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Practicing Social Distancing to Prevent Infections

Biohazards Infectious Disease Prevention

The Problem

Infectious diseases, like COVID-19, spread easily through close contact, making workplaces and crowded areas high-risk environments. While complete isolation eliminates this risk, it’s not practical for most people. Social distancing provides a practical alternative to minimize exposure and protect yourself and those around you. Today, we’ll identify the risks of close contact and discuss how to apply social distancing effectively both at work and in daily life.

Identify the Hazards

  • Airborne Transmission: Infectious particles from sneezing, coughing, or even talking can travel up to six feet or more.

  • Crowded Areas: Places like breakrooms, workstations, or public spaces increase the risk of exposure.
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  • Asymptomatic Carriers: People without symptoms can unknowingly spread infectious diseases, making prevention measures like distancing critical.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

To address these hazards, follow these social distancing practices:

  1. Understand Social Distancing:

    • Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and others.
    • Avoid physical contact such as handshakes, hugs, or close conversations.
  2. Social Distancing in Daily Life:

    • Avoid crowded places like grocery stores, restaurants, and theaters.
    • Opt for delivery services or curbside pickup.
    • Use remote communication tools like video calls or emails for personal and professional interactions.
  3. Social Distancing in the Workplace:

    • Reposition workstations at least six feet apart.
    • Install partitions or barriers in shared spaces.
    • Stagger shifts, start times, and breaks to reduce the number of people in common areas.
    • Limit the number of employees in enclosed spaces, such as elevators or meeting rooms.
  4. Self-Isolation When Symptoms Appear:

    • Stay home if you experience symptoms such as fever, coughing, or fatigue.
    • Use a separate room and avoid shared spaces at home.
    • Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and CDC recommendations before returning to work.
  5. Combine Social Distancing with Other Safety Measures:

    • Wear masks and gloves in situations where distancing is difficult.
    • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

E.g. Last year, a workplace outbreak occurred when an asymptomatic employee attended a meeting in a crowded conference room without proper distancing or masks. The virus spread to several coworkers, causing disruptions and health risks that could have been avoided with proper distancing protocols.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Maintain six feet of distance at all times in shared spaces.
  • Use alternative communication methods, such as video calls, instead of in-person meetings.
  • Self-isolate immediately if symptoms appear and notify your supervisor.
  • Wear masks in high-risk or enclosed areas.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide training and resources to help employees implement social distancing effectively.
  • Reconfigure workspaces to allow for physical distancing.
  • Offer remote work or flexible scheduling options where possible.
  • Ensure that sick leave policies support self-isolation without financial penalty.

Discussion & Questions

  • "What challenges do you face when practicing social distancing at work?"
  • "Are there additional measures we could implement to improve distancing here?"

Open the floor for employees to share suggestions or concerns about their workplace environment.

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Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to maintaining social distancing at all times, both in the workplace and in our personal lives. Starting today, observe six feet of distance and help reinforce this behavior by encouraging others to do the same.

Wrap-Up

Thank you for your attention and commitment to safety. By practicing social distancing, we protect not only ourselves but also our coworkers, families, and communities. Together, we can reduce the risk of infection and maintain a safe working environment.

Standards Overview

  • CDC Guidance: Recommends maintaining at least six feet of physical distance to limit the spread of airborne infectious particles.
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  • OSHA Recommendations: Employers are encouraged to implement social distancing protocols as part of their workplace health and safety plans. This includes reconfiguring workspaces and minimizing close-contact interactions.

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Legal Disclaimer

This toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
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It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards. The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
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Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.

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