Preventing the Spread of Infection in the Workplace
Caldwell University recognizes the importance of a clean workplace, including the regular cleaning of objects and areas that are frequently used, such as bathrooms,conference rooms, door handles and railings. The Return to Campus Taskforce (RTC) has been designated to monitor and coordinate the response to an infectious disease outbreak, as well as to create work rules that may be implemented to promote safety through infection control.
A. Personal Hygiene and Face Coverings
Employees are expected to take personal responsibility and to cooperate in taking steps to reduce the transmission of infectious disease in the workplace. The best strategies remain the most obvious—wearing face coverings, frequent hand washing with warm, soapy water for at least twenty seconds; covering your mouth whenever you sneeze or cough, and discarding used tissues in wastebaskets.
The CDC provides more information about coughing and sneezing.
For information about hand washing please visit:
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers will be available throughout the workplace and in common areas. Employees must routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces and tools in their work areas throughout the day. Disinfectant spray and/or wipes will be provided.
Employees are required to wear face masks fully covering the mouth and nose and secured with ties or ear loops indoors unless alone in a private office. Face coverings are also required in public areas outdoors when social distancing is not possible and are encouraged at all times. Faculty and staff are expected to model these behaviors to set a good example for our students. One reusable cloth face mask will be provided to each employee.
View these informational videos on face covering :
The CDC provides information on how to wash a cloth face covering.
B. Physical Barriers and Signage
Physical barriers such as plexiglass shields act as a reminder for people to maintain an appropriate distance from each other. They will also serve as a protective tool in close quarters when social distancing is not possible. Barriers are being installed in priority areas due to the nature of interactions that take place and the higher volume of people in those spaces
Campus signage reminds members of the community about methods to keep themselves and others safe. Signs and floor decals are being placed throughout the campus. Facilities and the RTC have reviewed campus spaces and evaluated the need for plexiglass barriers. If you have not been contacted, and you believe you have a need, please notify your supervisor. Supervisors may submit requests to Ray Williams who will discuss your request with the RTC team.
C. Social Distancing
Employees must comply with social distancing rules in the workplace–i.e. maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet from others to the greatest extent practicable.
In order to limit physical interactions among employees, working hours and breaks may be staggered. If such policies are adopted, you will receive advance notice.
In-person meetings should be limited when possible. Meetings should be conducted virtually or over the phone to eliminate potential contact and exposure. As a general matter, if they must be conducted in person, worksite meetings will be limited to 25% capacity in Stage 2 and 50% in Stage 3 of the room in which they are being held.
Common areas or break rooms may not exceed 25% occupancy in Stage 2 and 50% in Stage 3 with appropriate social distancing.
The University has in some cases reconfigured furniture and seating arrangements to maximize social distancing. Please do not reconfigure any seating or furniture arrangements to risk non- compliance with social distancing protocols.
Employees must avoid using other employees’ phones, desks, offices, or other shared work tools and equipment to the greatest extent practicable. Where shared equipment must be used, employees should first disinfect the equipment with disposable wipes or antimicrobial spray and wipes.
During this time, we ask that if employees are able to do so, they please take the stairs. If employees need to take the elevator, occupancy should be limited. Floor decals will indicate where people should stand in the elevator. Under no circumstances should employees enter an elevator or wait in an elevator lobby without a mask or cloth face covering.
Employees must remember to wash their hands frequently and use antibacterial hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
Finally, employees are strongly encouraged to use new forms of greeting to avoid hand shaking, hugs and other forms of physical contact.
D. Self-Monitoring
Employees are expected to monitor their health for symptoms of COVID-19 daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a free self-check tool employees are encouraged to use. The free tool can be accessed by visiting this website. Employees who experience symptoms or are otherwise advised by the CDC tool to isolate or seek medical attention should not report to work and should contact Michelle Stauss, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at 973-618-3555 or mstauss@caldwell.edu and await instruction from Human Resources based on current local health department guidelines In the event Michelle is unavailable, Jennifer Cannon, Senior HR Generalist can be reached at 973-618-3405 or jcannon@caldwell.edu. Employees should also contact their supervisor to notify them of their absence.
For more information about preventing the spread of germs, watch this brief video from the CDC.
E. Testing
The University may direct that an employee with suspected COVID-19 or exposure to a person with suspected COVID-19 contact a healthcare provider to schedule a COVID-19 test. The cost of testing may be covered by health insurance. For testing resources contact your healthcare provider or visit covid19.nj.gov.