The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated annually on April 28th to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. Governments, employers, employees and communities worldwide are facing new challenges to keep themselves and their community members safe. World Day for Safety and Health at Work has become more important than ever as we all focus on combatting COVID-19.
Monitor Your Health Daily
Be alert for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of a viral infection, especially in settings where it may be difficult to keep a distance of 6 feet. Monitor your temperature if you feel sick, but not within 30 minutes of exercising or taking medications that could lower your temperature, such as acetaminophen. Even if you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to stay home and away from others if you suspect you have a viral infection.
Prevention Methods to Stay Healthy
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is important to remember after being in a public place, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
If you are wearing a mask and cough or sneeze, put on a new clean mask as soon as possible and wash your hands. If you are not wearing a mask, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. When you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and always throw used tissues in the trash.
Workplace Safety
If you’ve returned to work, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions. Keep a mask, tissues, and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol on hand when possible. Avoid sharing objects and equipment (phones, desks, offices, writing utensils), as much as you can. If you cannot avoid using someone else’s workstation, clean and disinfect before and after use.
As it gets warmer across the U.S., try avoiding indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air or poorly ventilated when possible. If indoors, open windows and doors to bring in fresh air.
For more resources and ideas on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the CDC’s website.
