March 2020

As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are responding to requests for checklists from our customers. As a result we have created a collection of resources for free for anyone to download.

USA

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Author: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

• Key Sections
• For Managers
• How to clean and disinfect
• Soft surfaces
• Electronics
• Laundry

Sample Recommendations

• Educate workers performing cleaning, laundry, and trash pick-up to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
• Provide instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms within 14 days after their last possible exposure to the virus.

Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Author: Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Key Sections

• Steps all employers can take to reduce worker’s risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2
• Classifying Worker Exposure to SARS-CoV-2

Sample Recommendations

• Discourage workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible
• Prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals is a critical step in protecting workers, customers, visitors, and others at a worksite.

Canada

Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces (COVID-19)
Author: Government of Canada

Key Sections

• Choose a product that cleans and disinfects
• Create a cleaning procedure

Sample Recommendations:

• Surfaces frequently touched with hands are most likely to be contaminated. These include doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, light switches, cabinet handles, faucet handles, tables, countertops and electronics.
• Use damp cleaning methods such as damp clean cloths, and/or a wet mop. Do not dust or sweep which can distribute virus droplets into the air.

OHS Fact Sheet on Coronavirus

Author: Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety

Key Sections

• What can a workplace do?
• What are the recommendations to prevent transmission of a coronavirus?

Sample Recommendations

• Removing magazines and papers from waiting areas or common rooms (such as tea rooms and kitchens).
• Making sure ventilation systems are working properly.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Update: Since we published this post, we have created a collection of publicly-available checklists. Though the resources below are helpful, they may be enhanced by the use of these checklists. View and download free checklists here.

We are all finding ways to cope with COVID-19 and to protect our businesses and communities. In response to questions we have received,we put together some helpful information describing how FranchiseBlast can assist in your franchisee preparedness efforts.

1) Poll or Self-Assessment for Deep Cleaning Procedures

As part of health and safety procedures, franchisors are creating self-assessments and polls to make sure that locations have the proper set of steps required.

Until May 31st, 2020, we will activate self-assessments and polling at no cost to enable any franchise to setup COVID-19 preparedness assessments.

Sections of the assessment can include:

• Crew member training (all crew members have reviewed proper hand-washing steps.)
• Food contact surfaces (deep cleaning has been completed of food line, walk-in cooler and smallwares.)
• Non-food contact surfaces (deep cleaning has been completed for areas such as the dining room and restrooms.)
• Store hours (in some regions, hours have been affected based on local regulations.)

To help you during this time, you can access a sample poll by following this link.

2) Auditing & Coaching without Travel

As many franchisors are establishing non-essential travel bans, it may no longer be possible for the franchisor to visit the franchisee. Here are some tips to help you mitigate the impact of this crisis.

• Self-assessments: Using self-assessments, beyond what was discussed above, can be a way to audit without having a live auditor there. Using pictures and videos throughout, can ensure that you have a “visual”.
• Phone audits: Setting up a special phone coaching session is something your Franchise Business Consultants (FBCs) can do while at home. It also helps create some connections, and cope with unexpected issues as they arise.

Above all, it is not about fear, it is about creating a viable road map to navigate this situation.

If you have any further questions, we are here to help. Contact us using the form below for more information.

*Note: the sample poll is provided for illustrative purposes and does not constitute advice from FranchiseBlast. Please contact a Health and Safety specialist or epidemiologist to determine what is best for your franchise.