Watch for “risk-accelerators’ during COVID
Environment, Health and Safety magazine has an urgent Call to Action for companies not to neglect other safety protocols due to the pre-occupation with COVID-19, such things as basic maintenance that could lead to avoidable injuries.
While companies scramble to address the health risks of COVID-19 in their workplaces, it is equally important to ensure all safety risks are managed within the context of the COVID-19 reality.
The article warns against what it calls “risk accelerators” that should not be ignored regardless of whether a company or store has remained open during the pandemic:
- Delayed maintenance caused by cost-cutting to adjust attention to employee health and protection from infection
- Overlooking critical safety protocols in the rush to reopen from pandemic shutdowns. It reports that accidents are more likely to occur after a shutdown and urges managers to allow proper time for safely reviews and planning before reopening.
- Review maintenance status and catch up on actions that might have been delayed before reopening