What Guidelines Is SS Steel Limited Following During COVID

A group of enigmatic entrepreneurs marked the beginning of SS Steel in 2001 in Bangladesh. The company began its production of reinforced bars from small rolling mills.

Bangladesh had been newly formed, and abandoned ships were the source of sheered and cut plates for rolling mills. The company produced re-bars (rods) to meet the growing needs of standard infrastructure in various territories in the country.

Ever since then, SS Steel Limited has been working relentlessly towards growing its capacity. It has come a long way in fulfilling demand and meeting customer requirements.

Impact of COVID-19 on Steel Industry

The Coronavirus impacted the steel industry drastically. Several market research showed a 1.4% reduction in global crude steel production in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The steel industry is crucial in many countries, including developed and developing countries. The demand for steel production fell sharply, especially in the emerging economies. Factors like stricter confinement measures, low fiscal support, the collapse of interdependent industries, and a drop in raw material prices impacted the steel industry severely.

Although 2021 started on a good note, economists have predicted that the steel industry’s revival will continue until the end of 2021. Lockdowns are being lifted gradually, and companies can make up for the lost time with the return of workforce in their factories and corporate offices.

The last few months have propelled the steel demand, and there is a noticeable improvement in economic and manufacturing activities. However, vaccinations will take a considerable amount of time. Various other challenges like cooperation, accessibility, and stock will cause impediments towards achieving a hundred percent vaccination state.

Unless everybody is vaccinated, workplaces will not be immune to the pandemic. But since work cannot be halted sine die, companies are operating with certain guidelines issued by the WHO and the government.

Let’s look into the next section to see what guidelines SS Steel Limited is following.

COVID-19 Standard Guidelines

First, let us understand how the COVID virus is transmitted. When an infected person coughs, the droplets settle on surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, and other objects. When a non-infected person touches the infected surfaces and then his mouth, nose, or face, the chances of catching COVID-19 increase.

COVID-19 spreads in a flu-like fashion. Thus, the first and foremost guideline is to wear face masks.

According to WHO, face masks are the most effective way of reducing the chances of getting infected by COVID-19. Companies must make face masks mandatory, and workers shouldn’t be allowed at the workplace without them.

The success of face masks roots in personal responsibility. By wearing a mask, you are protecting yourself and protecting others from getting infected.

Here is the list of standard guidelines followed by most companies:

Improve the hygiene and cleanliness of the workplace.
Regularly disinfect surfaces like keyboards, desks, tables, and doorknobs to avoid ‘infection through contact.’

Regular and Thorough Handwashing by Employees, Customers, and Contractors

Place sanitizers at accessible spaces like entrances, bathrooms, desks, and likewise.
Take initiatives to educate people about handwashing and sanitizing through posters and meetings.
Ensure contractors and workers have accessible places where they can wash their hands with soap and water.

Ventilation

Note that the Coronavirus spreads more readily indoors than outdoors. Thus, ventilation strategies are to be restructured.
Improve ventilation at the workplace to deliver clean air and remove contaminated air.
As per weather conditions, incorporate open doors and windows to amplify fresh air circulation.
HVAC systems must be readjusted or rebalanced to increase airflow in occupied spaces.

Workplace Vaccination Programs

Educate the employees regarding vaccinations and the guidelines.
Regulation of vaccination intake amongst essential workers.
Promotion of confidence in vaccination programs in the company. A good confidence level in vaccination will push more employees to take the jab.

Case Investigation and Contact Tracing

Employers to coordinate with health departments to investigate the source of infections at workplaces.
Employees must be cooperative when health department officers are investigating a case through questionnaires.
All infected employees must quarantine.
Quarantine is also necessary for those employees who have been in touch with the infected employees at any time.

Final Words

Given above are the standard guidelines most companies are practicing this year, including SS Steel Limited. It is a well-reputed company that has caught its pace in 2021.

As the number of cases goes down, the company can bring leniency in practicing the guidelines in effect. At the same time, the virus is also mutating. So, it is wise that both employers and employees follow the guidelines strictly.