COVID-19 Preparedness AND Response Plan
SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders COVID-19 Preparedness AND Response Plan
takes the health and safety of our employees seriously. We are all living through the spread of COVID-19 and the need for certain employees to continue in-person work. Others either are of will soon be welcomed back into work, either because they are critical infrastructure workers, because they are needed to conduct minimum basic operations for our business or because our business is once again allowed to open. We want you to know that we are committed to reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and we are ready to provide
a healthy and safe workplace for our employees, customers, and guests.
Our plan is based on information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) at the time of its development. Because the COVID-19 situation is frequently changing, the need for modifications may occur based on further guidance provided by the CDC, OSHA, and other public officials at the state or local levels. SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders is focused on four lines of defense:
Note: SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders may amend this Plan based on changing requirements and the need of our business.
The spread of COVID-19 in the workplace can come from several sources:
• Co-workers
• Customers
• Guests - visitors/vendors/family members
• The General Public
Our employees fall into one or more of the following categories as defined by OSHA:
• Lower exposure risk (the work performed does not require direct contact with people known or suspected to be infected with COVID-19 or frequent close contact with the public).
• Medium exposure risk (the work performed requires frequent and/or close contact with people who may be infected with COVID-19, but who are not known COVID-19 patients, or contact with the general public in areas where there is ongoing community transmission).
COVID-19 WORKPLACE COORDINATORS (TASK FORCE)
SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders has designated the following staff as its COVID-19 Workplace Coordinators: (Tarsha Weary, CEO, tarsha@k-12coders.com 202-48900557)
The Coordinators responsibilities include:
• staying up to date on federal, state and local guidance
• incorporating those recommendations into our workplace
• training our workforce on control practices, proper use of personal protective equipment, the steps employees must take to notify our business of any COVID-19 symptoms or suspected cases of COVID-19.
• reviewing HR policies and practices to ensure they are consistent with this Plan and existing local, state and federal requirements
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SW DESIGN SCHOOL D/B/A K-12 CODERS SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS
All SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders managers/supervisors must be familiar with this Plan and be ready to answer questions from employees. Additionally, SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders expects that all managers/supervisors will set a good example by following this Plan. This includes practicing good personal hygiene and job site safety practices to prevent the spread of the virus. Managers and supervisors must encourage this same behavior from all employees.
SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders will require and keep a record of all self-screening protocols for all employees or contractors entering the worksite, including, at a minimum, a questionnaire covering symptoms and suspected or confirmed cases of COVID -19.
SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders will:
• Keep everyone on the worksite premises at least six feet from one another to the maximum extent possible, including through the use of ground markings, signs, and physical barriers, as appropriate to the worksite.
• Provide non-medical grade face coverings to their employees, with supplies of N95 masks and surgical masks reserved, for now, for health care professionals, first responders (e.g., police officers, firefighters, paramedics), and other critical workers.
• Require face coverings to be worn when employees cannot consistently maintain six feet of separation from other individuals in the workplace, and consider face shields when employees cannot consistently maintain three feet of separation from other individuals in the workplace.
• Increase facility cleaning and disinfection to limit exposure to COVID-19, especially on high-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles), paying special attention to parts, products, and shared equipment (e.g., tools, machinery, vehicles).
• Adopt protocols to clean and disinfect the facility in the event of a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace.
• Make cleaning supplies available to employees upon entry and at the worksite and provide time for employees to wash hands frequently or to use hand sanitizer.
• When an employee is identified with a confirmed case of COVID-19, within 24 hours, notify both:
1. The local public health department, and
2. Any co-workers, contractors, or suppliers who may have come into contact with the person with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
• Increase facility cleaning and disinfection to limit exposure to COVID-19, especially on high-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles), paying special attention to parts, products, and shared equipment (e.g., tools, machinery, vehicles).
• Adopt protocols to clean and disinfect the facility in the event of a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace.
• Conduct a daily entry self-screening protocol for all employees or contractors entering the workplace, including, at a minimum, a questionnaire covering symptoms and suspected or confirmed exposure to people with possible COVID-19.
• Train employees on how to report unsafe work conditions.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEES
We are asking each of our employees to help with our prevention efforts while at work. SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders understands that in order to minimize the impact of COVID-19 at our facility, everyone needs to play his or her part. We have instituted several best practices to minimize exposure to COVID-19 and prevent its spread in the workplace. This includes specific cleaning efforts and social distancing. While here at work, all employees must follow these best practices for them to be effective. Beyond these best practices, we require employees to report to their managers or supervisors immediately if they are experiencing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, as described below. If employees have specific questions about this Plan or COVID-19, they should ask their manager, supervisor, or contact Tarsha Weary.
COVID-19 Policy Regarding OUR Employees
Restrict employees from the workplace if they display symptoms of COVID-19
• For employees who are completing in-person work, health assessments (temperature checks) and/or questionnaires prior to entry into the facility.
