As many workplaces return to a sense of normalcy, using caution and health protocols will be a part of our new normal.

For businesses, employee safety is number one.

COVID-19 has certainly presented challenges to how we work, live, and interact with one another. It presents unique challenges for any employer seeking to provide a healthy working environment.

That’s why TotalWellness has decided to offer temperature screenings for employees.

Below, we share what that looks like and why your company may want to consider it.

Temp Checks for Employees

Why Would a Company Want to Temperature Screen Workers?

Since fever is a key Coronavirus symptom, some businesses are taking temperatures of employees at their worksites to help fight the spread of COVID-19. It’s a precautionary measure to ensure the appropriate employees are sent home if any illness symptoms are present.

How Does the TotalWellness Temperature Process Work? 

As employees start to return to work, TotalWellness can offer temperature screenings and symptoms questionnaires. TotalWellness will provide medical professionals and supplies to perform a simple, two-step process at your workplace.

This process includes:

• Completion of a questionnaire to screen for symptoms that may be consistent with COVID-19
• Performance of a non-invasive temperature check (We use touchless forehead thermometers.)

Following the screening, in accordance with the client’s procedures, employees will be cleared for work or redirected to go home.

Temperatures are ideally taken individually in a private space. TotalWellness can provide privacy screens. Employees should wait in a line that allows them to be spaced at least 6 feet apart.

Another alternative: While employees are in their cars, they may drive up and have their temperatures read. This method promotes both social distancing and confidentiality.

Why Choose TotalWellness to Offer Temperature Screenings?

With our national network of 13,000 healthcare professionals, we are well-equipped to roll out testing across the nation to our clients. Whether your company is currently open, or you’re in the planning stages to re-open, we can provide on-site nurses to screen employees for potential COVID-19 related symptoms, and to help ensure a safe workplace.

What’s the Cost for a Temperature Screening?

Pricing varies depending on your needs. Due to the ongoing nature of COVID-19, we foresee that for most companies our nurses would be there everyday for potentially weeks at a time. Contact our team for pricing info. 

Is it Legal to Require Temperature Readings of Employees?

In the last few weeks, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued updated guidance for employers considering screening and testing protocols for employees. You can find more details in the EEOC’s Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans With Disabilities Act to assist employers in creating strategies to navigate the impact of COVID-19 in the workplace. Last updated on March 19, 2020, it addresses issues regarding COVID-19; new information appears in bold.

Recommended Best Practices for Screenings

Safety is our number one priority for these temperature screenings. With that being said, we also rely on the compliance of our clients to ensure safe screening measures are followed.

We recommend our clients apply the following best practices when implementing employee temperature screenings:

• Communicate clearly in advance - Inform your workforce regarding the temperature checks and related implications (e.g., The potential of being sent home or checking in with a manager).
• Set a temperature screening threshold - Decide on the official temperature reading at which employees will not be permitted to enter the workplace. The CDC considers a person to have a fever when he or she has a measured temperature of at least 100.4 degrees.
• Maintain social distancing - This is an important aspect of the screening process. It’s best to establish multiple temperature check stations at large facilities to minimize crowding or staggered start times.
• Practice good hygiene - Ensure that hand hygiene facilities (e.g., sink or alcohol-based hand rub) are readily available at or adjacent to the temperature station.
• Cover up - Encourage employees to wear face masks.

Following the above practices will ensure your temperature screening process goes smoothly and is less confusing for employees.

Employee Well-Being is Your Company’s Well-Being

Now, more than ever, companies are in a situation to help employees take good care of their health — physical and mental. Our Employee Wellness blog is updated weekly to offer the latest tips and health articles to encourage yourself and your employees to put wellness first.

Check out some of our latest resources:

• 11 Ways to Learn How to De-Stress Without Leaving Your House
• Tips for Working Remotely From Home — With or Without Kids
• 5 Ideas to Help You Reap Major Self-Care Benefits
• 13 Tips on How to Stay Positive During Anxious Times
• The Ultimate Resource Guide for Remote Team Work & Wellness Success

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