Practicing Social Distancing to Prevent Infections
The Problem
Infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, spread easily through close contact, making workplaces and crowded areas high-risk environments. While complete isolation may eliminate this risk, it’s not practical for most people. Physical distancing provides a practical alternative to reduce exposure and protect yourself and those around you. Today, we’ll identify the risks of close contact and discuss how to apply physical distancing effectively both at work and in daily life.
Identify the Hazards
- Airborne Transmission: Infectious particles from sneezing, coughing, or even speaking can travel more than two metres.
- Crowded Areas: Shared spaces like break rooms, workstations, and meeting rooms increase the risk of exposure.
- Asymptomatic Carriers: People without visible symptoms can unknowingly spread infectious diseases, making consistent prevention practices like distancing essential.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Understand Physical Distancing:
- Maintain at least two metres of distance from others whenever possible.
- Avoid physical contact such as handshakes, hugs, or standing close during conversations.
Physical Distancing in Daily Life:
- Avoid crowded places such as shopping centres, public events, or indoor dining.
- Use delivery services or click-and-collect where possible.
- Replace face-to-face contact with phone or video calls where appropriate.
Physical Distancing in the Workplace:
- Reconfigure workstations to be at least two metres apart.
- Install screens or barriers where distancing isn’t possible.
- Stagger break times and shift changes to limit crowding.
- Limit the number of people in lifts, meeting rooms, and enclosed spaces.
Self-Isolation When Symptoms Appear:
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell with symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, or fatigue.
- Isolate yourself from others in your household if possible.
- Seek medical advice and follow Ministry of Health or local health authority guidance before returning to work.
Combine Distancing with Other Measures:
- Wear face masks where distancing is not possible, particularly in indoor spaces.
- Wash or sanitise hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
Last year, a workplace outbreak occurred when an asymptomatic worker attended an in-person meeting in a crowded room without observing physical distancing or wearing a mask. The virus spread to multiple staff, causing significant disruption and putting their health at risk. This could have been avoided with proper distancing and use of face coverings.
Employee Responsibilities
- Maintain a minimum of two metres distance in all shared areas.
- Use digital communication tools instead of in-person meetings.
- Self-isolate and notify your manager if you develop any symptoms.
- Follow all workplace protocols, including mask use where required.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide training and resources to support physical distancing in the workplace.
- Reorganise work areas to enable distancing.
- Support remote working and flexible rosters where appropriate.
- Encourage sick leave without penalty for those needing to isolate.
Discussion & Questions
- "What challenges have you faced when trying to maintain distancing on-site?"
- "Are there any improvements we could make to our current distancing practices?"
Open the floor for suggestions, concerns, and shared experiences.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to maintaining physical distancing throughout the day, both in the workplace and outside of it. From today onward, ensure you are keeping two metres apart and encourage your workmates to do the same to protect everyone’s wellbeing.
Wrap-Up
Thank you for your attention and ongoing commitment to health and safety. Practising physical distancing protects not only you but also your whānau, colleagues, and the wider community. Let’s continue to work together to reduce the risk of infection and maintain a safe work environment.
Standards Overview
WorkSafe New Zealand recommends implementing physical distancing as part of risk management for infectious diseases. Employers should:
- Assess health risks and apply control measures in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
- Reconfigure workspaces and minimise physical contact.
- Support public health advice from the Ministry of Health.
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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