Safety Guidelines During The COVID Situation

The Covid-19 has swept the entire globe and this has created a major change in the economy. Production and manufacturing units especially are facing significant challenges in their operations.

While some companies have shut shop temporarily because of a fall in demand or because of restrictions from the government there are still other industries seeing a huge surge in demand.

Key focus areas to ensure safety in the working environment

Many industries have been able to successfully implement a work from home culture during this situation. Unfortunately, frontline manufacturing companies do not have this liberty. There are key safety measures being taken to operate even in these times of crisis.

Preparing for a much longer period of uncertainty and a lasting requirement to maintain physical distancing and hygiene are some of the focus areas implemented by plant leaders to make this transition easy, rather make it into the next normal thing.

Protecting the workforce

Operating procedures and tools are being standardized and formalized to ensure that the working staff stay safe. Flexible adaptation is the key to build in confidence which is possible only when there is effective two way communication. It is crucial to respond to the concerns of the employees through flexibly and adapting to it.

Risk needs to be managed to ensure continuity of business

Potential changes need to be anticipated and this should model the ways in which the plant should react ahead of fluctuations to ensure fact based and rapid actions.

Productivity needs to be driven but from a distance

The production plant should be managed effectively while maintaining physical distancing.

Best practices to be followed

• Our stringent protocols on hygiene that already existed have been reviewed and it has been adapted to cater to the current situation. The cleaning process has increased in frequency with regular disinfestation of the elevators, lobbies, front desk etc.

• Everyone in the industry, be it material handlers, cleaners, operators, engineers or shippers have been thoroughly trained on the best practices on how to follow the protocols laid down by the health authorities.

• Regular safety precautions are maintained to stop the spread the germs. This includes washing and sanitizing hands, using tissues, avoiding touching eyes, mouth and nose, staying home when sick and notifying the seniors in case of any discomfort are things that are emphasized on.

• Employers are advised to maintain physical distancing like by staggering shifts and breaks, limiting the number of people who work at one time, installing barriers wherever it is practical and floor markings to manage physical distancing.

• Workplace sanitization is another key aspect that is being looked into. Coronavirus spreads through close contact and through unhygienic practices. Provisions like access to alcohol based sanitizers, clean washrooms, sanitizing shared equipment and other cleanliness practices are strictly adhered to.

• Lowering the level of staff on the job site is also required to maintain proper social distancing. Employers and employees are guided to adjust the production schedules to support social distancing.

Tracking workforce and reporting illness

Reporting illness and tracking the workforce are the major steps taken by the organization to ensure a safe environment to the company staff and also to ensure no compromise on hygiene on the products manufactured and shipped.