Coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy - AMCED Engineering Consultants & Design

Coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy

Before entering AMCED's premises it will be required from all to complete our COVID19 screening form.

Policy brief & purpose

The lock down period have been suspended by the Precedent of South Africa on the 4^th May 2020, AMCED is govern by the law of South Africa and will always obey and follow it.

This company policy includes the measures we at AMCED are actively taking to mitigate the spread of coronavirus after the lock down period. All Employees, Contractors, Sub Contractors, Representatives (Freelance and Permanent) and Visitors must follow all these rules diligently at all AMCED offices, on all sites when visiting clients and at home, to sustain a healthy and safe workplace and home in this unique environment. It’s important that we all respond responsibly and transparently to these health precautions. We at AMCED assure you that we will always treat your private health and personal data with high confidentiality and sensitivity.

AMCED will continue to monitor the situation in South Africa, this coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy has been altered from our coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy during lock down period and is susceptible to changes with the introduction of additional governmental guidelines. If so, we will update you as soon as possible by email.

Scope

This coronavirus policy applies to all Employees, Contractors, Sub Contractors, Representatives (Freelance and Permanent) and Visitors who physically work in our office(s), sites or work areas and Representatives that are on the road. We strongly recommend to all Employees, Contractors, Sub Contractors, Representatives (Freelance and Permanent) and Visitors to read through this action plan and all other company policies relevant to the situation, to ensure we collectively and uniformly respond to this challenge.

Policy elements

Here, we outline the required actions Employees, Contractors, Sub Contractors, Representatives (Freelance and Permanent) and Visitors should take to protect themselves, their co-workers and family from a potential coronavirus infection.

Sick leave arrangements:

If you have cold symptoms, such as cough/sneezing/fever, or feel poorly, request sick leave or work from home.
If you had or have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis yourself or a family member, you can return to the office only after your family member or you’ve fully recovered, with a doctor’s note confirming your recovery.
AMCED’s sick leave policy will not be adjusted or become flexible during the outbreak of COVID-19. The normal sick leave policy which is in line with Labour Law will still apply.

Work from home requests:

If you are feeling ill, but you can work, you can request to work from home please refer to AMCED Remote Working Policy.

Traveling/commuting measures:

All work trips and events will be limited.
If you normally commute to the office by public transportation and do not have other alternatives, strict hygiene and work rules must be followed and the following PPE must be worn during traveling and discarded properly before entering AMCED offices, sites or work areas: FFP2 Dust Mask, Surgical Glove, Safety Specks or Face shield.
When leaving AMCED Offices, sites or work areas going home or to clients the following safety equipment must be worn to ensure your safety and the safety of others and your family: FFP2 Dust Mask, Surgical Glove, Safety Specks or Face shield.

Working rules:

Workers whose tasks can be done alone, and which don’t require specialized equipment or machinery which can’t be moved from the factory floor will be isolated.
Limit, or eliminate if possible, physical interaction with and between customers or co-workers.
In-person meetings should be done virtually where possible, especially with non-company parties (e.g. candidate interviews and partners).
Reducing contact between different departments of the business at the start and end of shifts.
Split meal breaks to reduce the number of people using the kitchen.
Ensure only one worker at a time in bathrooms.
Frequently clean your premises and vehicles.
The following PPE must be worn: FFP2 Dust Mask, Surgical Glove, Safety Specks or Face shield.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Minimize sharing of office space, including work vehicles.
Stop handshaking – use other noncontact methods of greeting
Clean hands at the door before entering and when leaving with 75% alcohol base sanitizer.
Keep a 1m social distance at all time.
When at clients always adhere to their work and hygiene rules strictly.

General hygiene rules:

Wash your hands after using the toilet, before eating, and if you cough/sneeze into your hands (follow the 20-second hand-washing rule). You can also use the sanitizers you’ll find around the office.
Cough/sneeze into your sleeve, preferably into your elbow. If you use a tissue, discard it properly and clean/sanitize your hands immediately.
Open the windows regularly to ensure open ventilation.
Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands to prevent from getting infected.
If you find yourself coughing/sneezing on a regular basis, avoid close physical contact with your co-workers and take extra precautionary measures (such as requesting sick leave).

Health and Safety:

9.1 Protecting mental health.

Workers in the workplace may also be affected by the anxiety and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 situation. It’s important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and to take measures to support mental well-being. Here are some resources that can assist with maintaining mental health in the workplace during this time.

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf

Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak (World Health Organization) – These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Use as messages targeting different groups to support for mental and psychosocial well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.

9.2 How does COVID-19 spread?

• Coughing or sneezing – one can contract COVID-19 if one is standing within one meter of an infected person by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by the ill person.

• Close personal contact, such as when shaking hands or touching others.

• Touching an object or surface on which the virus is found (after an ill person coughs or exhales close to these objects or surfaces such as desks, tables or telephones), then - before washing hands – touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

9.3 Primary symptoms of COVID-19

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

9.4 What to do if you develop symptoms

People who contract COVID-19 may take anywhere from one to 14 days to develop symptoms. Even if you do not have a history of travel to a COVID-19 affected region or contact with an individual who has contracted the illness, you must still inform your healthcare provider if you present with symptoms of COVID-19.

Hotline for the COVID-19 as per the Department of Health website: 0800 029 999

Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are advised to seek medical treatment and diagnosis as soon as possible.

9.5 The following hospitals have been identified to deal with any cases (as per the Department of Heath website):

• Western Cape: Tygerberg Hospital

• Gauteng: Charlotte Maxeke Hosp, Steve Biko Hosp, Tembisa Hospitals

• KwaZulu-Natal: Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg

• Limpopo: Polokwane Hospital

• Mpumalanga: Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela

• Free State: Pelonomi Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein

• North West: Klerksdorp Hospital

• Northern Cape: Kimberley Hospital

• Eastern Cape: Livingstone Hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay (PE)

Employees with acute respiratory illness symptoms are advised to stay home until they are cleared for work by a registered medical practitioner. It is important to note for an employee to qualify for sick leave, a valid medical certificate booking them off is required.

Employees should notify their manager and stay home if they are sick and have been booked off. All employees should follow the company’s sick leave policy in such situations.

If the company has reason to suspect that an employee has been infected with COVID-19 or an employee becomes ill at work during the day, the employer will request the employee to leave the workplace and seek medical treatment and or testing immediately. If this instruction is not followed, it will be regarded as gross insubordination and disciplinary steps will be taken as it could put other employees at risk.

Please refer to these policies also

5.2.1. Company Health, Safety and Environmental Policy

5.2.2. Company HIV and AIDS Policy

5.2.3. Company Employee Health Policy

5.2.5. Harassment Policy

5.2.11. PPE Policy

5.2.13. Internet and email policy

5.2.14. Mobile phone policy

5.2.17. Leave Policy

5.2.18. Privacy Policy

5.2.19. Social media Policy

5.2.22. Remote work Policy

5.2.24. Company travel policy

5.2.27. Grievance Policy

5.2.28. Time Sheet Policy

5.2.29. Non-Discrimination Policy

Consequence of breach

If an employee breaches this policy the necessary disciplinary action will be taken. It is important to note that the AMCED’s sick leave policy will not be adjusted or become flexible during the outbreak of COVID-19. The normal sick leave policy which is in line with Labour Law will still apply.

It is the employee’s responsibility to contact management should he/she have any queries.