PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure AgriOvum, LLC is positioned to respond effectively to all viral and bacterial outbreaks.  This is particularly necessary due to the current Coronavirus Pandemic and resulting Covid-19 Disease which may pose a threat to the health and safety of the company, its employees, or a disruption to the activities pursuant to its partners and contract stakeholders.  The procedure identifies company responsibilities and support services, as well as provides the managerial structure for coordination and deployment of resources.

 

SCOPE

This SOP applies to all AgriOvum, LLC personnel and provides best practices for health and wellness guidelines relative to all viral and bacterial outbreaks. The health and wellness of our employees, partners, and stakeholders is our first priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a clean and safe work environment, this SOP is to be provided to all employees, partners, and stakeholders. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Management is responsible for preparing the organization for all threats to health and safety by developing strategies, and creating and deploying an effective action plan. It is the responsibility of management to ensure that all personnel are aware of the action plan and each employee is fully engage in its operation. Management is charged with closely monitoring the situation and following the recommendations issued by governmental public health authorities.

 

REFERENCES

The World Health Organization (WHO) has now declared the current outbreak of the new coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

PROCEDURE

Maintain open lines of communication with staff.

• Educate and Inform employees about contagious illnesses, including symptoms and risks, and mitigating steps recommended by our local government officials and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Management will make adjustments to AgriOvum, LLC policies based on this governmental guidance.

• Management will make clear that employees who have symptoms of a potential contagious illness must not report to work while they are sick.

• Employees will be informed that they are charged with the duty to take reasonable care to ensure they do not endanger themselves or anyone else who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work or at home.

• AgriOvum, LLC management will inform employees they will be required to return home if they exhibit potential symptoms of a contagious virus or bacteria. The EEOC has stated requiring an employee to return home who displays symptoms of contagious illness would not run afoul of the ADA’s restrictions on disability-related actions because: (i) if the illness ultimately turns out to be relatively mild or “run of the mill” (such as seasonal influenza), then it would not have constituted a covered disability in the first place; and (ii) if the illness does turn out to be severe (such that it may constitute a disability under the law), then the actions would be warranted under a direct threat analysis. In either case, an employer can send an employee home who is displaying symptoms of contagious illness, even if this is against the employee’s wishes.

• AgriOvum, LLC will communicate with companies in which partnership and stakeholder relationships.  Those companies that supply packing/packaging, pallet/palletizing materials as well as those in which we collect or handle eggs will be notified.  

• AgriOvum, LLC management will provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies.

 

 Actively encourage sick employees to stay home:

• Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are required to stay home until from work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), and any other symptom(s) for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines.

• Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. AgriOvum. LLC sick leave policies will be flexible and consistent with public health guidance.  Employees are to be made aware of these policies.

• AgriOvum, LLC will not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work. We will maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member as well.

• Returning to work will require clearance from medical personnel

 

Separate and sending home sick employees:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day will be separated from other employees and sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available).

 

NOTICE SYMPTOMS

• High Fever

• Coughing and sneezing are common symptoms 

• Sore throat with fever

• Trouble breathing

 

A dry sore throat lasting 3 to 4 days. Nasal drips which enter the lungs, causing pneumonia resulting in high fever and difficulty breathing. The accompanying nasal congestion is unusual in that a drowning sensation is often experienced. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms!

 

 

PREVENTITIVE MEASURES

• Routinely clean and sanitize all commonly touched or used surfaces in the workplace (i.e, steering wheels, door handles and knobs, faucet handles, and workstations countertops. Use an approved sanitizer with a minimal of 70 - 95% isopropyl alcohol.

• Encourage employees in the following:

• Avoid touching things in public

• Avoid touching your face

• Avoid people who are presenting symptoms (i.e. coughing or sneezing)

• Practice disease prevention both at work and at home

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible especially after clocking in, using the rest room, or coming from break.

 

• Inform employees in the following requirements:

• All employees that are currently sick are not allowed to return without presenting valid documentation from their physician.

• Currently anyone that has traveled to China, Iran, Italy and Japan within the last 14 days from their visit will not be allowed to work.

• Whenever possible 6ft of social distancing is required.

• Use foot baths before entering any facility where we work.

• Pallet jack(s) and transport truck(s) are to be cleaned and sanitized daily.

• All salaries will now be paid via direct deposit as opposed to physical hand out.

 

 

HELP MANAGE EMPLOYEE STRESS

• Managers will assist in identifying health care resources and providers who specialize in stress relief and management.  In addition they may also assist the employee in accessing faith based resources such as Unite714.com a daily online prayer group.