Supply Chain Recovery Starts with Hygiene Compliance

Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, supply chain leaders have been challenged with ever-evolving conditions and circumstances, especially for manufacturers responsible for producing and delivering essential goods during a time of crisis.

In addition to supply shocks that have the industry rethinking supply chain models, hygiene has also moved to the forefront in recovery strategies to ensure employee health and safety, specifically for manufacturers continuing to meet the supply needs of communities globally.

For manufacturers continuing or re-evaluating operations in 2021, we, at Essity, think it’s imperative to share our hygiene best practices based on the measures we’ve taken in our Tork manufacturing facilities. We have developed the Site Safety Guide for Manufacturing to help manufacturers stay safe on the road ahead.

These considerations should be top of mind to ensure all aspects of the supply chain can safely forge ahead:

• High-Traffic Areas and People Flow: We all know the importance of social distancing and limiting potential interactions that increase the likelihood of the virus’s spread. In high-traffic areas, such as exits and entryways, encourage employees to use one door for entering and another door for exiting. Also consider creating zones in break rooms and other common areas that are typically high-traffic to maintain social distancing requirements.
• Hand Hygiene and Surface Cleaning: Frequently touched surfaces, such as human-and-machine interfaces on production lines, should be regularly disinfected before, during, and after shifts with appropriate alcohol-based solutions or most common locally registered household disinfectants. Employees should also wash their hands regularly with soap and water (adhering to CDC guidelines) or use hand sanitizer when hand-washing stations aren’t readily available.
• Signage and Visual Reminders: On the job, it can be difficult to keep all of the latest best practices and guidelines top of mind. Employers should use signage and other visual cues that offer tips for employees on when and how to wash hands, clean surfaces, and use other methods of hygiene compliance to keep the importance of hygiene front and center. Free resources are available to help you get started.

As the supply chain industry moves forward on the road to recovery, hygiene will continue to play a critical role in manufacturing employees’ safety in 2021 and beyond. Industry leaders must consistently prioritize employee health and provide the tools, resources, and working conditions to achieve hygiene compliance and ensure successful recovery.