“As a company we need to ensure we keep each other safe and adhere to legislative requirements,” says Marius Geyer, General Manager Operations, Bidvest International Logistics Wrench Road. The company’s four-storey Wrench Road office in Isando was home to 300 employees before lockdown. “Employee numbers are increasing, and strict measures are already in place,” he says.

To prepare for the return of employees and suppliers, BIL has created a web-based App to facilitate access control and maintain compliance to the new COVID-19 symptom screening regulations. It is accessible to anyone with web-connection who wishes to access any BIL premises throughout the country. Sites will have a device at access points for access to the App by those who do not have access to a web-connection.

Lawrence Aldworth, BIL’s National Compliance and Risk Manager, was tasked with the rollout of the App. He explains, “A user’s personal information is captured as a once-off after which his or her ID number is all that is required to enter the App. The user will select the appropriate defined scenario and complete the symptom assessment in a few quick steps.

“Once the user has completed the assessment with no symptoms selected and, after passing the temperature screening process on site using non-intrusive infrared thermometers, he or she is presented with an electronic certificate which either allows or denies access to the premises, based on the legislated requirements,” he explains.

Reporting dashboards have been created for management to ensure that BIL can effectively manage the status of all employees.

Only one person at a time may enter through security points. If there is more than one person waiting to enter, there are distance cones in position. Once inside, hands are sprayed with sanitizer.

“Where social distancing cannot be maintained the appropriate PPE such as masks must be worn and only two people may use a lift at any one time,” adds Geyer. “Boardrooms and training rooms have limited numbers and meetings are not encouraged. Further measures are in place for the kitchen staff, canteen, photocopy machines and other key points.

“The new etiquette is cough etiquette! Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, use your elbow as a shield. Never use your hands when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.”

While this is all basic common sense, it is now the best method of not spreading Covid-19. “It is about respect and responsibility while we charter new territories,” concludes Geyer.