May 20th is just around the corner. Whether your small business will be reopening then or at a later date, things certainly will be different.
Most people likely will wear masks. Recommendations continue for people to remain six feet apart. Some people may continue working from home.
Does your small business have a plan?
As your local, small business partner, the Keating Agency offers some recommendations that may help you.
Reopening Small Businesses Requires Careful Planning
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced May 20th as the earliest date for reopening some of the state’s small businesses. The state Department of Economic and Community Development posted a series of guidelines. They cover these basic recommendations:
- Limiting a location’s capacity to 50%
- Strict cleaning and disinfecting policies
- Continue allowing employees who can to work from home
- Facemasks to be worn at all times
- Limiting social gatherings to five people
While those basic recommendations sound easy, putting them into practice may be more difficult. Also, businesses need individualized safety plans.
Our friends at Business Insider discuss some pitfalls facing small businesses. These include knowing when to bring back employees, a lack of rules from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the possibility of legal action.
Specific problems Business Insider says entrepreneurs must address are:
Taking employees’ temperatures – While this may be mandated by the state, how this will be done? If you keep this employee data, it needs to be protected. Also, temperatures must be taken correctly.
Social distancing – In addition to moving work stations, address common area use. Consider one-way hallways and single occupancy bathrooms.
Employee masks – Create a company mask use and possible reuse policy. Also, your policy must address the type of face coverings acceptable for your workplace.
Visitors – Create a visitation policy. Must visitors make appointments? How many visitors at one time? What areas will visitors be allowed to enter?
The Keating Agency is with you as we navigate this new normal. We share your questions and frustrations and we’ll do our best to help you.
Please reach out to us with any questions about business insurance, or other areas of concern. We’re in this together and we’re here to help.