If you’re thinking about making the transition back to the office, you may be interested in providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees. Although the vaccination effort is ramping up, personal protective equipment will play an important role in reducing the spread of disease well into the future. Need inspiration on what to offer in the workplace? Here, we share a few PPE supplies that will make the workplace safer:

Why is PPE Still Necessary?

Even though COVID-19 cases are slowing, the CDC still recommends the use of personal protective equipment outside of the home (even if you’re partially or fully vaccinated). PPE is still recommended in public settings because COVID-19 and other diseases are spread more easily indoors, and especially in crowded spaces. If you’re working on transitioning your employees back to an in-person environment, it’s wise to require and provide PPE to ensure that the workplace stays as safe as possible.

PPE to Provide

When you require employees or visitors to use PPE, it’s helpful to keep supplies on hand in case someone forgets to bring items from home. Here’s what you may choose to stock in the office in case extras are needed:

• Face masks. Wearing a face covering over the nose and mouth has been proven to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets, which is how COVID-19 is transmitted. Face masks protect both the wearer and those around them, so it’s best if everyone in the building wears one. Keeping spare face masks on hand will ensure that everyone who enters the premises has the opportunity to be protected.
• Hand sanitizer and wipes. Frequently-touched items often harbor germs by the thousands, so be sure to provide plenty of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes in the office. If possible, order enough hand sanitizer for every work station and store wipes in multiple spaces throughout the building.
• Disinfectant sprays. For public areas, shared surfaces, break rooms and more, sprays that clean and disinfect provide added safety and peace of mind. According to the CDC, it is very important to regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces in order to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases, and we have a wide selection of products listed on the EPA’s list of approved COVID-19 disinfectants.
• Physical distancing signage. Even as more people are vaccinated, physical distancing will still be important. Habits such as gathering in close quarters can be hard to change, so signage encouraging social distancing may be helpful.
• Dividers and sneeze guards. Investing in dividers and sneeze guards is an excellent option. These physical barriers provide a layer of protection that work in conjunction with masks to safeguard against airborne droplets.

Personal protective equipment will remain a vital component of public safety through 2021 and possibly beyond. When you’re ready to take steps to mitigate the spread of contagious diseases in the workplace, our team is here to help. We offer everything you need for your modern office, from numerous types of PPE to technology solutions (and much more). To learn more about how we can help improve the office experience, please contact us for a consultation.