bigmoe said "Anyone know what precautions Maple Leaf is taking. There are some pretty big outbreaks in meat processing plants elsewhere. "
I work at Mae Leaf for 12 years now (kill floor) So this is factual, not hearsay. Although the cut floor might have a few thing different or in addition to what I know.
Maple Leaf has gone above and beyond to keep people safe. I can't even think where to begin on the safety measures. Face masks have been required of ALL staff for probably a month. No visitors AT ALL, not even customers. The only non-Maple Leaf employees on the property are the security guards and essential personal who are also required to wear masks, sanitize on entering the premises and follow all safety measures.
Social distancing is required in every area that can accommodate social distancing, even though you are wearing masks. Masks are required upon entering the building (they even opened a second entrance and alternate hallways to reduce traffic flow. There are tons of sanitizaters everywhere. Infrared cameras at the entrances, people who ask and document every employee about symptoms, travel, etc. at every entrance and make sure you get a mask for the work day. Security guards at the entrances to ensure everyone uses hand sanitizer and social distance in the hallways. Hallways have been divided and have direction arrows. Supervisors and office staff and a lot of other staff monitor the hallways during busy times to ensure masks are worn and social distancing is maintained.
Laundry has been completely rearranged to allow for social distancing and efficiency when getting your work clothes. There is a large staff who are in charge of sanitizating everything from lockers to hard hats to tables and chairs.
Maple Leaf locked off all water fountains and brought in tons of water coolers with paper cups and put them all over the cafeterias and in locations that normally have water coolers.
Maple Leaf has brought in additional portable buildings as extra cafeterias and build wood hallways to connect them to the different areas. There is additional seating and all tables are sectioned off with plexiglass. Only 1 person per section. So a 6 foot table is for only 2 people. A 9 foot table is for 3 people. There are staff in the various cafeterias who sanitize every chair and table between every person. They sanitize the microwaves and anything that might be touched between every person.
Starting Thursday, May 7, there will be rotating lunch breaks in all areas to further reduce how many people are in any cafeteria at any time. They are even reassigning lockers in areas that are too congested in the change room.
Maple Leaf has even reassigned shift times to reduce how many people are on the city buses at the same time. People who have to bring their children for child exchange (between parents who work opposing shifts usually, although with the day are shortage, there is a bit more than usual between friends and coworkers) are required to leave the children in the car (do not get out of the car at all) for the safety of the children and workers.
People are encouraged to wear their disposable home and definitely if they take the bus. Most people who car pool are wearing masks while car pooling.
Anybody who is feeling unwell are required to quarantine for 2 weeks. If the infrared cameras read you have a temperature, you are required to quarantine. Anybody not covered by EI for the quarantine period will be paid by Maple Leaf 60% of their wages. (To cover the deductions and leave you with the same as you would get from EI.) So new employees are covered.
I am certain there are many things I am forgetting because these are every day requirements now. And that is in addition to the regular sanitizing of hands, boots, clothes, etc. that is normal pre-covid 19.
Maple Leaf has really gone above and beyond, sparing no expense, to protect the workers, their families, and the community, while doing everything they can to keep the grocery stores stocked. (Both locally and internationally. Because people gotta eat no matter where they live.)
I really can't say enough about the incredible job Maple Leaf is doing during this time. And Kudos to Paladin Security who has provided a lot of great staff to help out with keeping 1400 employees, their families, and the community safe.
Edited by AndreaD., 2020-05-06 17:44:26