Ross-shire employer SGL Carbon asking staff to continue to work in lockdown; high-tech temperature scanners in use to safeguard workers; Muir of Ord firm also looking at ways to support community
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A MAJOR employer in Ross-shire is asking staff to continue into work, while it is looking at ways to support the local community.
SGL Carbon in Muir of Ord said it is doing everything it can to minimise coronavirus risk, and has introduced the latest technology to scan staff for Covid-19 symptoms.
SGL Carbon has placed two high-tech cameras in its reception area to screen visitors and staff as they enter the premises.
Anyone with a temperature above 37.5 degrees is asked to vacate the building in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. A high temperature is a symptom of Covid-19.
A spokeswoman for SGL Carbon said: “We are also exploring ways we can support local communities and emergency services with the manufacture and donation of PPE and have already produced a small number of visors for local shops plus have a donation of medical grade face masks that we shall be donating to Raigmore Hospital.”
SGL Carbon came in for criticism recently over its decision to continue operating during the lockdown.
Responding to calls from anxious employees, Highland councillor Maxine Smith (Cromarty Firth) recently wrote an open letter to the firm demanding answers.
SGL has said it makes components for vital medical equipment and is part of the government’s effort to supply hospitals with devices.
However, a worker in the company said the company made “carbon products used in the production of prosthetic limbs and wind turbine blades, neither of which can be considered essential in the fight against Covid-19”.
She stated in the letter: “I’m shocked that you think because your US sister companies continue to work that you should. Even if you found that part of your work is essential business, how does this merit the full staff working?"
The concerns were echoed by the GMB Scotland union.
However, a spokeswoman for the company said some of the facts in Ms Smith’s letter were inaccurate.
Stephen Easton, site director, SGL Carbon, said: “SGL Carbon takes the health and safety of its employees and the wider community very seriously and we are closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation. At this point, following a review of the recommendations from government, we are operating a skeleton staff to allow our plant to operate with reduced resources and scale in a safe and manageable manner.
“As a significant local employer in Muir of Ord we have a duty of care to our employees and are balancing the health and safety guidelines regarding Covid-19 with the need to maintain a sustainable business that will be able to continue providing long term employment opportunities in this fragile area.
“As a trusted raw material supplier to the composites, fibres and material market, there is a very long supply chain that is reliant on our material. Our material is used in a very diverse range of end products in industry sectors such as medical devices, renewable energy and defence.
“We are taking many steps above and beyond the government recommendations to ensure the safety of our team, including scanning body temperatures as people arrive for work and supporting colleagues who are self-isolating.”
