Amid rising concern about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Troy Resources has begun rotation of staff from two weeks on-site to six weeks per turnaround.
A worker’s temperature being checked
“Unlike other international operations, Troy Resources is heavily dependent on its largely local staff while it has a limited number of foreign workers primarily in the technical and specialised skilled fields,” the company said.
The company explained that employees are reacting positively to the changes in order to mitigate the spread of the virus. The company revealed that most of its staff comes from the coastland and interior locations, and the current curfew restrictions have since affected their movement to and from work.
Nevertheless, the mining company noted that the health and safety of its workers are paramount to them, and as such, it will continue to put stringent measures in place to ensure that they are protected.
Another measure the company has put in place is the reduced number of employees on the worksite and is currently utilising half of the number that usually works on-site with the remaining working from home.
“In addition to the social distancing measures being rigorously enforced, employees, when reporting for duty, must be screened (including temperature testing) at the gate prior to being allowed access to the office compound,” the missive stated.
Personal hygiene is also actively encouraged, with employees being instructed to regularly wash their hands and use hand sanitiser while at work. An additional safety measure includes cleaning and disinfecting all regularly used surfaces in the office building several times per day.
The company has also adopted several other measures, which include the establishment of a quarantine site away from the main lodging, to cater to any potential case. Also, screening of all passengers to the company site at the airport is done before anyone is allowed to board the aircraft.
The company has also banned visitors entering their office but visitors who are deemed high priority are first pre-approved by the company’s General Manager or Acting General Manager along with all meetings being held outside and the cessation of social gatherings.
All personnel travelling by ground and ground deliveries are screened at the gate by the camp’s doctor and security. Its employees are encouraged to minimise exposure to other people whilst away from work, report any potential illness, and self-isolate at home until symptoms disappear, no matter what the illness may be, and in any case of illness, the employee is further required to obtain medical clearance before returning to work.
“The company recognises that many of the workers now have to be away from their families for a longer period and the company has expressed its gratitude to these workers for their willingness and cooperation during this time,” it stated.
