Improving compliance to workplace prevention and control (IPC) measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a non-healthcare setting

Introduction: Information on non-healthcare setting Infection control measures, especially in the Context of the COVID-19 pandemic is scarce. The Ministry of Health Uganda instituted national lockdown to minimize the spread of the SARS CoV2 virus, which has progressively eased since July 2020. The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) established measures to ensure workplace safety for staff, visitors, and service providers. However, monitoring compliance is crucial for the standards to have an impact. Objectives: This survey aimed to monitor and improve staff compliance with the prescribed criteria for workplace safety for over two months. Methods: A baseline survey using a pretested tool was done in August 2020 to check staff compliance to the different IPC mitigation measures at IDI. This survey's feedback informed an enhancement of workplace safety measures, including encouraging working from home, reducing office occupancy to about 30% of the pre-pandemic capacity, and mandatory use of face coverings. The evaluation was followed by a second survey in October 2020 to assess changes in compliance following the enhancement of IPC mitigation measures. The metrics assessed include;Compliance with screening procedures at the entrance (Hand hygiene, face mask possession, Temperature measurement, and Registration). Assessment of proper face-covering use and number of staff carrying personal ABHR was done by directly observing and asking a convenient sample of staff on each of the building complex's six levels, respectively. Results: Over the two months, the overall staff compliance with screening efforts increased from 59 to 89%, with the most considerable improvements seen in mask possession and recording of contact details at the entrance. Correct mask use within the premises improved from 23 to 47% and ownership of personal ABHR from 39%-61%. Conclusion: Strengthened administrative controls lead to measurable improvement in compliance with IPC. Workplace settings should actively monitor for compliance, with constant reminders on best practices for occupational exposure to COVID-19 since changing behaviour takes time.