Saifinsure – post-Covid-19

SAIFinsure – post-COVID-19

Whilst many businesses are looking to plan their return to work and what should be considered in light of the virus, the funeral profession has been working continually and at an incredible rate whilst under considerable pressure.

There are going to be changes that need to be considered from a variety of angles and we have put together an “Aide Memoire” of things you may wish to consider going forward and we are mindful that all businesses vary greatly from number of locations, structures, size and capacity.

The health and well-being of employees and visitors should be the primary consideration for the business when looking at these :-

• Discuss with your Management team about the best way to work with the staff in implementing the changes you make and communicating these effectively and positively.
• Ensure that the property(ies) have on good hygiene matters

Staff

• Agree on who can return to work and when and consider the following :-
  • Workplace distancing and available space and specifically –
    • Workspace
    • Kitchens/Restrooms and other similar “communal” areas
    • Client Meeting areas
    • Staff Meeting areas
    • Security and Emergency arrangements
  • Vulnerable and “at risk” staff
  • Staff with care/child responsibilities
  • Staggered arrival/departure protocols if feasible
  • Buildings entry and/or exit protocols

Vehicles

We have seen the stringent restrictions placed upon so many including the funeral profession with limitations on visits, usage of limousines, number of mourners and the like. In addition to this, there is the desire to respond to incidents quickly and its worth reassuring your staff about the need to get there safely and not at any cost.

We have been a number of examples where emptier streets has led to an increase in speed. Speed along with fatigue and tailgating are the key factors in most crashes along with simple lack of concentration. Its important that the wellbeing of the drivers and the hours worked are considered.

Secondly, the vehicles themselves are possibly being utilised more than usual and its important to ensure that these are continually maintained in their normal careful manner as best as possible and this should now include cleaning using appropriate materials bearing in mind that its likely that a vehicle will be used by different drivers.

Mental Health

The ongoing crisis has resulted in an increase in pressures and stress for a number of people and the business should consider the anxiety that may be felt by staff during this time.

Encouraging staff members to speak out about their feelings and concerns is always helpful and there is mental health support available for all employees of SAIF-member businesses via SAIFSupport, which is open Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm on 0800 077 8578 or by email at help@saifsupport.co.uk .

Professional Help also offers staff care and counselling services and can be reached on 01524 782910 or www.professionalhelp.org.uk.

Health & Hygiene

Although this seems obvious, its often the most common of things that get forgotten.

• Identify key touch points within the workplace and ensure that the most appropriate sanitation arrangements are in place for that area.
• Washroom cleanliness and signs advising of the need to keep washing hands.
• Cleaning practices to consider the appropriate PPE required and in good stock (PPE is often a psychological boost as well as a physical asset). This should include ensuring that contracted staff also have the necessary PPE.
• Ensure that you have enough stock of said items to keep the premises clean.

Further Outbreaks

Whilst we all wish and hope that this outbreak is isolated and can be contained going forward, it remains prudent to plan for a possible “secondary spike” and indeed future ones too.

We suggest time be given to reflect on what worked well as well as what did not work so well and to ensure that the lessons are learned to ensure they do not get replicated in the future.

This might involve ensuring that key staff had the necessary equipment or that certain staff require additional training in areas so that you have back-up support in areas of the business that require it.

We would also suggest that close affiliation with other local funeral directors be looked at to see what support levels for reciprocal help can be given.

This should all be looked at under the heading of Business Continuity and the key aspect is to ensure that the business is not caught out should such a similar event occur and that people understand their roles and responsibilities should the worst occur.

This in turn gives confidence to staff, customers and supplier alike and should seek to give you peace of mind about the health of your business.