Why Separation Panels are a 'Must Have'

From staggered work schedules to daily temperature checks, as workplaces begin to reopen, employers are looking for the best ways to bring back their workforce safely. Research has shown that COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks. So while many measures can be taken, perhaps the most important thing an employer can do is install separation panels and desk dividers throughout the office.

Why do I need panels if I can socially distance in my office?

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends maintaining a minimum of 6 feet between people as an effective measure to prevent the spread, they also suggest that businesses and employers “modify the workspace” or implement “physical barriers such as partitions” to maintain social distancing.

Putting the CDC’s recommendation to the test, Humanscale recently commissioned a 3rd party water vapor simulation study to scientifically prove the benefits of panels in the workplace. It found was that a single sneeze could travel up to 27 feet. So, while rearranging the floor plan for 6 feet of separation between workers is a good starting point, it’s definitely not enough.

As a matter of fact, separation panels can reduce the number of droplets floating in the air by up to 56% and keep droplets confined to the immediate area. Put simply, if someone sneezes at their desk, the chances of those microdroplets reaching a co-worker drop significantly if the desk has a separation panel.

But there are other benefits to installing panels and partitions in the workplace. Not only do they offer a sense of personal protection for office workers, but it shows that employers genuinely care about the health and safety of their employees. Even more, studies show that constant peripheral and visual interruption can have a negative effect on employee well-being and productivity.
Are you interested in panels for your business?

Our WellGuard Separation Panels are the ideal solution for personal protection in the workplace, reducing the risk of airborne transmission of viral particles between workstations.

Made with PETG, our WellGuard Separation Panels have a strong chemical resistance and are proven to hold up over time. By comparison, acrylic panels tend to craze and become cloudy after being cleaned with various cleaning products. This ultimately leads to microfractures in the acrylic, which increases the likelihood of larger breaking/splintering.

Features:

• Easy to install/uninstall and compatible with most work surfaces
• Made with easy to clean and highly durable PETG or felted PET material
• Resistant to harsh chemical cleaners and far more dependable than acrylic
• Visually designed to fit seamlessly into any office environment

This blog post was contributed by Humanscale, one of the 140+ vendors available through the LAS Municipal Group Buying Program.