Vision Techniques – Covid-19 response
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis we have endeavoured to support our customers. During this unprecedented time, we have increased measures to ensure continuity of business and to protect the health of employees and customers.
Safety is in Vision Techniques DNA and, as the fight against COVID-19 continues, we want to reassure everyone our team is committed to providing you and our employees with safe work environments so that we can continue to deliver an exceptional level of supply, service and support.
To this end and in line with UK Government advice, we have implemented wide-ranging measures including, but not limited to, the following:
Social Distancing
As per the latest Government advice, our teams where possible, are working from home. Our systems and teams are well-prepared with the necessary systems to ensure that our service remains interrupted.
Travel and meetings
We have cancelled all business travel and non-essential face-to-face meetings, as well as recommending that our colleagues avoid non-urgent personal travel, however, you can still contact our teams via email, telephone or via skype or Microsoft teams. We want to get back to some sort of normal as quickly as possible, so we are reviewing each update as per the government guidelines.
It is with regret that we have cancelled our attendance at all 2020 exhibitions, conferences, and other events – subject to review as and when the current situation changes. Nevertheless, our team will reach out to you in other ways and keep you informed of our exciting new product and service introductions. Check our website and our social media links to keep in touch.
Workplace
For all staff working in the office, we have made substantial changes to our headquarters in Blackburn to reduce any risk of infection.
We have reduced the number of persons in any work area to comply with the 2-metre (6.5 foot) gap recommended by the Public Health Agency, our teams are reminded on a daily basis of the importance of social distancing both in the workplace and outside of it. We have taken steps to review work schedules including start & finish times/shift patterns, working from home etc. to reduce the number of workers on-site at any one time. Also relocating workers to other tasks.
Cleaning
We are frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, particularly in areas of high use such as door handles, light switches, reception area using appropriate cleaning products and methods.
We have placed posters, leaflets and other materials around the building highlighting the procedures and rigorous checks are being carried out by line managers to ensure that these procedures are being followed.
Employees are reminded on a regular basis to wash their hands for 20 seconds with water and soap and the importance of proper drying with disposable towels. Hand sanitisers have been issued to all staff and guidelines have been issued to all employees as to their use.
PPE
Where Risk Assessment identifies wearing of gloves as a requirement of the job, the supply of these has been provided. Staff have been instructed on how to remove gloves carefully to reduce contamination and how to dispose of them safely. Employees are also reminded that wearing of gloves is not a substitute for good hand washing.
All employees who are required to interact with off-site vehicles or people have all the required PPE. This equipment includes facemasks, hand sanitiser, disinfectant spray, and gloves.
Procedures are in place for Drivers to ensure adequate welfare facilities available during their work – We are in constant communication with companies we deliver to/from to ensure welfare facilities will be available to our drivers. Allowing delivery drivers adequate breaks to avail of proper welfare facilities. We have advised employees that they should not share vehicles or cabs, where suitable distancing cannot be achieved.
Employees with symptoms
If anyone becomes unwell with a new continuous cough or a high temperature, they will be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance. Line managers will maintain regular contact with staff members during this time.
If they were recently on our premises (including where a member of staff has visited other workplace premises such as domestic premises), the management team of the workplace will contact the Public Health Authority to discuss the case, identify people who have been in contact with them and will take advice on any actions and precautions that should be taken. Line managers will offer support to staff who are affected by Coronavirus or has a family member affected.
We hope everyone and their loved ones are safe and looking forward to getting back to some sort of normal soon, in the meantime we are doing everything possible to support our customers and employees, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01772 679 717 or email us info@vision-techniques.com
Check out our new Covid – 19 proceduresPDF