Maintaining physical distance is an important step in limiting the spread of COVID-19. But how does physical distancing work on a farm when new employees need training, coaching and oversight?
Put your cell phones to good use…
- Take photos and short videos of the best practices to provide employees with information while respecting physical distance.
- Using a video app (e.g. Marco Polo, WhatsApp, etc.) allows you to share video messages with your crew – you can customize this app to share updates throughout the day with different crews.
If cell phones are not an option…
- Get your operating procedures manual out and make sure it’s up-do-date
- Use signage and posters – keep instructions simple and brief – supplement with photos if possible
If you have to train in close physical spaces…
- Use face masks and gloves when in group settings
- Keep the groups small in size to limit the number of people gathering together
- Avoid handing pieces of equipment or paper from person-to-person
- Provide each employee with a small notebook and pen so they can keep their own notes
- Keep hand-washing stations clean and well-stocked
We are entering a new period of food handling during pandemics. Many of the changes you make now may be standard practice going forward.
