Turkish union prompts companies to implement high-level COVID-19 measures

The Turkish Cement, Pottery and Glass Workers’ Union (CIMSE-IS) got the commitment of several companies to implement high-level health and safety measures in their workplaces to protect workers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The union said that its officials signed a comprehensive protocol with Eczacibasi Building Materials (EYAP), while it persuaded the Matel Raw Materials Inc. to obtain a COVID-19 Safe Production Certificate from the Turkish Standards Institution to certify its strict implementation of protocols to protect workers’ health and safety. 

CIMSE-IS listed the following measures the said companies will fully implement. 

• Train workers on COVID-19 protocols.
• Regular disinfection of locker rooms and common-use areas.
• Discourage the use of the water dispensers and tea machines as much as possible. Instead, workers must be provided with bottled water.
• Scan workers’ temperature before entering workplaces .
• Conduct meetings online as much as possible. 
• Cancel unnecessary travels. Workers and staff returning from abroad must comply with the 14-day quarantine period rule.
• Ensure regular use of facemasks.
• Workers must have easy access to hygiene materials at workplaces.
• Observe physical distancing in service vehicles.
• Workers with occupational and/or chronic diseases, pregnant working women and those over 65 years old must be given substantial paid leaves.