KUCHING: Both the employer and employee play an important role in curbing the spread of Covid-19.
For employers, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said it was important to ensure that all workers are fully vaccinated.
He said employers must make daily self-declaration of health status mandatory for staff, even on rest days.
“It is also important to screen unwell workers, regardless how mild the sickness, and do not permit unwell workers to work while awaiting swab results as well as grant them paid sick leave or allow them to work from home, if possible,” he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Sept 21).
Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister, said employers were encouraged to enforce mandatory use of face shields in addition to face masks.
“Also ensure good ventilation at your workplace, especially the pantry and canteen, ensure adequate physical distancing at workplaces and hostels, and ensure strict pantry, lunch, tea or coffee break rules.”
He discouraged using air-conditioning when workers travel in groups of two or in company vehicles.
“Natural ventilation is best by keeping the vehicle window open. If it is not feasible, let the air-conditioner operate with fresh air ventilation mode.”
Dr Sim also urged employers to organise workers into safe work groups, aimed at limiting the spread and adverse impacts arising from detection of Covid-19 in the office; and all on- and off-duty activities of each worker should be contained within their respective groups.
“Consider testing your employees using a rapid test kit regularly. And make sure strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee and the local authorities.”
As for employees, he reminded every worker should avoid bringing Covid-19 home from work by adhering to workplace SOPs.
“Do not go to work if you (employee) are unwell, no matter how mild the sickness and inform the employer immediately if there has been any contact with a known Covid-19 case or any of the family member is unwell.”
