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