People who are employed in healthcare, warehousing, and transportation are at high risk of COVID-19 infections. There are ways for professionals to remain safe and virus-free in the most dangerous settings. Here are 4 things that every high-risk worker should know about his or her options.
The Virus Spreads Easily Indoors
There are still uncertainties about how the COVID-19 virus spreads within a room. Some people have contracted it in enclosed rooms with the air conditioner running. They were standing more than six feet away from other people. The virus becomes more threatening in a small room with the doors and windows closed and the air conditioner turned on. Since the coronavirus is known to spread more easily indoors, an indoor worker is encouraged to wear a mask at all times in case the A/C circulates droplets through the air. Another tip is to keep the windows open for as long as possible.
Workers’ Compensation is Provided to Infected Workers
Workers’ compensation covers the living costs of workers who’ve been injured on the job. Many workers’ compensation lawyers have been called to represent employees who contracted the coronavirus because they believed that their workplaces were unsafe. These attorneys fight to provide compensation in the form of medical expenses and lost wages. For millions of employers, this is an attractive alternative to having their employees sue them for negligence.
Review the Local Risks of Infection
During any national crisis, stay updated on the latest news in your city, town, or neighborhood. The rates of infections in your city could be soaring or totally nonexistent, but you won’t know until you follow the news. The first and most important task is to monitor the severity of the pandemic closely.
Keep Others Safe After an Infection
If someone gets infected in a high-risk environment, the entire staff must be warned. It’s necessary to maintain the confidentiality of the person who is infected, according to healthcare laws. Everyone must be aware of his or her risk of exposure and become more active in protecting themselves.
Months into the pandemic, millions of people have returned to work, armed with masks. While many are confident about overcoming their predicaments, they should remain extra cautious because COVID-19 infection rates are still high. You cannot carry on business as usual until there are no new infections. Practice safety techniques at work and stay informed about your worker’s rights.
Author information: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
