Muir of Ord-based employer Ross-shire Engineering announces phased return for 'critical' work during coronavirus lockdown
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STAFF at a major Ross-shire employer are set to return to work on Monday as part of a phased return to complete "critical" work "on which daily life depends".
Muir of Ord-based Ross-shire Engineering (RSE) closed its premises on the village's industrial estate on March 23 in line with government guidance.
Managing director Alan Dallas says the re-opening next week will continue follow government guidance.
He said the Government views the water and wastewater utility sectors as critical national infrastructure to ensure the functioning of the country and deliver the essential services upon which daily life depends. He said RSE has been confirmed as a critical supplier/contractor across many of its water utility clients, amongst them Scottish Water for whom it provides emergency maintenance support.
Outlining the planned return, he said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has had a worldwide effect and changed how we lead our daily lives. From the outset of this crisis, the health and safety of our staff and their families has been our priority. We have been and will continue to follow the latest Government guidance to protect our employees, clients and suppliers. We have put in place robust plans, to make all our locations as safe as possible."
He said that since the March 23 closure, it was able to support many of its office and technical staff working from home to enable the business to function "in a limited capacity and will continue to do so where possible for the foreseeable future until the relevant restrictions are lifted".
He added: "Following a request by our clients to progress critical projects to maintain their assets' resilience, RSE have carefully reviewed the current government guidelines, and will be implementing enhanced policies and procedures to manage and mitigate the risks of Covid-19. We plan to commence a phased return to work for limited operations at our facilities and selected sites from Monday, April 27, to support those sites which are classed as a priority to safeguard the supply of critical national infrastructure.
"To safeguard our employees and to ensure their well-being at work, we have made significant changes across all our facilities and sites. We have carried out full risk assessments and actions undertaken include social distancing where safe and practical, reviewing shift patterns, staggering breaks, provision of the correct personal protection equipment (PPE) and its disposal along with provisions of multiple new hand-washing stations within all our facilities.
"Our people will be fully briefed prior to return to work and RSE will ensure full compliance with the new and updated procedures and will continue to work in line with these and adhere to any further updates required if/when government guidelines change."
He paid tribute to the commitment and flexibility of employees during the crisis and also to clients and suppliers for their understanding and assistance, "as these are unprecedented and challenging times".
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