COVID-19 Warnings for Factories

Ministry of Industry and Technology has issued written guidance to production facilities regarding measures to be taken to protect workers against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The warning list, consisting of seven main categories, included temperature measurement, tracking records, declaration, hygiene, 1.5 metres, business continuity and information headings. As part of Covid-19 pandemic measures, an information note has been prepared on rules to be followed and distributed to production centres such as organized industrial zones, factories and technology parks. In the note, it was stated that protecting workers in these places would be possible through effective measures, and it was emphasized that compliance with rules under the headings of temperature measurement, tracking records, declaration, hygiene, 1.5 metres, business continuity and information dissemination is important.

AT LEAST 1.5 METRES BETWEEN WORKERS

The seven basic rules to be followed in the information note are listed as follows:

TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT RULE

The temperature of all workers without exception must be measured upon entry to the workplace. Those with temperatures above 37.8 degrees, as determined by the Scientific Board, must not enter the workplace environment. Personnel measuring temperature must mandatorily use masks, glasses and gloves without making contact with workers. Workers showing respiratory system symptoms and signs of infection such as fever, cough and shortness of breath must not be employed. TRACKING RECORD RULE: Workers must use designated places for themselves in shuttle services, offices, dining areas and work areas. In case of any issues, all workers must sit in their designated places and have contact with the same people so that individuals to be tested can be easily identified. DECLARATION RULE: Workers who state they have had contact with persons who have come from abroad in the last 14 days or have been diagnosed with Covid-19 may be granted leave based on written declarations they will provide. HYGIENE RULE: Hygiene products such as soap, disinfectant and cologne must be available in all areas of the workplace. The frequent use of hygiene products by all workers must be encouraged. Workers must wash their hands with water and appropriate disinfectant for at least 20 seconds before starting work and at regular intervals during working hours. Contact of workers using shuttle services or spending time in shared areas with frequently touched surfaces must be minimized as much as possible. Workplaces must be ventilated by opening windows at regular intervals. 1.5 METRE RULE: The distance between workers must be at least 1.5 metres. This rule must be applied in all areas such as production areas, work desks and dining halls. Meal times must be scheduled to prevent close contact and crowding. Elevators must not be used except in mandatory cases, and in mandatory cases only one person must use the elevator. Persons required to work at close distances must wear masks, provided they are changed frequently. Meetings must be moved to digital platforms. BUSINESS CONTINUITY RULE: Production of goods and services must be prioritized and activities must be grouped as critical and non-critical. Alternative supply routes must be identified. Shift systems or changes in working hours must be determined. The psychosocial status of workers must be monitored. The minimum number of workers necessary for the workplace to continue its operations must be determined. In the event of a virus case among current workers, all persons the individual had contact with must be quarantined and reported to the Ministry of Health. Suitable retired or former workers must be identified and recalled to work in the event of disruption to workplace activities. In the event of a virus case among current workers, everyone the person contacted must be quarantined and reported to the Ministry of Health. Suitable retired or former employees should be identified and called back to work if workplace operations are disrupted. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION RULE: All informative visuals and videos, particularly those published by the Ministries of Health, Family, Labour and Social Services and Industry and Technology, must be displayed in frequently used areas. Workers must be provided with occupational health and safety training through "distance learning".