Omani firms take steps to keep staff safe from virus

“Galfar has advised its employees to restrict official travel outside Oman to minimise exposure unless it’s business critical, and prohibits travel to those countries where infection is identified as widespread (i.e., China, Japan, Iran, Italy, South Korea,” an official said, adding that events involving the crowding of employees have been suspended as well.

Importantly, standard hygiene measures are being stringently enforced at offices, project sites and camps across the country, according to the official. Hand sanitizers are installed at all entry points, corridors, meeting halls at the head office, the fingerprint biometric system has been replaced by a card access system for all employees, and temperature screening is now mandatory for employees and visitors at the gate.

“The Galfar management is fully committed to avoiding any spread of the coronavirus at any of its sites and offices. We will adhere to all the directives issued by the Supreme Committee and ensure that all employees strictly observe the advised and directed precautionary measures. Our Human Resources and Administration Unit together with all the other units both in Operations and Support will work together to continue to ensure there are no coronavirus cases in Galfar or any of its subcontractors,” the official added.

A well-known Omani engineering contractor said the company has introduced regular ‘Toolbox Talks’ on the importance of hygiene as a safeguard against exposure to the virus.

“We have stopped biometric attendance to minimise all human touch points. The fire doors and division doors have been kept open to avoid touching them. Notifications of health and hygiene practices to be followed by employees are displayed at all the work areas and common areas. Sanitisers have been placed at various locations within the office premises. Our workers have been advised to keep the windows of the bus open for fresh air.”