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Social distancing<br>in food factories.

Just How?

Social distancing
in food factories.

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      10 Tips for Implementing Social Distancing in Food & Beverage Factories

      It’s clear to everybody that manufacturers of food and beverages are essential businesses that must continue to operate throughout the current Coronavirus pandemic. At Klipspringer, it’s our mission every day to provide the support required to make this possible.

      Yet what’s not clear is how these essential manufacturing organisations are expected to keep critical production running whilst implementing government advice to maintain social distancing of 'one metre plus' between workers.

      That’s why we’ve put together a list of ten tips on how social distancing could work practically in a factory environment.  They may sound simple, yet all too often it's the simple things which get overlooked.

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        • 1: Educate staff

          All workers must be made aware of the reasons that social distancing is important, and the nature of how the Coronavirus disease spreads. 

          Communication is vital but don't fall into the trap of group briefings and huddles which just make matters worse - free video conferencing platforms like Zoom are a great way to keep safe and have an easy-to-use mobile app available to everyone.

        • 2: Make it a team effort

          All team members must be held responsible to enforce social distancing, and notify management of instances of non-conformance.

          Peer accountability is widely recognised as the most effective method of enforcing such measures.  Not only does it gain the most influence, it also spreads the most rapidly.  

          Every team includes persons with more powerful personalities, and as a result they act as de facto leaders – wielding disproportionate influence. Identify these people and get them on board.

        • 3: Work from home - even just for admin tasks

          Whereas other industries can work remotely relatively easily, very few roles relating to food manufacturing can currently be executed effectively when off-site 100% of the time.

          Non-factory personnel should be given relevant equipment so that they do not need to even enter the building. Where management and other key personnel are required on site, this can be minimised through implementing a rota system.  Minimise cross-over and approach with the mind-set of 'how much can I do off-site' rather than 'how much do I need to do while I am here'.  

          Now is also agood time to review systems to see what can be digitalised and put on the Cloud.

        • 4: Additional entrances and exits

          Consider ways to spread out the people flow, with additional doors available and a turnstile entrance and exit system. This doesn't just mean in and out of the factory, but from area-to-area.

          Removing surplus chairs from lobbies and corridors also prevents people lingering in areas that could potentially become congested and unsafe.

        • 5: Make it visual

          Not only are pictures a universal language, the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than words.  

          Make sure the social distancing message is visual and in the face of your team. This will serve two purposes – not only will it be understood more quickly and thoroughly, it also keeps the rule front-of-mind.

          Visual management can include temporary magnetic signage to keep reminding staff of the rules, and markings on the floor so operatives know safe distances to stand on production lines.  Klipspringer have recently launched a dedicated range of anti-slip floor vinyls to help with this.

        • 6: Factory zoning

          Factory areas should be fully zoned, and operatives as well as equipment prohibited from entering non-essential areas/other zones.
           
          While a large amount of this may already be in place, review how you can take your zoning up a level to prevent any unnecessary crossover.

          This may require a review of your colour-coding policy or the introduction of new traceability measures such as Indelimarking.

        • 7: Physical segregation barriers

          Where social distancing isn’t an option due to machinery operation or a task requiring 2 or more people in close proximity, introduce physical segregation barriers such as SegriScreen Shield that will prevent any risk of contamination. 

          Review where 'crowds' are likely to build up and introduce opaque barriers such as SegriScreen X-Tend. This has two benefits - not only does it reduce the risk of any bacteria/virus being transmitted person-to-person, it also stops conversations starting in the first place!

        • 8: Unique equipment for team members

          Whether it’s pens, probes, cleaning utensils, PPE or engineering tools, all factory staff should have access to designated equipment that only they are allowed to use. This prevents equipment wandering between areas and operatives, reducing the likelihood of Coronavirus being passed from person to person.

          Review the equipment where there is the highest risk of COVID-19 being passed on, and reduce the circulation of these items by increasing the number of units in use.

          Consider systems such as shadow boards to ensure this equipment stays in the right place. 

        • 9: Staggered break and shift patterns

          This is an excellent way to reduce the amount of people together at any given time, especially in usually concentrated factory areas such as manual packing lines, equipment stores and canteens.

          Whilst this may seem an administrative nightmare, remember that if everyone halves the number of people they come in contact with, it will reduce the 'reach' of that one person by more than 95% over the next 30 days!   This could make the single biggest impact to preventing Coronavirus spreading through your workforce.

        • 10: Canteen and break areas

          Introduce a limit of 1 person per table, and if necessary, re-arrange tables so they are all 2 metres apart, or at least 'one metre plus'. Innovative, additional temporary and quick-fix tables (eg laminated cardboard) can help enforce social distancing at an affordable cost.

          Other common gathering points such as smoking shelters should be controlled, with additional space created if safe distancing isn’t possible in current facilities.

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          At Klipspringer, we understand it is a difficult time for all of our customers as they continue to provide essential products in a challenging world scene. With this in mind, all of our business functions continue to be operational and we are committed to fully supporting all of our stakeholders over the coming days and weeks. We have created a dedicated Coronavirus Hub to support you in the best way we can - check it out using the button below.

          Vist the Coronavirus Hub
          What other key points or success stories can you share that have helped you improve social distancing in your food or beverage factory? We'd love to hear from you!  Call us on +44(0)1473 461800 or email insights@klipspringer.com. 

          Stay Safe. Stay United.  Stay Positive.  Come out Stronger. 

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          Copyright 2024   Klipspringer Ltd, Rynor House, Farthing Road, Ipswich, IP1 5AP   T: 01473 461800   E: sales@klipspringer.com

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