Rebuild a safe and compliant workspace: Be ready for changing expectations

You may be anxious to get your organization up and running again after the coronavirus pandemic. The first step in doing so successfully is determining how to provide a safe and clean environment.

In the new normal, organizations will be required to not only improve cleaning and hygiene practices but to prove in an audit that they are following these practices in a regular, timely manner.

Download the eBook: Rebuild a safe and compliant workspace

Our blog post series reviews five key areas employers must consider in order to safely open for business and ensure operational continuity. In our previous post, we talked about identifying assets at risk. This week, we’ll look at the fourth consideration: preparing for new rules and requirements.

Consideration #4: Be ready for changing expectations

More oversight will be a given as the world goes back to work. Strengthening internal risk management will ensure your organization is audit-ready.

Pwc notes: ‘In these challenging times, internal audit executives have both an obligation and an opportunity to help their companies manage the most critical risks COVID-19 has either created or magnified.”

KPMG writes that the internal audit team should discuss priorities and actions with the management team daily; increase focus on high-risk areas; and “be the eyes on the ground” while leaders are consumed with keeping the business running, among other recommendations.

Having real-time reports and data on safety and cleaning adherence is imperative. These reports should include:

• Procedures in place
• Implementation timelines and real-time reports of adherence
• Records of staff training and certifications
• Hazardous materials and activities, and how those are being mitigated and avoided

Being ready for change means proactively identifying and addressing areas of risk and going beyond suggested guidelines to a set of procedures that will ensure the continuity of your operations.

If you’d like to learn more about preparing for changing expectations plus other topics related to getting back to work safely, we invite you to download the eBook: “Rebuild a safe and compliant workspace.”