Readymade garment manufacturer and exporter Modele Group has taken all necessary measures to ensure safety of its workers and employees as factories have reopened amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Narayanganj-based company’s initiatives include setting up new operating procedures and giving pregnant workers general leave, it said in a media release.
The group has set up new Standard Operating Procedure and formed a taskforce comprising of doctors, nurse, a health and safety committee and a new PC committee in compliance with the government, BGMEA and WHO guidelines.
Modele Group, a leading garment manufacturer and exporter has provided sufficient masks and other safety equipment for the workers as they resume operation amid the COVID-19 pandemic | Mohammad Rakibul HasanMoreover, the safety measures have not been limited to the factories only, but also extended to the workers’ homes where they are provided with training, safety equipment and monitoredregularly.
At the factories, handwashing stations have been installed at every entrance and temperature checks made mandatory.
Meanwhile, the workers have been provided with masks, sufficient antiseptic liquids, and facilities to sterilize clothes and shoes. In addition, every surface is sterilized at the end of each shift, said the release.
A Modele Group employee running a temperature check on a worker, a mandatory safety measure | Mohammad Rakibul Hasan
“Our factory is operating according to the health protocols and guidelines provided by the government and association. Based on that, we are trying to ensure the safety of workers as much as possible," said Masuduzzaman, founding Managing Director of Modele Group.
The former BKMEAvice-president added: "We have also formed a team to ensure door-to-door health services in the areas where our workers live. We have formed a committee of doctors and nurses to go to every door in those areas and train people on sanitization and health safety protocols.”
A Modele Group security guard spraying sanitizer on a workers' hands as part of safety protocol | Mohammad Rakibul Hasan
Modele Group has also adjusted the layouts of the production floor, dining area, canteen and the schedule in line with the guidelines. Strict restrictions have been imposed on visitors and unnecessary movement of workers who have been trained to maintain social distancing.
Health instructions and the guidelines are on display in the factory and the system is being monitored continuously.
Model Group has taken the initiative to disinfect the factory area frequently with trucks | Mohammad Rakibul HasanAs contingency measures, a fully equipped medical center with isolation facilities and a medical team— with standard personal protective equipment (PPE)— has been set up for suspected cases.
The group have also partnered with a local hospital for emergency cases and designated a vehicle to transport patients.
Aiding the locals
Modele Group has also stepped up to aid the community in Narayanganj, a virus hotspot.
Modele Group has set up a fully equipped medical centre with isolation facilities at the factory premises in case of emergencies or a suspected case | Mohammad Rakibul Hasan
The organizationhas adopted a Tk5-crore four-tierprogram which includes several packages to ensure public security, food, and health safetyandto prevent the spread of the deadly virus, which has killed 298 people in the country until Friday.
As many as 15,000 families in Narayanganj are receiving food aid, for which Tk1.5 crore from the fund has been allocated.
Moreover, Modele Group volunteers are also leading cleansing drives to keep the streets of Narayanganj cityclean.
Mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) Dr Selina Hayat Ivy receives PPE donations from Modele Group | Mohammad Rakibul HasanTo ensure safety and protection of the frontline medical teams of the district, the company has provided authentic medical protective equipment from overseas, including hand gloves, PPEs, goggles, shield, masks, thermometer etc.
They have distributed them through different government organizations and elected authorities to ensure maximum coverage.
