In preparation for the return of its workforce, SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) has undertaken several safety and health protocols to take care of employees and keep workplaces and facilities safe.
Two weeks before the anticipated General Community Quarantine, SMIC started running COVID-19 antibody rapid testing for its employees and agency front liners, including janitors and security guards. As another safeguard for those who test positive, more stringent testing is required of the subject as well as continued quarantine.
SMIC also introduced a digital platform called “BeSafe” to track employees’ health status, record their daily activities and help in contact tracing.
Temperature checks through infrared thermometers and thermal cameras are conducted upon office entry while Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) cards were also issued to employees to to replace the use of finger biometrics. Each employee was provided two washable face masks and a face shield for added protection. Bags are also sanitized upon entry. To comply with quarantine and post quarantine health measures, staggered work shifts are implemented to ensure a safe ratio of the workforce in their respective offices.
With respect to facilities, safe distancing decals were placed in elevators, protective screens were set up between workstations, and meeting room layout changes were made to comply with safe distancing protocols.
“As we sustain our businesses and address the new needs of the work environment, the safety of our employees and stakeholders remains a priority. The health and safety precautions SM has laid down will largely help us operate safely in this new reality,” Ms. Joann Hizon, Vice President for Human Resources at SMIC said.
Across the group, SM companies have carried out health and distancing protocols to maintain safe operations in the workplace and in various properties and continue to actively promote the protection of customers and employees against COVID-19.