April 28,2022
LIVING together with Covid-19 in this world becomes real and undeniable.
“How are you?” This social greeting phrase seems outdated and redundant. It belies some supplementary words to reflect the current living condition. A complete one would be:
“How are you with Covid-19?”
Indeed, some people succumbed to it, some quarantined, some recovered, some left unscratched but worried and terrified. Everyone on earth experiences it in one way or another.
Unprecedented changes rock the world today. A handshake is replaced with an elbow or leg touch in greeting. Close contact is dislodged by a physical distance in a social setting. A virtual mode is preferred to a physical meeting. And whatnot.
A mask is a common sight everywhere. Once, it was a sick person’s PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Now everyone, healthy or unhealthy, wears it indoors or outdoors, becoming essential personal stuff for their daily lives.
To keep abreast with those changes, one must be aware of their actions to be rhythmical with behaviour. The persistent behaviour (in-born or brought-up) needs to be intervened at this trying time. The interaction between mind and body shall be recalibrated to eclipse the old normal with a new one.
It is a 4S that has two different approaches. One is for people with at-risk behaviour, the other for people with safe behaviour.
(1) Approach for people with at-risk behaviour
4S: Spot, Stop, Share, Support
Spot – The observer shall be able to find out the at-risk behaviour shown by the worker at the job.
Stop – Upon finding it, a quick act of pausing his/her work is needed.
Share – The observer shall let him/her know of a potential hazard and a corrective measure.
Support – Render words of encouragement to him/her so as to continue the job safely.
CARE for this 4S approach is Concern, Assurance, Respect and Encouragement.
(2) Approach for people with safe behaviour
4S: Spot, Salute, Standardize, Sustain
Spot – The observer shall be able to find out the safe behaviour shown by the worker at the job.
Salute – A kind of appreciation shall be shown in recognition of his/her safe behaviour.
Standardize – Others shall emulate the safe behaviour to make it a norm of work style.
Sustain – It shall be demonstrated repeatedly so that the way is copied in the process by all.
CARE for this 4S approach is Cheers, Appreciation, Reward and Enrichment.
Two 4S approaches have been recently applied in some construction workplaces in Myanmar, and the adaption of new norms in behaviour is gradually rooted in the workforce.
A nationwide movement shall be pursued with a grant set aside to make it a success. It includes radio broadcasts, TV shows, demonstrations, talks, discussions and awards.
A behaviour change ensures that living with Covid-19 is not a scare but care in personal hygiene that scares Covid – 19 .
By Chit Ko Pe
