The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised employers worldwide to start preparing for COVID-19 (Coronavirus), even if it has not arrived in the communities they operate in. The impact of the fast-spreading Coronavirus has already started to dent profits and supply chains, delayed projects, and forced millions to work from home – not just in Asia, but across other continents like Europe (as reported). However, all sections of society, including businesses and employers “must play a role if we are to stop the spread of this disease”, states WHO.
Organisations like non-profit Community Business, along with WHO, have already provided companies and individuals access to free resources to deal with the spread of Coronavirus, (as reported) in the last few weeks. Yesterday, WHO published additional resources for employers to help get them ready for COVID-19.
CONTINGENCY PLAN
WHO’s guide explains why organisations need to develop a contingency plan should the outbreak affect their workplace in the near future. It outlines how employers can develop a business continuity plan, and provides simple precautions they can take immediately to help reduce lost working days due to illness, and slow or even stop the spread of COVID-19. Ultimately, it offers guidance on how to protect both employees and the business.
The guide advises what to do if someone becomes ill with the suspected COVID-19 at work. It also provides advice on how to identify those who maybe at risk, without inviting stigma and discrimination into the workplace.
STAFF COMMUNICATION
Employers should also assess the benefits and risks related to upcoming travel plans by checking the latest situation updates on where the Coronavirus is spreading, says WHO. Its guide provides additional advice on how protect employees if they are travelling for work, and how to support them after their return, to minimise any risk of COVID-19 spreading.
WHO stresses the importance of communicating the business contingency plans to all employees and contractors to ensure they are aware of what they need to do in the event of an outbreak in their area. Emphasise key points, such as “the importance of staying away from work even if staff have only mild symptoms, or have taken simple medications (like paracetamol or ibroprofen), which may mask symptoms”, says WHO.
Finally, employers must remember to address the mental health and social consequences of Coronavirus, and offer any necessary support. WHO advises small and medium-sized businesses without in-house staff health/wellbeing support to seek additional advice from local or national public health authorities.
Click here to access the full detailed WHO guide for employers, and here for regular updates on the Coronavirus.
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