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JAAF re-assures worker safety, fully vaccinates over 50% of workforce

23 Aug 2021

Issuing a statement yesterday (22), the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) stated that the entire apparel industry is doing everything in its power to address concerns regarding the spread of Covid-19 by working in close consultation with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other public authorities, in order to ensure that all possible measures are in place to ensure the health and safety of employees. Outlining the measures taken in facilities, JAAF noted that 90% of workers have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and over 50% have received their second dose. Specifically, in the BOI-operated facilities – which accounts for approximately 90% of the total workforce – more than 70% of employees have received their second dose. In the coming weeks, the entire apparel industry workforce will be completely vaccinated, according to JAAF. Further, it added that in line with established protocols by the MOH and the Ministry of Labour, factories carry out checks at all facilities. Workers are screened for any symptoms before they are allowed to enter factory premises.  Accordingly, factories ensure social distancing and have dedicated areas for people to eat, toilet facilities, etc. Several plants also offer additional measures such as steam inhalations, sanitisation stations, herbal and other healthy hot drinks, etc. “Anyone with any visible symptom is moved to a medical facility immediately for more in-depth testing. Temperature checks are also conducted randomly and frequently during the day on shop floors, and appropriate action is taken if necessary.” JAAF also stated that plants adhere to the testing protocols issued by the MOH, which includes random testing and daily reporting to the MOH of these results, and these are also discussed and shared with the local health authorities through an online mechanism that has been set up. Further, local health authorities are in close contact with plants to help ensure that the workplace is as safe as practically possible. The industry has supported the establishment of 11 intermediate care centres with close to 4,500 beds available for employees. Another two centres are under construction, which will bring the number of beds to 5,000. Individual factories are adding to this infrastructure, as per the statement of JAAF. According to JAAF, workers have responded favourably to the protective measures that companies have taken. More than 80% of the workforce – the vaccinated group – has returned to work.  “We appreciate their determination and commitment to putting the economy back on its feet at this difficult time. For our part, we will do everything in our power to ensure they stay safe and protected, by pandemic-proofing workspaces, making sure they are all vaccinated completely, and that the protective measures and healthcare infrastructure is available to them and their families,” said JAAF Secretary General Tuli Cooray.


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