The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released a comprehensive list of what it requires of reopening businesses — while some measures may seem drastic, we must keep in mind that if we do not take every precaution necessary, we face the very real risk of regressing back to stricter protocols.
We take a big picture look at what the MOM asks of reopening businesses, and what your HR Department or appointed Safe Management Officers can do to keep your business operational, while keeping your returning employees assured that the company has done what is necessary to keep the workplace safe.
Appoint a Safe Management Officer
MOM has made it mandatory for businesses to appoint a Safe Management Officer (SMO) to implement and coordinate the transition back to work. An SMO will assist in the implementation, coordination and monitoring of Safe Management Measures.
The duties of an SMO include:
1. Coordinate the implementation of Safe Management Measures to identify risks areas, recommend measures to mitigate the risks and help in implementing the relevant measures. Do a company wide blast to employees to communicate the measures taken.
2. Conduct inspections and checks to make sure that safety measures implemented are complied with all the time. There should be a policy to escalate the reporting of all non-compliance.
3. Remedy non-compliance immediately.
4. Keep records of inspections, checks and corrective actions and such records must be made available upon request by a Government Inspector.
Cleaning Protocols
Hire a reputable cleaning service to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in the workplace. It will refresh the environment and give your staff peace of mind, as well as a baseline for future cleanliness. Daily cleaning at least twice a day, with disinfectant should now include all common places and high touch point surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, tables, computers, mouse, telephone, handles, reception waiting areas and items in the pantry etc.. All door knobs, taps (if not touch-free) and lift buttons should be cleaned with a self-disinfecting coating. Each desk could have a disposable paper placemat that is replaced daily. Sanitizers should be readily available at common places like photostating machines, pantry, reception areas.
Remind Employees of Safety Measures via Signages
This ‘new norm’ might take a while to become second nature, so it’s important to put signs up around the workplace to remind people to clean their hands, wear face masks, keep personal distance, avoid face-to-face conversations with colleagues, and avoid handshakes etc. Signages should include images to remind colleagues to greet each other in the form of a thumbs up, palms pressed together in prayer form – like a Thai greeting.
Read more about on how can HR prepare safe offices for employees in Singapore at Rikvin.com.
