Working safely in the office with a corona protocol

The measures with regard to the coronavirus are constantly being changed and adapted to the new situation. However, the rules for a coronaproof workplace will remain in place for the time being. Entrepreneurs, organizations and companies are responsible for applying the measures and for the health of employees while working. They are also responsible for monitoring compliance with measures and advice. Drafting a corona protocol is a good tool for this. But how do you set that up?

Make agreements about working safely
In the protocol, you make agreements so that you can work safely at your office workplace. Protocols are necessary to translate the general rules of the RIVM into the reality of public space, the workplace, the sports field or the school.Dat requires customization: how do you keep a distance of 1.5 meters in an office garden? How do you prevent employees from having to sit together for lunch? How do you prevent people from standing close to each other in rows?

Three themes: distance, hygiene and protection
The protocol must include at least three themes: distance, hygiene and protection. Behavioral influence (employees, visitors, suppliers) and internal enforcement are also important here. We also need to prevent extra pressure on public space and public transport as much as possible and make as few travel movements as possible.

Examples of measures to ensure that people can keep a distance of one and a half meters from each other and to control the flow of visitors:

• Place tables and chairs in a room/hall so that everyone can strictly keep a distance of one and a half meters apart.
• Alert everyone to keep their distance from each other. Repeat this message in several places.
• Create fixed walking routes and indicate this clearly. Arrange walking routes so that people can pass each other in different walking directions at a distance of one and a half meters. Or make it a one-way street.
• Have visitors wait outside (with a distance of one and a half meters) if it is not possible to keep a distance of one and a half meters when waiting inside. Do not allow visitors to enter until the reserved time (if applicable).
• Allow visitors to arrive/depart in small groups and go in/out to keep a distance of one and a half meters apart.
• Make sure there is sufficient distance between the seats in a waiting room or arrival area, etc.
• Limit the number of people in a room as much as possible. Always ensure the one and a half meter distance in a room and the maximum number of people allowed to be in a room according to the applicable measures.
• Limit the number of people in the sanitary areas (laundry, toilet and/or shower rooms). Make visitors wait with a meter and a half away.
• Monitor the number of people and the distance between them when using the lift. For example, with tight elevators: let people take the elevator up and let people walk down as much as possible.
• Ensure a smooth flow and prevent congestion by opening doors, for example.
• Spread visitors through longer opening hours (of course appropriate within the allowed opening hours).
• Train and guide employees on the measures and advice and to ensure that they keep a distance of one and a half meters from each other.
• Keep checkout/counter contact as limited as possible. This can be done by having reservations online or by phone as much as possible and paying online or contactlessly.
• Attach a physical (plastic) barrier. For example, at the counter/information point/checkout or reception, when the distance of one and a half meters is not feasible.
• An occupational hygienist can advise on how to organize the space safely, as a workplace or for the public. He can conduct research on location and advise on specific measures. For example, about the use of screens.

Practical tips for drawing up a corona protocol:

• Keep it short and simple. A (double-sided) A4 sheet is usually sufficient.
• Opt for concrete and practical solutions that suit your situation.
• Present the solutions in a clear way. So that everyone in the organization understands and can apply it immediately.
• State the date and keep the document “alive”. Because in the coming period, you will still have to change it regularly by relaxing or tightening the rules of life.
• Appoint a “corona manager”. This monitors compliance with the protocol. He also deals with reports from employees about unsafe situations.

Do you want to get started with a corona protocol? Check your branch organization first!
Sectors have the best view of their own practice. Many industry organizations have translated the RIVM guidelines into the daily practice of their sector in concrete protocols.

More information about corona protocols can be found on the following websites:

Working Conditions Online

National government

Rivm

My corona protocol

Want to know more? Then take contact with us.

Read what measures required in the office in the 1.5 meter economy.

Also read how to get a a nice place to work at home you can create!

Read here are our measures in response to the Coronavirus

Find out how to work safely in the office with a corona protocol.

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