Priorities in occupational prevention have changed. The COVID-19 crisis has overturned the most basic principles of occupational safety. In addition to the existing risks, there is now the threat of a virus whose effects have physical and psychological repercussions on the workforce.

To get an idea of its significance, here are some figures. Social Security in its March 11 Social Security Magazine recognized 3.7 million COVID sick leaves during the last year, of which 1.23 million were due to contagion (33.24%) and 2.53 million due to isolation (67.66%). On average, people who have taken COVID sick leave have been on sick leave for 19.43 days in the case of contagion and 12.61 days in the case of isolation.

In this context, companies have had to intensify health prevention measures. Many have opted for teleworking or a hybrid model, reorganized access, redistributed work spaces and implemented protocols for cleanliness and hygiene, information, control and protection against viruses.

Research and innovation have played a key role in this process. Thanks to their contributions, companies have been able to adapt quickly to the demands of the pandemic.

On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, 360 Protective highlights the solutions that have successfully contributed to the prevention of COVID-19 in the workplace:

1.-THE MASK

The mask is currently the most effective protection element to contain the spread of the virus.

Health authorities recommend the use of masks that filter more than 90 percent, such as surgical or hygienic masks complying with UNE0065, in less crowded spaces. In public transport, poorly ventilated places or places in contact with the virus, the ideal would be to use FFP2.

2.- SMART DISINFECTION SYSTEMS

Hand hygiene is the simplest way to stop the transmission of microorganisms, not only COVID-19. The most widespread solution has been to install an automatic hydroalcoholic gel dispenser.

For the most demanding sectors such as healthcare, these systems include facial recognition and temperature taking. This station analyzes the faces of individuals thanks to its intelligent screen to detect any anomaly.

Gel dispenser with facial recognition. You can order it at: www.360protective.com

3.-APPS FOR REAL TIME CAPACITY CONTROL

Mobile applications to control capacity in real time have been decisive in the early stages of de-escalation. Spaces with a high influx of people such as shopping malls, supermarkets, as well as beaches, fairs or shows have seen in this type of applications much more than a tool to comply with regulations and minimize contagions.

The most advanced Apps incorporate ‘big data’ to know the time of permanence, peak hours or what activity generates more public.

4.- PROTECTION SCREENS IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AREAS

At this point, the advantages of installing a protective screen in customer service areas are indisputable. Screens made of glass or tempered glass create an “invisible” barrier, allowing interaction between the worker and customers, reducing the possibility of contagion of any airborne pathogens.

There are as many styles of screens as there are types of businesses. Even medical screens are used to reinforce safety with patients.

5.- C02 MEASURERS

Evidence of aerosol transmission of coronavirus has brought the importance of ventilation to the forefront. Health authorities recommend that indoor spaces considered “high risk”, such as catering establishments, gymnasiums, schools or recreational halls should have CO2 concentration measurement systems.

These devices record the air quality, on the basis of which corrective measures such as ventilation are applied to reduce the concentration of CO2 and, therefore, the risk of transmission of the virus.

We do not know if these measures have arrived with the pandemic to stay. What we do know is that we are better prepared to face it. Would you add any of them?