#BTColumn – The frontline experience

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

By Dennis DePeiza

As the world begins to accept the existence of COVID-19, the reality is that as long as it continues to be around, it will forever be a threat to frontline workers. All workers who engage directly with members of the public, may contend that they are at risk, and are as equally as vulnerable as those that are classified as frontline workers.

The COVID 19 pandemic would have seen the emergence of new categories of workers. Based on the type of work they are required to do these employees may consider themselves as vulnerable and susceptible as any other. Right or wrong, they may feel that they are entitled to lay a claim as being frontline workers. Taking a look within the banking sector, there are now employees whose duty it is to sanitize the tellers’ counters, and to do so immediately after service has been provided to the individual customer.

In some business places, the sanitization includes the cleaning of chairs occupied and vacated by a customer. The observation is that the practice of sanitizing the automatic teller machines after the use by an individual customer, is not the norm. If the intention is to safeguard persons from contracting COVID 19 through the touching of surfaces, then where is the consistency in following safety and health protocols that are designed to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus?

The practice of hand sanitizing should always be considered as routine within the work environment and hence, ought to be encouraged. When it comes to the wearing of masks, it is debatable whether this should be applied across all employment sectors. Given the nature of some jobs which frontline workers are required to do, it is important for them to understand the importance of mask wearing and hand sanitizing. The mandatory enforcement of mask-wearing within health care facilities is understandable, but extending the latitude to employers to enforce it at will on their employees and customers in business establishments, may be taken this a step too far.

The risk of contracting COVID-19 may never be eliminated. There ought to be a consciousness of the possible emergence of other illness, which may be contracted through some form of contact. With this in mind, it is for all to understand and appreciate why established protocols and practices ought not be compromised. Employers shouldn’t abuse their power and authority in attempting to enforce the wearing of mask on their employees and customers; given that there is no mandatory requirement under the laws of the land.

In addressing this sensitive matter of mask-wearing, reference is made to a summary drawn from the website of Gov. UK, Department of Health and Social Care.

“Staff are not legally required to wear face coverings in the workplace but may choose to wear one.

“Employers can also choose to ask their staff or customers to wear a face covering, even though they are not legally required. Consider encouraging the use of face coverings by staff in crowded and enclosed spaces where they may come into contact with other people they do not normally meet.

“When deciding whether you will ask workers or customers to wear a face covering, you need to consider the reasonable adjustments needed for staff and customers with disabilities. You also need to consider carefully how this fits with other obligations to workers and customers arising from the law on employment rights, health and safety and equality legislation.

“Some people are not able to wear face coverings, and the reasons for this may not be visible to others. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances. You will also need to consider carefully your obligations arising from equality legislation.”

While there are no guarantees that can be given to employees, customers and patrons about contracting any virus, the actions of the state or employers should not be seen as a reaction to fear and paranoia, but more so, to doing what is sensible in the circumstances in an effort to mitigate prevailing risks.

Dennis DePeiza is a labour & employee relations consultant, Regional Management Services Inc. www.regionalmanagementservices.com