logo
April 2020 Newsletter                                Volume 12, Issue 4
COVID-19 and Our Focus to Provide Safe Workplaces

In order to ensure our trainees, visitors, and employees are as safe as possible at our location during this heightened time of caution, the Safety Council of Texas City (SCTC) has taken the following additional steps beyond our already stringent hygiene practices: 
  • Risk-screening for all entering SCTC facilities
  • All entrants will be required to sanitize their hands upon arrival at a SCTC facility
  • Social distancing through increased space between each training station in labs and classrooms
  • Additional hand sanitizing and readily available handwashing stations with universal tips and sanitary instructions
  • Disinfecting training stations, keyboards, and all materials before and after each use
  • Increased janitorial services
  • Signage throughout our facility with universal precautions
  • Updates and links to relevant webinars will be provided (as available) from SCTC and partners, like HASC/Global Health 
The SCTC team in conjunction with HASC/Global Health are continuously monitoring the CDC updates and will advise if circumstances and recommendations change. 
We encourage each of you to refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines when developing your plans for dealing with this issue: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Below are the CDC's everyday prevention recommendations to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases: 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. 
Additional tips include: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Federal Links and Information regarding COVID-19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emres/2019_ncov.html

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/

U.S. Department of Labor
https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus
Tips to remain 'sane and safe' during social distancing - Safety+Health Magazine

Muncie, IN - Maintaining a routine, helping others and taking time to focus on self-care are among the tips one Ball State University professor is sharing to help people stay "sane and safe" while practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jagdish Khubchandani, a health sciences professor, has 15 recommendations to "counterbalance" the physical and psychological effects of social distancing, which involves reducing close contact with others in an effort to help stop the spread of the disease, per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Khubchandani's tips:
  • Maintain a routine. As much as possible, social distancing should not disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, working hours and daily activities.
  • Make social distancing a positive by taking time to focus on your personal health, training, diet, physical activity levels and health habits, as well as reassessing your work.
  • Cook for yourself and others in need. Add more fruits, vegetables, vitamins and proteins to your diet. (Most U.S. adults don't consume enough fruits and vegetables). Eat two or three meals a day.
  • Go for a walk or exercise at home. "Definitely go out in nature as much as possible. Only half of American adults today get enough exercise."
  • Don't let anxiety or being at home lead to binge eating or alcohol and drug use. Don't oversleep, but try to sleep at least seven hours a day.
Easter Holiday

SCTC will be closed on Friday, April 10th, for the Easter Holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, April 13th.
Safety Council of Texas City
409-948-9009 ext. 404
krobison@csctc.org
http://www.csctc.org