More than one-fourth of U.S. employees across industries said their employer asked them to bring their own personal protective equipment to work, including 20% of those working in the healthcare and social assistance industry, according to a new report from Stericycle, a compliance company that collects and disposes regulated substances, such as medical waste and pharmaceuticals.
Conducted in September, the survey polled 1,000 U.S. employees, 18 years or older, who go into a physical workplace at a company. Of these, 250 worked in the healthcare and social assistance industry, while the rest worked in retail, manufacturing and transportation/warehousing. The survey also polled 450 U.S. business leaders from those industries.
Businesses have suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic, the survey shows, with 22% experiencing a decrease in profitability of more than 20%. The drop in profits did not dampen efforts to ensure safety from Covid-19 however, as more than a quarter (28%) of businesses spent up to $50,000 on coronavirus protocols, including masks, enhanced cleaning and temperature checks.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
But 27% of employees said that they are asked to provide their own PPE when they come into work, including 20% of healthcare and social assistance employees and 33% of retail employees. About half (49%) of the business leaders group said cost prevented them from implementing PPE for all employees. [Click image to enlarge]
A majority of employees (54%) believe used PPE could pose an infection risk in the workplace, and only 37% said their workplace has a designated PPE disposal bin. Around one in four employees said they dispose of their PPE at their desk.
About 38% are worried about contracting the disease at work, and 44% said they are concerned that their coworkers are not following safety protocols. Another 34% of employees said they would leave their job or look for a new job if their employer did not offer specific Covid-19 safety protocols.
A majority of businesses (50%) plan to dedicate 2% to 10% of their 2021 annual budget to Covid-19 safety. Compared with the other three industries, healthcare and social assistance companies were the most likely to dedicate more than 20% of their annual budget for next year to Covid-19 safety. [Click image to enlarge]
Nearly half (48%) of businesses plan to offer a Covid-19 vaccine at their workplace, but 33% of employees do not plan to receive the vaccine. Approximately 24% of employees said they would not feel comfortable working alongside colleagues who did not receive the vaccine.
“Beyond the pandemic, safety will continue to be a priority for employees in every industry. While emphasizing urgent safety protocols throughout the pandemic is crucial, business leaders should also begin to determine what a safety-first future entails for their organization,” the report states.
Photo credit: Ada daSilva, Getty Images, Stericycle