The National Safety Council (NSC) in the US has launched the ‘Safer Framework’ to help create safe workplaces as staff return to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘Safer Framework’ is a comprehensive initiative to guide employers through the process of safely resuming traditional work and operations now and in a post-quarantine environment.
Created by the National Safety Council, in partnership with Fortune 500 companies, leading safety organisations and public health experts, the initiative is the first US national task force to focus on worker safety. The Safer Framework, provides recommendations and guidance for employers of all sizes as they navigate the changed work environment and determine their staff’s most critical needs.
The recommendations in the SAFER: Safe Actions for Employee Returns guide identifies six critical areas that employers must prioritise as they consider reopening and returning employees to traditional work environments, confirms NSC.
SAFER FRAMEWORK
Based on dozens of corporate and public health protocols, recommendations and guidance resources, the framework provides a map for the US Department of Labor and employers to adopt as part of its Opening America’s Workplaces Again national online dialogue. The framework provides recommendations and guidance to all US employers, including small and medium-sized companies.
The six key areas identified in the framework are:
- Physical environments
- Medical issues
- Stress, emotional and mental health
- Employment and human resources
- Communication needs
- External considerations
SOLID STRUCTURE
“This SAFER framework provides a solid structure for the business community to reference to ensure that safety considerations are at the forefront of their response to the pandemic,” said Lorraine M Martin, President and CEO of the NSC. “We welcome the opportunity to share these actionable resources with the Department of Labor to help create a national framework ensuring the safety of every workplace across the country. We can accomplish so much more when we work together.”
Since launching with 48 members on April 23, the SAFER task force has added 18 companies, organisations, associations and municipalities:
- ABSA International
- American Staffing Association
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (NC)
- City of Chesapeake (VA)
- City of Phoenix (AZ)
- City of Sacramento (CA)
- ContourGlobal
- Cosette Pharmaceuticals
- Infectious Diseases Society of America
- International Safety Equipment Association
- ISN
- ISSA – Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association
- Jacobs
- National Association of Realtors
- Pysch Hub
- Recreation Vehicle Industry Association
- Sodexo
- Terex
For up-to-date information about the NSC response to COVID-19 and the task force’s activities click here.
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