Personal Experiences with COVID-19 Help Reinforce Safety Measures
COVID-19 has resulted in death tolls that once left us anxious and fearful, but now seem to be less of a shock factor. Historically, desensitization to disaster is a common human response and we become less affected and more accustomed to the effects of disaster.
As we listened to the personal experiences of co-workers during a recent Safety Stand Down, we were reminded that this is NOT the time to relax the safety measures established to slow the spread and prevent the contraction of COVID-19.
“There are a lot of non-believers, but take my word for it, it can happen to you,” said Jeremy Bridge, Branch 04.Jeremy had a fever over 103 degrees, was dehydrated, had difficulty breathing and lost 10 pounds beforebeing admitted to the hospital where he stayed for more than a week. His wife, who was with him leading up to the diagnosis, never got sick. She wore a mask 24/7, stayed in a separate room, washed her hands, and did not touch her face.
“This is a nondiscriminatory disease,” said Troy DeLee, Safety Director, who contracted COVID-19 and experienced mild symptoms, while his daughter developed breathing issues leading to hospitalization.
Throughout MetroPower, we have experienced:
- 93 positive, documented cases
- 11 employees currently out of work (data taken on 2.2.2021)
- 13% of employees have tested positive
“All accidents and injuries are avoidable and preventable, including contracting COVID-19,” said Danny Gibson, President and COO of MetroPower, who contracted COVID-19 during the holidays. “Protecting people is our number one priority while creating a true safety culture.”
COVID-19 Best Safety Practices
Prevent:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash your hands often
- Wear mask
- Social Distance
If exposed:
- A positive test requires the employee isolate
- An employee may return to work once their fever is below 100.4 with no fever reducing medication, no symptoms and ten days have passed since the first symptom was experienced.
- If you suspect you have been exposed: <14 hours interaction-self isolate
- >48 hours can return to work but will be monitored and prevented from sharing tools, carpool, etc.
- Required to wear mask and social distance from all other employees
- Clean personal workspace daily
