Factory is highlighted for its safe working
CUMMINS GETS GOVERNMENT BACKING
A CUMMINS’ plant in Huddersfield has been featured in Government guidelines for safe working in factories, plants and warehouses during Covid19.
Like many businesses across Kirklees, Cummins has had to change the way they work to continue to provide essential items for the care sector. Its plant at St Andrews Road and factories across the UK have remained open throughout the pandemic.
Some of Cummins’ products provide emergency back-up power to hospitals and data centres; which are both critical at this time. Their rail and truck delivery services are also used to supply vital food and medicine.
So to continue to supply equipment necessary for core services during the pandemic, Cummins chiefs felt it was imperative to keep essential facilities open and operational.
Their strategy has now been used as a template for other firms emerging from lockdown with government officials using the Huddersfield firm as an example in its literature online.
The changes brought in include: Entry screening processes, enhanced PPE provision, changed layouts to ensure social distancing in the workplace, Perspex screens for employees in operations, marked out floor areas, more space for break out areas, staggered break times, altered night shift patterns, lockers moved to a larger space, one-way systems created around the technical operations.
A Cummins spokesperson said: “For us, I would state that running a business always throws up new challenges and that we approached this as we approach everything, using our values and in particular our caring and our teamwork.
“Everyone pulling together to resolve any problems and keep everyone safe and well.”
Kirklees Council Leader, Clr Shabir Pandor said: “It’s great that a Kirklees business has been recognised for the brilliant work they are doing.
“The pandemic has presented huge challenges for manufacturing plants here in Kirklees and across the UK.
“Since social distancing guidance was introduced and our health care system began the fight against coronavirus, manufacturers like Cummins have faced the challenge of sky-rocketing demand alongside a diminished workforce.
“Cummins have also been featured as an exemplar organisation in Government publications on how employers can use innovative ways to ensure their workforce is safe whilst at the same time continue to manufacture.
“It is vital that in response to the pandemic businesses continue to put the health and well-being of their employees first and Cummins are a prime example of how businesses can do this while continuing to support our efforts against coronavirus.”