Category twelve - Best response to the COVID-19 pandemic in work health and safety
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory Pty Ltd on many levels. A collaborative approach was required to keep production running and ensure the health and safety of 800 employees from a physical and psychosocial aspect.
Swickers used a range of COVID-19 risk management tools including:
- introducing snoods and face masks so all staff could perform their roles while being on the production line
- redesigning the employee access point to include a fob entry system (a short-range key that sends signals to a reader within short distances) to record the physical movement of individuals
- employing dedicated COVID-19 temperature checkers to welcome employees on a gradual return to work plan
- securing vaccinations for Swickers staff
- developing a COVID-19 Reactive and Preventative Action plan, ensuring they were protecting their livelihood as a business and upholding legislative requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- enhancing deep cleaning with the hygiene team and a dedicated hygiene manager
- communication via toolbox talks to all employees, contractors and visitors
- monthly safety meetings to ensure COVID-19 protocols were being adhered to and any concerns raised by workers were addressed.
Swickers ensured the safety and wellbeing of employees by implementing COVID-19 protocols.
