As we enter another national lockdown we have reviewed our plan. The following actions and precautions are mandatory. The virus still presents a real and lingering threat. For this update we have been reviewing all of our processes and changed where necessary or appropriate to reduce risk to ourselves, each other, our customers, suppliers and our families.
This is done in line with current government advise and instruction, this notice re-enforces our Health and Safety policy and is not optional.
Online Lubricants is a key business as defined by Government, as such our staff are key workers. We are proud to be so. We supply to the following sectors:
- Food
- Healthcare
- Vulnerable Households
- Transport
- Construction
- Manufacturing
We are continuing to adhere to our Covid action plan (and re-enforcing such measures) with improvements and amendments, as necessary.
Reducing Numbers
- Some staff are working from home where possible or in less populated environments, and should not to come into the office unless authorised.
Reducing Exposure
- No travel between Barking and Waltham Abbey, only one driver will be nominated for the transfer of product– they are to remain in cab at the other depot.
- Barking top floor staff access via fire stairs. WA office staff to use red front entrance.
- No visitors are allowed into our depots (unless undertaking physical work , interviews, or delivery drivers using restrooms)
- No customers or suppliers allowed inside the depots without masks, we are classed as retail environment.
- Barking tea hut is for operations staff only.
- Delivery drivers should not come into the office/trade counter, the 24 hour sheet and notes will be re-positioned near the warehouse door.
- Deliveries (in to us and at our customers) not sharing pens, distancing.
- Kitchen supplies being delivered by ASDA and Tesco, contactless.
- Pens - good supply available, encourage to only use own and not share.
- Tea making facilities on each floor.
- Water bottles provided for travelling staff to reduce need to buy drinks locally when travelling.
Reducing Proximity - Spacing
- Delivery starting times have been staggered to reduce the numbers of people in the depot at any time
- Driver checks are being completed away from site.
- Desk distancing in place with use of desk screens where desks are facing (with option to change position) enhanced screening is being installed in offices.
- Face masks are to be worn when having to visit other work areas.
- Specific areas will be marked out with line not to be crossed apart from those who work in that area.
- Only 2 staff allowed in trade counter/ kitchen.
- Front door is locked , bell in place to gain controlled access (for staff and visitors), hand sanitiser dispenser being fitted on external doors.
- First and second floor staff not to use kitchen or any downstairs areas (apart from one person nominated to collect water and load dishwasher).
Hygiene
- Handrails, door handles and kitchen surfaces being disinfected three times per day (each floor to arrange own areas).
- All to ensure that hand gel, soap and hand towels are replenished when empty.
- Contactless Hand gel station placed outside front door and on each floor.
- Handgel issued to all staff for use at home and work (2x500ml bottles with replacements readily available).
PPE
- Gloves and hand gel readily available and being encouraged.
- Masks available on request, particularly if staff are using public transport.
Vehicles
- Vehicles - all vans (and forklifts) to have interior (by the driver), steering wheel and handles wiped down with disinfecting fluid before and after use (only exception is when you are, and will be the only user of that van).
Checking
- Non contact thermometers in place at entrances to check for any signs of fever – these MUST be used on entry before working, they will show red and beep if a raised temperature is detected – in which case you are to leave the building and phone your supervisor from outside.
- NHS Website says You should pause the tracking app when you: are working behind a fixed Perspex (or equivalent) screen and are fully protected from other people.
Communication
- Regular updates and reviews of our processes are undertaken with changes and news published on noticeboards, emails and verbally.
- Checks are regularly made with any non-conformance pointed out.
- Deliberate and continued non-compliance will result in further action.
- Video meetings taking place instead of in person.
- Customer and supplier visits are made only by exception.
Staff (and family) with symptoms
- Those working that show or feel any symptoms (or their immediate families do) are being instructed to shield at home and to get tested in person – NOT POSTAL TESTING.
- This period is at full pay to ensure that nobody is tempted for financial reason not to declare such symptom.
Returning to work
- Return to work reviews continue to be conducted for all following a period of sickness or isolation
- Pre-return from furlough training sessions are being held at WA in small groups to detail new measures and ensure all are informed, staggered return dates are being agreed.
- Intention is to prevent increased numbers disproportionately increasing risk
- Some staggered working patterns are being established to keep numbers down.
Help for the concerned and vulnerable (or those with vulnerable family)
- Where appropriate, discussions can be had to address concerns. Periods of absence may, on exception, be allowed.
Consultation and Raising Concerns
- Anyone is encouraged to question or suggest amendments and improvements to the above to their manager.