The table below presents examples of controls to implement in your workplace. The most effective controls are those that rely on engineering solutions, followed by administrative controls, then Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is the least effective control method and the most difficult to implement. Worksites may have to implement multiple complementary controls from these columns to effectively control the hazard.
Use the table below to implement the most appropriate controls for your workplace
Example Controls to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Work Environments
| Engineering |
Administrative |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) |
| Facilities and equipment |
Management and communications |
PPE |
- Assess job hazards for feasibility of engineering controls
- Ensure ventilation and water systems operate properly
- Alter workspaces to maintain social distancing. Examples include:
- Configure partitions as a barrier shield
- Move electronic payment reader away from cashier
- Use verbal announcements, signage, and visual cues to promote social distancing
- Remove/rearrange furniture
- Provide remote shopping alternatives (e.g., delivery, pick-up)
|
- Monitor state and local public health communications about COVID-19
- Encourage sick workers to report symptoms, stay home, and follow CDC guidance
- Develop strategies to:
- Manage worker concerns
- Communicate with workers
- Remind workers of available support services
- Communicate to partners, suppliers, and other contractors on policies and practices
- Encourage social distancing and the use of cloth face coverings (if appropriate) in the workplace
- Use technology to promote social distancing (e.g., telework and virtual meetings)
- Cancel group events
- Close/limit use of shared spaces
- Ask customers who are ill to stay home
- Consider policies that encourage flexible sick leave and alternative work schedules.
- Schedule stocking during off-peak hours
Cleaning and Disinfection
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, (e.g., counters, shelving, displays)
- Provide employees with disposable disinfectant wipes, cleaner, or sprays that are effective against the virus
Training
Provide employees with training on:
- Policies to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- General hygiene
- Symptoms, what to do if sick
- Cleaning and disinfection
- Cloth face covers
- Social distancing
- Use of PPE
- Safe work practices
- Stress management
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- Conduct workplace hazard assessment
- Determine what PPE is needed for workers’ specific job duties based on hazards and other controls present
- Select and provide appropriate PPE to the workers at no c
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