Plan ahead to safely restart your business
If your business has cut production, reduced work hours, or temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing your efforts on reopening or ramping up production can present numerous challenges.
As stay-at-home orders begin to lift in many states, it may be time for your business to resume normal operations. There are several key elements to consider as you turn the lights back on and start welcoming back your employees.
Building systems and critical equipment
If your business has been closed for any significant period of time during the outbreak, you need to use caution. Coming back in and powering up building electrical, gas, and water systems—along with critical equipment—without performing thorough inspections and following manufacturer guidelines can result in a catastrophic loss.
Below are two resources to help you restart your operations safely. One focuses on a possible loss scenario and what could have been done differently. We’ve also included a restart facility checklist to help you avoid costly events that could strain your business even further.
Determine your vendor and supply chain impact
If you haven’t kept in touch with critical suppliers and customers during this outbreak, it’s critical you make those connections to determine how the COVID-19 disruption has affected their ability to do business with you.
With the economy and your industry so interconnected, their ability to continue to supply raw materials to your business—or be a receiving customer—might be impaired. Gather as much information upfront as you can so you can make the best business decisions.
Possible plumbing issues
Are you familiar with the term water age? It refers to water that sits in pipes for a long period of time due to reduced demand. This can lead to a risk of higher levels of microbes in the system, causing waterborne diseases such as Legionella.
Consider testing your water quality or flushing your system as part of your business restart. Review this article for more information.
If you have questions, please reach out to your assigned safety consultant or account manager, or contact us if we can be of further assistance.
