The Go to Work SMART Podcast

Key insights from an expert on how to resume operations safely during the pandemic. Every business manager currently tasked with implementing a plan to bring the workforce back will benefit from the advice of professor Terri Rebmann of St Louis University. An expert on biosecurity and infection control, Dr Rebmann helped SLU implement a bold, comprehensive plan to bring students back on campus.

In this episode Robert Tercek introduces the Chief Clinical Advisor for the COVID SMART Program, Angela Vassallo, MPH, MS, CIC, FAPIC. This lively discussion covers the origins of epidemiology as the cornerstone of modern public health in the context of the history of disease prevention. Citing examples from her own experience, Angela explains the role that epidemiologists and APIC play in studying and communicating the real science behind the prevention of spreading infectious disease.

In this episode, labor attorney Nancy Inesta provides practical tips and detailed guidance on how to design and implement new workplace guidelines for businesses that seek to bring back workers during the pandemic. The task is more complex because other, longstanding workplace rules and regulations must also be maintained. Inesta emphasizes the importance of documenting these procedures at a time when the government rules and regulations are evolving rapidly, and she provides valuable advice on how best to communicate with employees.

In this episode, attorney Michael Schmidt offers key questions for managers to consider before they commit to re-opening the business and bringing workers back to the workplace? Who is going to be returning, the entire workforce or a subset of workers? What physical modifications to the workplace are necessary? What policies and rules must change? How shall managers prepare to respond to the emotional reactions and concerns expressed by employees? Schmidt emphasizes the importance of workplace training to prepare the workforce for changes and new policies. And he provides valuable insight to the large corporations that operate in multiple jurisdictions that are subject to inconsistent laws and regulations in states, counties and cities.