Safety and health are always top of mind for aggregate producers. The onset of the coronavirus presented yet another reminder of their thoughtful approach to doing business.
Based on an April 1-8 Pit & Quarry survey of producers, producers took a number of measures to keep their employees safe and healthy. Most (85 percent) producers told P&Q they are limiting or adjusting interactions with customers and vendors in the name of safety and health. Likewise, a similar number (81 percent) employed extra cleaning as part of their coronavirus-response efforts.
In response to the pandemic, 51 percent of producers say they are allowing employees to work remotely, if possible. In another adjustment, 45 percent say they are now conducting meetings outside as a result of the pandemic.
“We have instructed our employees to not congregate in break rooms anymore,” one producer survey respondent writes. “Many are eating lunch in their vehicles. Our offices are locked and only allow our employees in.
“We are sending all of the trucks to our outside scale, which has a remote printer,” the producer adds. “So the weighmaster does not need to hand any tickets to the drivers. Also, [we are] not requiring drivers to sign tickets and give them back to us.”
Adds another producer: “[We are] no longer using Kronos finger scan for clock-in to reduce risk of exposure. [We] spread out morning safety meetings. All personnel received disinfectant for their workplaces and hand sanitizer for their person.”
Some producers (21 percent) revealed they are even staggering work hours as a result of the pandemic. A decent number (16 percent) even temporarily shut down as a response, and a handful (4 percent) added new shifts.
“We are a small quarry, so interaction between employees has always been small,” a third producer respondent writes. “The office is closed except to quarry personnel, and cleaning is performed multiple times a day.”
For additional P&Q coverage related to the coronavirus, visit our dedicated webpage.