• Any employee with COVID-19 symptoms will be immediately separated from other individuals and sent home.
• The ability to work remotely will be encouraged where possible.
• Guidance from the employee’s health care provider on their return to work date will be required.
Actively encourage sick employees to stay home:
• Include a statement regarding your PTO program, Families First Coronavirus Response Act Policies and Posters should be posted in common places as well as on the employee shared IT drives (if employees have questions regarding use of emergency paid sick time, employees should contact Tarsha Weary.
• SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders will follow state and federal guidelines for return to work guidance.
• Guidance from the employee’s health care provider will also be considered
If an employee has a confirmed case of COVID-19, SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders ensures the following:
• We will communication with co-workers
• We will work with our local health department to provide them with the name of any identified employees that may have been exposed
• We will report cases to OSHA via their reporting/recordkeeping requirements
• SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders will follow CDC and State guideline protocols for return to work, including workplace contact tracing and CDC-recommended cleaning and disinfecting in all affected areas
• Guidance from the employee’s health care provider will also be considered
• We will perform increased environmental cleaning and disinfection
• Employees should sanitize their work areas upon arrival, throughout the workday, and immediately before leaving for the day
• We will all routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, and doorknobs.
• SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders provides disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, copiers, desks, other work tools and equipment) can be wiped down by employees before each use.
• Eliminate/restrict work-related travel if possible and limit employees’ exposure to employee who traveled until we can confirm traveling employee does not have COVID-19 symptoms
• Employees at a higher risk for serious illness due to COVID-19 will be encouraged to work remotely. If working remotely is not possible, additional precautions will be put in place to ensure their safety, including working in separate workspaces.
• Monitor and respond to absenteeism
Minimizing exposure from those outside of our workforce including customers, and temporary or contract labor
SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders business practices are evaluated to ensure safety and health of all individuals. This is done on a phased approach. Beginning with appointment only onsite meetings, virtual meetings and finally transitioning to onsite meetings with appropriate precautions when that time comes.
Social distancing practices to be observed:
• Sneeze guards at each table
• Mask will be worn at all times until further notice
• Limit the number of customers allowed into workplace
• Minimize face to face contact
• Information is posted throughout the worksite educating individuals on ways to reduce the spread of
COVID-19
• Any individual entering one of SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders facilities may have their temperature checked and/or a questionnaire completed prior to entry.
• Individual symptoms will be observed and individuals displaying symptoms of COVID -19 will be removed from the workplace.
• Physical barriers between SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders employees and customers will be considered in high volume areas (i.e. shielding at the front desk areas).
• SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders will provide masks to customers as well as appropriate disinfectants so that individuals can clean work areas before and after use.
• Companies that provide contract or temporary employees have been contacted about the importance of sick employees staying home and we encourage them to follow our practices and standards to work with their employees to maintain the health & safety of others.
Minimizing exposure from the visitors/vendors:
• All business partners that work within SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders have been provided this Plan
• When possible, SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders will limit the number of visitors to the facility.
• Any individual entering one of the SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders facilities may have their temperature checked and/or a questionnaire completed prior to entry.
• Possible statement about protection: Masks may be available to visitors/vendors as well as appropriate disinfectants so individuals can clean work areas before and after use.
Minimizing exposure from the general public:
• Possible statement for working with the public - Business practices are evaluated to ensure safety and health of all individuals. This is done on a phased approach. Beginning with appointment only onsite meetings, virtual meetings and finally transitioning to onsite meetings with appropriate precautions.
• Social distancing practices to be observed:
o Limit number of individuals allowed into the workplace
o Minimize face to face contact with a face mask
o Computer workstations positioned at least 3 feet apart
• Information is posted SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders’s facility educating individuals on ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19
• Any individual entering SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders may have their temperature checked and/or a questionnaire completed prior to entry.
• Individual symptoms may be assessed of COVID-19 and individuals with symptoms will be removed from the workplace.
• Masks may be available to the general public as well as appropriate disinfectants so individuals can clean work areas before and after use
This Plan is based on information and guidance from the CDC and OSHA at the time of its development. The safety of our employees and visitors remain the top priority at SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders. We recognize that all individuals are responsible for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure to our workforce and visitors. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve and spread, SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders is monitoring the situation closely and will update our guidance based on the most current recommendations from the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), OSHA and any other public entities.
OSHA and the CDC Prevention Guidelines Policy
OSHA and the CDC have provided the following preventive guidance for all workers, regardless of exposure risk:
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Follow appropriate respiratory etiquette, which includes coverage for coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Maintain appropriate social distance of six feet to the greatest extent possible.
