The first COVID-19 case in the United States can be traced back to Jan. 20, 2020. Exactly 10 months later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 11,650,817 positive cases and 251,715 total deaths with the numbers rising each day.

The energy industry, including electricians, are considered essential workers, and as such, they must work on the front lines of the pandemic to serve customers. After months of mask wearing, social distancing and increased hygiene measures, however, fatigue and burnout can start to set in.

As Americans continue to navigate the pandemic and wait for the widespread deployment of a vaccine, here are ways you can keep your field and office employees safe and help stop the spread of the virus, according to the CDC.

1. Do a phone screening. Before sending an electrician or technician to a customer’s home, a Kansas City service company first asks the homeowner if he or she has traveled to any COVID-19 hot spots, has any symptoms or had close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. 
2. Wash hands. Due to the nature of their jobs, electricians may be working on active construction sites or visiting customers’ homes to provide services. Whenever possible, they should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. If that is not an option, electricians should use hand sanitizer, especially after leaving a public place.
3. Avoid close contact and practice social distancing. The CDC continues to recommend a distance of 6 ft (or about two arms’ length) between individuals not living in the same household.
4. Wear a mask. People can spread the virus even if they are not showing symptoms. By wearing a mask, electricians can help to protect others, especially in a public setting.
5. Disinfect surfaces daily. If your office staff is working in a shared environment, focus on sanitation. Most common EPA
6. Monitor health. Before your employees go into the office or get in their work vehicles, encourage them to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fatigue, fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
7. Follow CDC guidance. If one of your employees does get sick, the CDC makes these recommendations.  

By continuing to stay vigilant and focus on social distancing, mask wearing, and sanitation, electrical contractors can do their part to stop the spread of the virus. To learn more, visit the CDC website. 

Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].