Omani firms take steps to keep staff safe from coronavirus

A growing number of organisations in the Sultanate — ranging from multinational corporations and major contractors to international consultancies and small businesses — are adopting measures to secure their employees — management executives and blue collar workers alike — from potential exposure to the novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of these measures are in line with precautions championed internationally and embraced by countries around the world.

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), one of the largest employers in the Sultanate, said it is continuing to focus on “safeguarding our staff and contractors and protecting our business operations”.

The majority state-owned Oil & Gas producer, whose operations are critical to sustaining day-to-day economic life in the Sultanate, said in a statement: “In response to the continued spread of COVID-19 we have introduced a number of measures including banning large staff gatherings, travel restrictions and staff working from home where possible.

Our teams are also developing detailed business continuity plans to minimise disruption wherever possible. We will continue to work closely with the government and are dedicating significant efforts to cascade awareness to all employees and contractors in order to maintain and ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone.”

Omani-listed contractor Galfar Engineering and Contracting SAOG, with a workforce of over 21,000 employees, announced the establishment of an in-house ‘COVID-19 Management Committee’ to oversee the implementation of safeguards across its countrywide operations. The panel, with representatives from the company’s Medical, HR, Administration, QHSE, Infra, O&G, Plant and Procurement Units, has been tasked with liaising with the competent authorities to ensure that the company’s pandemic response measures are in alignment with those adopted at the national level. PAGE 15

KEY MEASURES: EMPHASIS ON HYGIENE AND AWARENESS, REDUCTION OF HUMAN TOUCH POINTS, REPLACEMENT OF BIOMETRIC ATTENDANCE WITH CARD ACCESS