Biocom Supports California Life Science Companies with Best Practices Guide for Safely Returning to the Workplace

Newly Available Publication Synthesizes Relevant Guidance from Multiple Federal and State Agencies

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Biocom, the association representing the California life science industry, today announced that it has published a guide tailored to life science companies with recommendations on how to safely return to the workplace as stay-at-home restrictions enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are eased. “The Path Forward, Biocom’s Return to Work Guide for California’s Life Science Industry” is designed to assist small- and medium-sized life science companies by providing industry best practices for preparing their facilities to meet new workplace safety guidelines. These are aimed toward preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus and safely bringing employees back into the office, laboratory and manufacturing facilities.

“As we respond to the needs of our members during this unprecedented time, ‘The Path Forward’ provides expert guidance from industry leaders on ways life science companies can responsibly transition back into the workplace,” said Joe Panetta, CEO of Biocom. “While the guide does include comprehensive checklists and technical advice on return-to-work preparations, more importantly it provides recommendations on creating a culture of safety and recognizing our employees’ individual needs as they transition back to the workplace—including access to employee assistance and wellness resources.”

Biocom assembled a task force of California life science industry professionals with expertise in environmental health and safety, human resources, operations and communications to lead this effort of aiding smaller companies through the re-opening process. The guide synthesizes the myriad guidance documents available from state and federal agencies such as the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others. It provides a starting point for each company to implement safety measures specific to their employees and processes. The guide is designed to supplement, not replace, any mandated guidance from local governments and other public health agencies and officials.

About Biocom

Biocom is the leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. We work on behalf of more than 1,300 members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital, introduce cutting-edge STEM education programs, and create robust value-driven purchasing programs.

Founded in 1995 in San Diego, Biocom provides the strongest public voice to research institutions and companies that fuel the local and state-wide economy. Our goal is simple: to help our members produce novel solutions that improve the human condition. In addition to our San Diego headquarters, Biocom operates core offices in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, satellite offices in Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, and has a continuous staff presence in Sacramento. Our broad membership benefits apply to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, genomics and diagnostics companies of all sizes, as well as to research universities and institutes, clinical research organizations, investors and service providers.

For more information on Biocom, please visit our website at www.biocom.org. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (@BIOCOMCA).