As entire industries shutter their shops in the face of the global situation surrounding the SARS-Cov2 virus, the job of the security guards that guard and keep the nation safe grow ever more important. This has led to an unexpected shift, as the security guards in California will attest to, as their industry is steadily growing during this time. This is in light of the increased demand for security during this period, and is a blessing as it is also providing many much needed jobs to the many made unemployed by this global crisis.
However, as security guards see a large number of people every day, and might be required to come in contact with them, as well as be in multiple different places, they both risk themselves, and risk becoming a hotbed for transmission for the disease. Due to this reason, the health and safety of security guards in California has become a top priority, to safeguard this essential resource.
This is especially true in the cases of hospitals, that are seeing drastic increases in their security needs, both due to the increased number of people frequenting the area, as well as the panic and uncertainty that causes people to do things that are less than advisable in the best of times.
The problem with the virus here is twofold. On one hand, the requirements are fluid, and change regularly. As we discover more and more about this deadly virus, we are realizing more and more on how to protect ourselves from it. On the other hand, the Personal Protection Equipment is itself in short supply, and obviously the priority needs are those of the venerable doctors and nurses who are battling on the front lines of this epidemic. Let us see therefore, how security guards are being safeguarded as they go about their jobs, in hospitals.
Safety practices for guards posted in hospitals include
PPE: The first barrier to transmission is obviously wearing protective equipment. All guards posted in hospitals, and elsewhere are advised that it is mandatory to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks at all times. In addition, sanitizer and disinfectant chemicals are provided to all guards at the beginning of their shifts, to ensure that they can clean any surface they are required to interact with
Training: It might be tempting to cash in on the sudden increase in demand and rush out shoddily trained guards, but this is risking their very lives. Instead, guards are trained properly on the use of PPE, and the best practices to keep themselves safe, such as washing their hands regularly, and not touching their face. This training is specially adapted to the normal routine of a day to day job, and advises how to deal with normal tasks like door handles and elevator buttons as well, that may not be obvious at first glance.
Minimum distance protocols, and spread out rosters: Normally, security guards are assigned in teams that work closely together. In light of the regulations and prevailing advise in the current climate, this is changing. Guards now work in looser defined units, and have less contact with each other. This is done to minimize the possibility of a cluster forming within the ranks of the security guards themselves, which could prove disastrous.
The threat we face against this virus is universal, and every human on earth needs to take part in the collective effort to eradicate it if we are to resume our normal lives back to the way things were. Security guards are every bit as important in this endeavor as anyone else, and hopefully this has assured those of you who are worried that they are doing their best to keep themselves, and you safe. For those of you reading this, remember, stay home, stay safe, and be good to those who are helping you in this time.