Temperature checks with thermal cameras, a 2m distance between people wherever possible and an introduction of one-way systems are amongst the new measures in place at Jaguar Land Rover Halewood.
Next week marks the start of a phased return to manufacturing as the Halewood plant prepares to build cars under new social distancing measures, following the recent temporary pause in production due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Social distancing, hygiene and health monitoring measures are in place following an extensive review of all production lines, engineering facilities, office areas and communal spaces.
JLR Halewood said employees’ health and wellbeing is at the centre of the plan and with, the implementation of the new protocol, staff will experience a significant number of changes to their working day from the moment they enter the site.
Measures include temperature checks with thermal cameras, a 2m distance between people wherever possible, Personal Protective Equipment where that is not the case, the introduction of one-way systems and enhanced cleaning at the plant.
Trevor Leeks, operations director at JLR Halewood, said: "We’ve put this in place to make sure social distancing is maintained in the plant and hygiene and health is at the fore of it all.
"People will be experiencing many emotions, ranging from worry about hygiene to relief at being able to return to work and excitement at seeing colleagues again.
"The health and wellbeing of our employees has been our primary concern in the build-up to this point.
"We are a people business and we need to look after one other. Throughout the coming months, I know that as a team we will do all we can to "Stay safe. Be kind. Stay well’.”
On Monday, June 8, the factory is due to reopen on a single shift. Here, we take a look at a number of preventative measures undertaken taken by the car giant and what lockdown has been like for their employees.
Thermal imaging cameras
Before each shift, colleagues will be asked to monitor their temperature at home and will also have their temperature checked with thermal cameras at work by their business protection team.
JLR's emergency response team will be called if an employee registers a high temperature on the thermal check and the employee will be taken to a designated safe location in their area.
After their temperature is checked again, if a second reading is high, JLR will provide a phone or ipad so the employee can contact 111 to get advice.
If the colleague is advised to self-isolate, they will be sent home necessary arrangements will be made if support is required.
A contact tracing procedure is also in place to identify who that employee has been in contact with in the workplace so those individuals can be contacted.
Social distancing and PPE
A 2m distance between people wherever possible is in place and when social distancing cannot be observed, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be worn.
Canteens and communal areas such as meeting rooms and smoking shelters have also got 2m distancing measures in place.
JLR Halewood has undertaken an extensive review and evaluated as follows:
- Green: 2m social distancing measures can be implemented with no change to the current process
- Amber: 2m social distancing measures can be implemented with some change to the current process
- Red: 2m social distancing measures cannot be implemented, and the process cannot be changed. In this case, additional measures are taken such as compulsory use of face visors, and in some cases, screens have been installed as an additional precaution.
The Halewood plant is focusing heavily on employees maintaining social distancing and excellent hand hygiene and where distancing isn't possible, they are providing face visors.
All employees will be offered a personal reusable face visor should they wish to wear it at work, but it is compulsory for employees to wear face visors in the identified areas where it is not possible to implement the 2m social distancing measures.
Face coverings are not a replacement for the other ways of managing risk, such as social distancing, but JLR said it may protect others if a colleague is infected but has not developed symptoms.
Other measures
On their first day back, all employees will receive a safety pack including their JLR-made face visor, a face mask and their own pocket sized sanitiser.
Hand sanitisers will also be available all over the plant, with frequent hand washing being encouraged.
Walkways, staircases, exits and entries will abide by a one-way system and signage will be clear across the plant reminding colleagues of the new measures.
In addition to new measures onsite, colleagues will be asked to take additional action before returning to work.
These include completing an online clinical questionnaire, signing up to a health and wellbeing charter, as well as monitoring their temperature at home before each shift.
Every employee will also receive a return to work induction explaining each of the measures in their area.
Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief medical officer, said: "We have been going through unprecedented times and my thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by COVID-19, as well as with the healthcare professionals, whose role fighting coronavirus is appreciated around the world.
"Clearly the health, safety and wellbeing of the Jaguar Land Rover family is our primary concern. We have developed the most effective protocol and guidelines so that our people feel reassured about coming back to the workplace.
"Our measures are based on extensive medical and operational review, including lessons learned from our teams in China and Slovakia.
"We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, following the guidance of all relevant authorities in the markets in which we operate, and will adapt quickly as that guidance changes."
Mr Leeks said an initial challenge would be adjusting to "the new normal," but that colleagues will work together to maintain social distancing, highlight any issues faced in their early stages of returning.
He said: "It's important for people to be comfortable but not complacent as it can be easy to forget for a moment and go back to the old normal.
"I can see these measures put in place being there for some time and it's important they are in place.
"It’s about reminding people that this is the new normal going forward."
Des Quinn, Unite the Union national officer, said: "We are satisfied that Jaguar Land Rover has not only implemented government guidance but has gone above and beyond to satisfy and ensure as many safe systems as possible are in place from the minute employees arrive to the minute they leave work."
Life in lockdown for employees
Like many other across country, JLR workers have dedicated their own time to helping the community and those most vulnerable during the pandemic.
From making masks and volunteering for the NHS to finding creative ways to fundraise for charities, JLR has kept in touch with workers and celebrated their stories on social media, with colleagues donating and raising thousands of pounds for local causes.
Amongst the hundreds of Halewood heroes are Jaguar employee Neil Mercer, who became Spiderman to cheer up kids in lockdown and fundraise for the NHS, and mechanical engineering apprentice Jack Gynane, who has been making hundreds of masks for Merseyside NHS staff from his bedroom.
Mr Leeks said: "We’ve got so many employees and a lot were helping out in different ways which was really great for us to see.
"There were so many of our employees who were involved in corporate social responsibility activities.
"A lot of people have been volunteering and this makes me personally incredibly proud."
Mr Leeks said he is looking forward to seeing employees and friends be reunited and the production of their Land Rovers continue.
JLR Halewood has also been working on the launch of PHEV versions (plug-in hybrid) of the RR Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport models and are coming back to build those as well with production starting in next couple of weeks.
He said: "Seeing the first Land Rovers come off the line will be a defining moment for us.
"It marks the end of our temporary shutdown and signals the beginning of a return to normality. But, of course, this is a new normal.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the production lines moving again and the people coming back and listening to their experiences."
