage employees to wear PPE at work as needed, as well as practicing social distancing.
A company should also have a plan in place if an employee becomes ill while at work in terms of isolation and cleaning so that the virus remains as contained as possible.
>> Bringing Comprehensive COVID-19 CARE & Consulting to Your Business
Benefits of Employee Screening and Testing
Employee screening and testing can result in improved overall health within the workplace. Regular screening can result in the following benefits:
- Ensure a safe working environment for all employees, as well as any customers or visitors to the location.
- Identify employees that are both asymptomatic and symptomatic to prevent the spread within the workplace.
- Identify potential places of contamination.
- Inform if action is needed if an employee is infected.
If an employee is exposed, being able to react quickly can prevent the spread within the business.
Maintaining a healthy work environment will give employees the confidence in Regular health screening and testing can help prevent an outbreak within a workplace.
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