Dissolving wood pulp and paper-based solutions provider Sappi says that, as at the beginning of December, over 80% of its almost 5 000 South African employees have received at least one vaccine, while 73% are fully vaccinated.
Sappi notes that as soon as it was allowed to open its own vaccinations centres in August, the company was able to overcome the logistical challenges for staff and their families to access vaccines.
This resulted in the rapid administration of over 8 000 vaccines to almost 4 000 staff members, 3 000 contractors and just over 1 100 family members.
The company will, however, introduce a mandatory vaccination policy from February 1.
“While Sappi respects people’s right to choose, the company also recognises that in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, it has a legal and moral duty as an employer to protect the health and safety of all employees at work. Non-vaccinated Sappi employees who work with colleagues in a shared work environment pose a Covid-19 risk that can be avoided through vaccination.
“Therefore, after conducting a thorough risk assessment, Sappi determined that vaccination is an inherent requirement for people who work in certain positions. Protocols are being put in place for those employees who have a medical or other reason for choosing not to be vaccinated.
“Cases will be dealt with on an individual basis, guided by the consolidated directions issued in June 2021 by the Department of Employment and Labour,” human resources group head Fergus Marupen explains.