How to make building safe and resilient for COVID-19?

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic will drive short- and long-term disruption – in our lives and in our organizations – even after the initial outbreak has been contained. Throughout re-entry into this “new normal,” the safety, security and wellness of your people, buildings and spaces will continue to be your focus.

As you prepare to gradually re-enter your spaces, there will be an endless list of questions to answer, but by focusing on these three critical areas, you can create an effective and successful re-entry plan.

• Promote the health and wellness of your employees and visitors
How can you adjust and communicate expectations around new behaviors that will increase safety, security, productivity and wellness?

• Ensure your buildings are safe, resilient, and ready
How can you confirm that buildings and spaces are safe to re-enter and understand what operational changes you can make to adjust and drive adherence to new protocols?

• Create and monitor effective guidelines and adjustments to your space
How can you adjust spaces while balancing health, safety and financial implications?

        <h4>Holistic Approach to re-entering the workspace</h4>     
    <p>Prepare your workspace to be COVID-ready to efficiently resume operations. Occupants need to be prepared as well for efficiently following the protocol in order to control transmission through this disease. Before you re-open your buildings and welcome your employees back to work, you need to be confident that your buildings – and their technical systems – are operating safely and in compliance with government regulations.</p><ol><li><strong>Building technical readiness: </strong>Assess the current state of your plant and equipment, so that you have a clear picture of which systems are fully operational, which are in standby mode, and which are non-operational due to issues that should be addressed prior to re-entry. <strong><br /></strong></li><li><strong>Cleaning and Sanitation procedures: </strong>For sites that have been exposed to COVID-19, complete a full decontamination cleaning, in accordance with approved cleaning guidelines and as instructed by local health authorities.</li><li><strong>Get WELL Health-Safety Rating: </strong>Define and deliver a robust well-being strategy across your portfolio, using the WELL Portfolio framework as your guide. Start by assessing current gaps in your wellness-related building designs and operating practices, then identify and implement new health and wellness initiatives (like seeking WELL Certification) that help your employees adapt to post-pandemic life and reinforce your organization’s commitment to their health and well-being.</li><li><strong>Safety, compliance and risk inspections: </strong><br />- On-site water systems – and resuming any water treatments that have been paused and testing water quality.<br />–Sewage and waste systems – including ensuring that waste pipes and water traps are clean and clear.<br />–Fire, life &amp; safety systems – as tested by a certified third-party provider. </li></ol>