These days, everyone is trying to stay safe and healthy in new ways under new regulations and rules. As we move forward, we’ll be retooling our safety programs to align with Restore Illinois’s Phase 4 by performing new job tasks and incorporating new standards, training and equipment. But amid all the changes, following the CORE 6 strategy is still a great way to meet new safety requirements.

“COVID-19 has prompted us to re-evaluate many areas of our safety program to ensure the health and wellness of our staff and patrons during this unprecedented time,” says Jenny Meyers, Centennial Activity Center Manager, Park Ridge Park District. “From a deeper evaluation of the PPE we use, as well as training staff on new equipment or job roles, to reviewing our current practices and procedures, handling new chemicals or being aware of our environment and the risks associated with it, CORE 6 guides us in the practices we are putting in place to mitigate risk and ultimately make our district safe for everyone.”

Here’s a quick refresher on CORE 6 strategy:

• 3 Points of Contact — Slips, trips and falls are still the most frequent injury for PDRMA members. Employees new to job tasks requiring the use of ladders or different vehicles need to be familiar with 3 Points of Contact. Visit the PDRMA website for training videos or to order posters and decals.
  
• 30-Second Site Safety Walkthrough — Even the most seasoned employees need reminders about walking through and inspecting the work site at the start of the job and after breaks — especially now that they must also comply with COVID-19 protocols for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as wearing face coverings and social distancing. You can order wallet cards off the PDRMA website as well as download training videos for specific job tasks.
  
• Best Practices Lifting — Employees returning to work or doing unfamiliar tasks — more common now during Phase 4 re-openings — need proper training on each task. COVID-19 precautions require new best practices for team lifting that include social distancing, face coverings and finding machine alternatives to lift or move heavy objects.
  
• Equipment — Whether an employee is new to the equipment or the equipment is new to the job (especially cleaning equipment), agencies need to provide training on how to operate that equipment properly and safely to avoid hazards. Be sure the operator’s manual is available for your employees to read and review.
  
• PPE — New sanitizing standards for agencies mean new chemicals, procedures — and precautions. Familiarize employees with specific safety precautions and proper PPE. Train them on how to fit and wear PPE properly along with applicable OSHA regulations they need to follow. Also remember that N95 masks are considered respirators and mandate following specific safety protocols.
  
• Reversal of Posture and Stretching — Everyone is doing more work with fewer coworkers — a key combination for injuries! Help prevent them with pre- and post-task stretching and reversal of posture exercises. Take special care when employees are doing tasks new to them or coming back to work from reduced hours, furloughs or layoffs.

Be sure to visit the COVID-19 Resources page of the website for the most up-to-date guidelines and recommendations for re-opening facilities and programs. If you have questions about how to incorporate COVID-19 and CORE 6 processes at your agency, contact your Risk Management Consultant.