This checklist is being provided as a guide to businesses as they plan for reopening after the shutdown.
Retrieve Guidance
Obtain available guidelines from government bodies (especially OSHA's standards and state- specific plans, CDC, and your state/local governments.) Even as an essential business, everyone should follow the CDC guidelines as well as those specific to their state.
Facilities
- Inventory cleaning supplies and order wipes, hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE) if needed
- Make cleaning/sanitizing supplies available for employees and visitors
- Arrange for a deep cleaning of your office if you have sustained operations throughout the shutdown.
- Establish/examine procedures for daily cleaning in accordance with CDC guidelines
- Consider acquiring items such as no-touch trash cans to reduce touch points
- Identify common areas where cleaning supplies should be available for employees
- Ensure HVAC, water heaters and septic are functioning properly. If service is required, contact your service provider immediately to be top of their list.
Operations
- Ensure you meet all state and local requirements to reopen (e.g. in PA, temperatures must be taken) and review EEOC guidance
- Confirm your state's position on the use of face masks/coverings and when state law applies
- Confirm if masks must be supplied by the employer and if employee masks are acceptable. If you must supply the masks, order them now.
- Decide if the public will be allowed entry & institute a policy regarding interacting with the public
- Post signage and notices regarding new or updated policies for staff and visitors
- Evaluate whether and how to screen and/or monitor employees and the public
- Consider modifying staff schedules to reduce the number of employees present in the workplace
- Evaluate whether telework should continue for certain positions or if any long-term restructuring of positions would be beneficial
Technology
- "Exercise" your office. Find any issues now and plan service with your provider now:
- Test copiers, printers, and scanners - order supplies if toner/ink is dry or machines do not function properly
- Test all computers, server and internet connections, WiFi/Hot Spots
- Did you send monitors/keyboards/mice home? Plan the logistics of their return
- Take inventory of technology that was loaned to staff for home setup. Did you send "Sue's" external monitor home with "Brad"?
- Consider continued use technologies like Zoom in lieu of congregating in meeting rooms
- Ensure you have the proper technology-safe cleaners for things like copier displays and touch screens
- Acquire feedback and evaluate what worked/what didn't during this period of telework in the event of a second wave (or other major event)
HR
- Review/establish and communicate policies regarding employees who arrive at work showing symptoms or become symptomatic while at work
- Establish social distancing policies adhering to CDC guidelines at a minimum and evaluate physical positioning of workstations within the office
- Have a plan for how you will address concerns such as:
- Employee apprehensions about contracting COVID-19 if they return to the office
- Recalling furloughed employees that refuse to return to work
- Employees who cannot return due to school or childcare closings
- Complaints of CDC/DOH/OSHA etc. guidelines not being followed
- Employees who wish to continue the telecommuting arrangement
- Review the legal risks an employer has related to COVID after reopening with regard to both their employees and their customers
- Consider instituting a policy for common areas such as the kitchen (e.g. no more than x number of people in common areas)
Communication
- Communicate your plans and preparedness to employees and third parties. They will appreciate the knowledge and reassurance pertaining to your plans and heightened sanitation efforts
- Place printed signs throughout the office to remind staff and visitors to maintain physical distance, wear masks in common areas, entrances/exits to use, sanitizing procedures, etc.