Supreme Spring ready for production after thorough screening
When Thulas Nxesi (Minister of Employment and Labour) on May 3 announced that all companies must have a clear plan on how they will protect everyone in their workplace from exposure to Covid-19, Supreme Spring in Pretoriusstad went above and beyond.
From painted murals – creating a strong sense of Covid-19 awareness – to full screening and testing of all employees, no stone was left unturned before the company resumed production at 50% on May 11.
“Screening and testing of employees remain critical because if a single worker contracts Coronavirus, the company will have to shut down – again,” Joyce Gressel (HR director of Supreme Spring explained.
The company is engaged in designing, manufacturing, marketing and supply of quality heat-treated steel components to the local and international automotive market and provides employment to more than 550 people, mostly from the local community.
“We are allowed to operate on the basis that only 50% of our staff may return to work, but we need to adhere to strict protocol ensuring that we curb the spread of the virus when business resumes. This is not only for the safety of our employees but also for suppliers, delivery people, contractors and the wellbeing of their families.”Gressel said.
In as far as making use of public transport, Supreme Spring has engaged in consultation with the local taxi owners to implement strict protocol not only towards our employees, but all commuters using the services. The company is providing regular taxi drivers that convey employees from Duduza and surrounding suburbs to the plant in Pretoriusstad, with sanitiser and an infrared thermometer as an additional safety measure.
According to Gressel, the murals serve to constantly remind workers to be vigilant and the company hopes the messages will ultimately be conveyed home. Loss Control Officer Riaan van Zyl and his team have worked on the murals for over a week and the end-result is something Gressel hopes will encourage other companies to do the same.
“We are confident that our company is fully compliant with the Covid-19 policy. This includes continuous testing and screening and equipping employees with personal protective equipment,” Gressel concluded.
Social distancing is important, even at large manufacturing companies such as Supreme Spring. Loss control officer Riaan van Zyl and his team ensured that workers keep at least one metre apart with these road markings.
Joyce Gressel (HR director of Supreme Spring) seen here conducting a Covid-19 screening on a staff member Jill Smith (left).
