27th March, 2020: Al Naboodah Group Enterprises (ANGE) has adopted health and safety measures to safeguard its employees and ensure the continuity of its operations across sectors in a bid to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The group implemented a COVID-19 management plan starting 10 March across its offices, showrooms, yards, worksites, accommodation, and facilities.

ANGE employs over 10,000 employees, 6,000 of whom are accommodated within its residential facilities.

Simultaneously, the group also formed a Rapid Response Team, which comprises representatives from sustainability, HSE, facilities management, IT, HR, procurement, and marketing & communications departments who directly report to the managing director.

ANGE conducted remote working drills to assess the efficiency of its VPN solution under heavy usage, following which a work-from-home policy was approved for staff, whose duties could be completed remotely.

Speaking about the precautionary measures, managing director of ANGE, Swaidan Al Naboodah, said: “With the coronavirus pandemic, the dedication and resilience of our HSE, facilities, HR and rapid response teams have been tested to their very limits, and they have risen to the challenge with impressive levels of competence.”

ANGE also adopted additional measures in light of the pandemic, these include, displaying posters on notice boards in multiple languages to promote good hygiene, with guidance on steps to be taken in the case of a suspected infection.

The company deployed hand sanitising dispensers across all common areas and started with deep cleaning and disinfecting activities for not just its infrastructure facilities, but worker transportation sources.

Working hours of medical facilities and clinics within its employee villages have also been extended, with the company having set up coronavirus isolation and observation areas to quarantine those considered to be at risk of infection.

The group is screening all employees with digital infrared thermometers and visual observation regularly, with immediate isolation in place for the ones who display any symptoms.

Additionally, separate catering provisions with increased health and hygiene measures are also being provided to quarantine areas.

Closure of common facilities, including gyms, recreation and education rooms has also been initiated by the group, in addition to restricting public gatherings, including group training and awareness sessions and all social events and activities.

ANGE intends to make further alterations to the health measures and responses to the COVID-19 crisis depending on new developments.

Source: Construction Week