As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll out and employees begin returning to work, many employers are finding that they still require additional space to adhere to social distancing protocols. Luckily, clear span temporary structures can help provide the perfect office break room space.
A lot has changed since COVID has entered our lives. Not just personally, either. Workplaces of all sorts have had to make adjustments to allow the business to keep going – while also keeping employees safe. This has meant moving desks around, putting up plexiglass protection, adjusting work schedules, and so much more.
Thankfully the CDC has put together some requirements for businesses to better serve their employees and ensure that everyone remains healthy as business pushes forward. But, if employees are going to work, they are going to need a break, too, aren’t they? Businesses have struggled with trying to adjust their permanent space to accommodate the needs of employees without letting go of social distancing. It’s a challenge – especially when it comes to giving workers enough space to relax without congregating together.
Ready for the solution? Clearspan tents. That is right. These temporary fabric structures are the perfect option for your office break room.
OSHA Requirements for Office Break Room Space
Breaks are needed. Sure, they give the employee a chance to step away from work, relax the mind, and have a moment to do what he or she needs to do. Eating lunch is always a major plus, too. As an employer during a worldwide pandemic, you want to provide your staff a place to sit down and eat their lunch, read, play a game, chat, or whatever it is they choose to do on their lunch break.
Utilizing a clearspan tent is the perfect solution for a office break room space as it allows you to meet all the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and keep your employees content at the same time.
So, what are the OSHA requirements for this space? Let’s take a look.
- The office break room space must be free from toxic materials and not in toilet areas.
- Employers need to provide garbage receptacles that are accessible and large enough (to keep from overflowing). They must also be easy to clean – and cleaned regularly.
- Food cannot be stored in any area near toxic chemicals.
- Potable water needs to be accessible for cleaning, washing dishes or utensils, drinking, washing hands, and so forth. This water must come from a tap and not be stored in open barrels.
- No food or drinks may be stored where there is lead exposure. This break area should be separated from any lead exposure entirely.
- Safety hazards, such as exposed wires, loose floorboards, nails, vermin, and unnecessary holes should not be present in the break space.
Though they seem rather standard, the OSHA requirements are something that must be followed. A temporary tent structure can provide you with the necessary space for your employees.
COVID and New Recommendations
The COVID safety recommendations for businesses from the CDC have provided guidance to help things smoothly despite all the stress and chaos of the pandemic. For instance, things such as:
- Asking sick employees to stay home as well as taking temperatures and completing a symptom checklist before entry into the workplace
- Providing a deep environmental cleaning frequently
- Requiring masks to be worn at all times.
Perhaps one of the biggest – and most important – recommendation is always practicing social distancing.
Social distancing is suggested to be 6ft from one another throughout the workspace. For many, this has resulted in having to use all available space to make it possible – sometimes even the office break room. Speaking of the break room, if one is available, these areas are often where many employees tend to gather which makes remaining safely distanced difficult. Not to mention that everyone is touching the same table, microwave, refrigerator, faucet, and such. It is an area that could potentially lead to some problems if caution is not taken.
How do you follow the CDC’s recommendations and still have enough space for a socially distanced office break room for your employees? You already know the answer to that question – with a clearspan temporary structure.
With this extra space, you will have adequate seating for employees to be able to enjoy their lunchtime without feeling crowded or at risk.
For those who are not working within an office, such as those in the construction industry, you may still want to consider adding an office break room for your crew. On a hot (or cold) day, where do most construction workers eat lunch? That’s right – together under a shady tree or huddled together in the truck. Both are easy ways to miss deadlines due to a lack of workers out with COVID. Don’t take that chance.
Benefits of Clearspan Tents
We’ve been talking about how great clearspan tents are for creating the perfect break room that you are probably wondering what makes them so special. Here are a few of their benefits:
1. Cost-effectiveness
Clearspan tents offer a solution without the cost (money and time) of building a permanent structure. You can have the tent erected when you need it and removed when you don’t. No extra costs during this hard time.
2. Customizable solution
These tents can be designed to meet your specific size requirements, so you have all the space you need. Plus, you can add flooring, doors, lighting, restrooms, an HVAC system, and more.
3. Durability
Clearspan tents are more than just a tent. They offer a semi-permanent space that can bring all the conveniences of a permanent space.
4. Fast access
Whether you are looking for a break room for your office building or your construction crew, clearspan tents can be up and ready to go quickly. And, on construction sites, they can easily be moved wherever your work takes you.
5. Versatility
Clearspan tents can be constructed on any surface thanks to their versatility. That means you can use them in sand, grass, pavement, and more. There is no need for guy lines either – so the space around the tent would be open and clear.
This last year has been very stressful and trying for all of us. Working under new conditions and fearing coming into contact with the coronavirus has been a lot to handle. Give your employees some peace and respite with the perfect office break room – a clearspan tent.
