How the print industry made re-opening of businesses smoother
On July 4th, after months in lockdown, shops began to re-open. Now most industries have returned to work, but what did it take to get them there?
With new rules to follow, businesses needed a lot of help to prepare for their re-opening. Here, we’ll look at how the print industry played a role in ensuring shops could re-open safely.
Aiding in social distancing
One of the main ways the print industry has helped businesses to re-open is aiding them with social distancing. New rules meant that customers needed to stay 2m away from one another. In order to help with this, printing companies created social distancing banners and signs.
2m distance signs have been placed on shop floors so customers can clearly see where to stand in queues, for example. Printing companies have also helped with social distancing by producing visors and sneeze guards.
Sanitisation
The advice presented to businesses for getting ready to re-open, includes ensuring the workspace is adequately sanitised. This includes placing hand sanitisation stations around the premises for both customers and employees.
Work surfaces and equipment need to be disinfected and cleaned regularly throughout the day. It is also recommended that companies promote good respiratory health, such as ensuring face masks and paper tissues are readily available.
Placing signs around the workplace to remind customers and staff about the guidelines has been effective at helping businesses to meet these requirements.
Shared equipment and hotdesking
Businesses which previously allowed employees to hot-desk and share equipment have also needed to make changes. Now, it is no longer safe to share equipment and hotdesking is not recommended. So, the print industry has also printed out signs to remind employees to avoid sharing equipment.
If sharing a desk is unavoidable, signs can also be placed to remind workers to clean the desk regularly. A pickup and drop off area can also prove useful at enabling workers to retain a 2m distance when they need to pass things to others.
Limiting aerosol transmissions
Finally, limiting aerosol transmissions has also been an important change within the workplace. It includes eliminating large gatherings, as well as close contact between employees. If workers need to raise their voice, there is an increased risk of airborne transmission.
Pubs and restaurants have faced some of the biggest challenges with limiting aerosol transmissions. However, the print industry has helped with things such as laminating menus to make them wipeable after use.
These are just some of the ways the print industry has helped to make the re-opening of businesses smoother after the lockdown. While there are still challenges which need to be addressed, having adequate signage around the business helps to remind customers and staff of the new rules.