Additionally, employees must familiarize themselves with the symptoms and exposure risks of COVID-19. The primary symptoms of COVID-19 include the following:
• Dry cough;
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of these symptoms:
• Fever (either feeling feverish or a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher);
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
Individuals with COVID-19 may also have early symptoms such as, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and runny nose.
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as an atypical cough or shortness of breath, do not report to work. You must also notify your supervisor immediately, and consult their healthcare provider. Similarly, if employees come into close contact with someone showing these symptoms, they must notify their supervisor immediately and consult their healthcare provider. We have the responsibility to work to identify and notify all employees who have close contact with individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. “Close contact” is not brief or incidental contact with a person with COVID-19 symptoms.
The CDC defines “close contact” as either:
• Being within roughly six feet of a COVID-19 infected person or a person with any symptom(s) for a “prolonged period of time;” ( the CDC estimates range from 10 to 30 minutes, or,
• Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 infected person or a person with any COVID-19 symptom(s) (i.e., being coughed on).
Health and Safety Preventative Measures Policy
HEALTH AND SAFETY PREVENTATIVE MEASURES FOR SW DESIGN SCHOOL D/B/A K-12 CODERS
SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders has put a number of best practices and measures in place to ensure the health and safety of identified groups of individuals. With each group of individuals, our Plan is focused on three lines of defense – limiting the number of people together at a time, sanitizing all areas, and requiring appropriate personal protection equipment.
Minimizing exposure from co-workers.
SW Design School d/b/a K-12 Coders takes the following steps to minimize exposure from co-workers to COVID-19 by educating employees on protective behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19 and provide employees with the necessary tools for these protective behaviors, including
General Education:
• Posting CDC information, including recommendations on risk factors
• Providing tissues and no-touch trash bins to minimize exposure to infectious secretions
• Informing employees of the importance of good hand hygiene. Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways for employees to minimize exposure to COVID-19. If soap and water are not readily available, employees should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. If hands are visibly dirty, soap and water should be chosen over hand sanitizer.
• Encourage good hand hygiene by ensuring that adequate supplies of soap and hand sanitizer are maintained and placing hand sanitizers in multiple locations.
• Discourage handshaking and encourage the use of other non-contact methods of greeting
• When possible, avoid the use of other employees’ phones, desks, offices, other work tools and equipment, and other commonly touched surfaces.
• If the above cannot be avoided, clean and disinfect them before and after use
Parent/Guardian's Acknowledgment of Risk
Coronavirus, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Federal and state authorities recommend social distancing as a means to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. Participating in K-12 Coder programs or accessing K-12 Coder facilities could lead to the risk of contracting COVID-19. K-12 Coders in no way warrants that COVID-19 will not occur through participation in K-12 Coders programs or accessing K-12 Coders facilities.
By enrolling into ANY of the program activities (Summer Camps, After-care, Weekend Coding Clubs) you are agreeing that you have read the Acknowledgment of Risk and you agree NOT to hold SW Design School, LLC (L3), K-12 Coders, or Interns4Hire.com its partners, staff, leaders, or affiliates responsible IF your child test positive for COVID-19. Nor will you hold SW Design School, LLC (L3), K-12 Coders, or Interns4Hire.com its partners, staff, leaders, or affiliates responsible if the virus is spread to family members that come in contact with a participant that attended the K-12 Coders programs at any of our facilities, local school facilities, or temporary locations.
Parent/Guardian's Acknowledgment of Risk
Coronavirus, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Federal and state authorities recommend social distancing as a means to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. Participating in K-12 Coder programs or accessing K-12 Coder facilities could lead to the risk of contracting COVID-19. K-12 Coders in no way warrants that COVID-19 will not occur through participation in K-12 Coders programs or accessing K-12 Coders facilities.
By enrolling into ANY of the program activities (Summer Camps, After-care, Weekend Coding Clubs) you are agreeing that you have read the Acknowledgment of Risk and you agree NOT to hold SW Design School, LLC (L3), K-12 Coders, or Interns4Hire.com its partners, staff, leaders, or affiliates responsible IF your child test positive for COVID-19. Nor will you hold SW Design School, LLC (L3), K-12 Coders, or Interns4Hire.com its partners, staff, leaders, or affiliates responsible if the virus is spread to family members that come in contact with a participant that attended the K-12 Coders programs at any of our facilities, local school facilities, or temporary locations.
Social Distancing Policy
• Restrict the number of workers present on-site to no more than necessary
• Encourage and require social distancing to the greatest extent possible while in the workplace
• Encourage employees to minimize ridesharing. If this cannot be avoided, while in vehicles, employees must ensure adequate ventilation
• Consider the use of masks and gloves
• Do not share food utensils and food with other employees
• In areas where employees work within 6 feet of each other, computer stations should be moved or repositioned to increase the distance
• Deliver items through curbside pick-up or delivery
Refund Policies
K-12 Coders has a No Refund Policy. However, if we are faced with a Pandemic outbreak, we will issue a FULL refund.