5.12. COVID-19 Lifeguard Workplace Hygiene Procedure

ARE YOU FIT FOR WORK?
Throughout this current situation with COVID-19, it is important we maintain a healthy workforce. As such, we ask you to be particularly mindful of your health and fitness for work. This includes ensuring that you follow the Queensland Government guidelines when not at work to protect your self and your fellow workers. Stay at home if you’re unwell.

ATTENDING A ROSTERED SHIFT
If you have been a close contact of someone who has tested positive, or if you have any symptoms (no matter how mild), please do not attend your shift and refer to the Queensland Health website for further advice on testing and isolating. Please contact your Lifeguard Supervisor and advise them you will not be able to attend your rostered shift.

ON ARRIVAL TO SHIFT
Lifeguards should take the following precautions before starting their shift:

• Spray & wipe down or use disinfectant wipes on frequently touched surfaces (e.g. door handles, light switches, tabletops, radios, phones etc.)
• Ensure airflow is maintained through shared spaces.
  

DURING YOUR SHIFT
Should you feel unwell during your shift please contact your Lifeguard Supervisor and advise relevant personnel immediately and remove yourself.

Remember:

• Pay attention to hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, where soap or water is not available use an alcohol-based hand rub, especially before eating, and avoid touching your face.
• Practice cough etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or using a tissue. Dispose of the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards.
• Avoid close contact with others, such as touching, shaking hands and hugging.
• Follow the COVID-19 Patient Treatment Guidelines when treating patients.
  

ON COMPLETION OF YOUR SHIFT OR ON ROTATION OF WORKSTATION

• When finishing your shift please repeat the above procedure and wipe down all frequently touched surfaces with spray & wipe or disinfectant wipes.
• Make note of cleaning actions completed in the Daily Dairy.
  

RESTOCKING OF SUPPLIES
During this period there is currently high demand on health & hygiene products. To ensure adequate time to supply individual locations with stock, please advise your Lifeguard Supervisor when stock reduces to less than 14-day supply.

SOCIAL DISTANCING IN THE WORKPLACE
To Reduce the spread of germs in the workplace:

• Stay at home if you are unwell
• Masks must be worn at indoor workplaces
• Stop handshaking and other physical greetings
• Hold meetings via video conferencing or phone call
• Hold essential meetings outside in the open air if possible
• Promote good hand and cough/sneeze hygiene
• Take lunch outside rather than in the lunch room
• Clean and disinfect shared frequently touched surfaces regularly
• Consider opening windows and adjusting air conditioning for more fresh air
• Limit food handling and shared food in the workplace
  

SOURCES
Queensland Health
Australian Government, Department of Health
World Health Organisation
Centers for Disease Control and Infection