COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Global Rubber Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. (GRI) has implemented strict operational procedures as its plants remain open and operational during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the steps GRI has taken at its factorites to minimize exposure are:
- sanitizing facilities regularly;
- holding regular mock drills to prepare for any situations;
- offering awareness programs, temperature checks and hygiene procedures;
- realigning and adjusting operation and ancillary areas in and around the factories to incorporate social distancing measures and safety; and
- implementing work-from-home measures wherever possible.
"Safety has always come first in our factory environment," Shanaka Gunaratne, senior general manager of GRI, said. "We follow lean principles and occupational safety and health standards, which are inherently embedded into our working procedures and value systems. Therefore we were able to easily and quickly implement the COVID-19 requirements.
"From the time a person enters the factory until they are off for the day, we work to ensure that proper health and safety measures are followed. We remain committed to make sure that health and safety are a priority above all else during these exigent times," he stated.
Deemed an essential business by the Sri Lankan government, GRI continued to produce during the country's lockdown. The tire maker said its top priority was "to design and maintain a working environment" to keep employees safe.
"Our standard operating procedures cover a range of risk factors associated with specialty tire production," Ananda Caldera, executive director of GRI, said, noting the company's existing safety measures prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said GRI's standards adhere to international standards as well as to local regulations.
All GRI factories also have in-house medical and treatment facilities. The specialty tire maker said all plants are operating at full capacity.