Mara COVID 19 – Continuity Plan
1.0 Introduction
Business continuity planning is the process of creating systems of prevention and recovery to deal with potential threats to a company. In addition to prevention, the goal is to enable
ongoing operations before and during execution of disaster recovery.
This document sets out:
• what we know about the virus and the disease it causes.
• how we have planned for an infectious disease outbreak, such as the current coronavirus outbreak.
• the actions we have taken so far in response to the current coronavirus outbreak.
• what we are planning to do next, depending upon the course the current coronavirus outbreak takes.
• the role MARA can play in supporting clients response, now and in the future.
1.1 What we know about the virus and the diseases it causes
COVID-19 is the illness seen in people infected with a new strain of coronavirus not previously seen in humans.
Based on current evidence, the main symptoms of COVID-19 are a cough, a high temperature and, in severe cases, shortness of breath.
As it is a new virus, the lack of immunity in the population (and the absence as yet of an effective vaccine) means that COVID-19 has the potential to spread extensively.
The current data seem to show that we are all susceptible to catching this disease, and thus it also more likely than not that the UK will be significantly affected.
Given that the data are still emerging, we are uncertain of the impact of an outbreak on business. In a stretching scenario, it is possible that up to one fifth of employees may be absent from work during peak weeks. This may vary for individual businesses.
1.2 How we have planned for an infectious disease outbreak, coronavirus outbreak
In preparing for, and responding to, a serious disease outbreak, we aim to:
Undertake dynamic risk assessments of potential health and other impacts, using the best available scientific advice and evidence to inform decision making the UK government and
information from global players the World Health Organization.
Not to lose track of the basic Health and Safety at work etc. Act 1974 duty to everything that is “reasonably practicable” to safeguard employees and those affected by our operations.
1.3 Actions we have taken so far in response to the current coronavirus outbreak
There is similarity between COVID-19 and influenza (both are respiratory infections), but also some important differences.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
Public Health England (PHE) recommends that the following general cold and flu precautions are taken to help prevent people from catching and spreading COVID-19:
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.
• put used tissues in the bin straight away.
• wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. See hand washing guidance.
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Prevention Case Cleaning:
Training workforce
Undertake a risk assessment
Use best practice techniques and approved medical cleaning substitutes to sanitise
Confirmed Case Cleaning:
Training workforce
Undertake a risk assessment
Use best practice techniques and approved medical cleaning substitutes to sanitise
1.4 What we are planning to do next, depending upon the course the current coronavirus outbreak takes
What we are Doing to keep the workplace safe:
• Regular Toolbox talks sent out to all employees, with Smart URL tracking
• Mobile employees and vehicle drivers to wear PPE, sanitize vehicles regularly, reducing physical contact with members of public and site staff.
• Return to work questioner for Staff coming back from leave to include country and areas they have travelled to.
• Current clients to advise Mara FS if any developments of Covid-19 or suspected to advise us immediately.
• All on-site and off-site staff have been issued with extra PPE and Sanitizing Agents.
In Case of Contamination:
• Isolation for 7 days and Home working were possible (landline Call directed to mobile phones, access to system via cloud).
• Wide range of multiple distribution centres that can despatch client orders.
• Warehouse to continue as normal were possible, however in certain circumstances product appropriate substitution may occur
• On site cleaning staff to be covered by Temporary or Mobile Cleaning Teams
• If employee confirmed positive relevant client/ on site staff to be informed immediately.
1.5 The role MARA can play in supporting clients response, now and in the future
Everyone can help support the UK’s response by:
• following public health authorities’ advice, for example on hand washing.
• reducing the impact and spread of misinformation by relying on information from trusted
sources, such as:
• checking and following the latest FCO travel advice when travelling and planning to
travel.
• ensuring you and your family’s vaccinations are up to date as this will help reduce the pressure on the NHS/HSCNI through reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.
• checking employees, co-workers and colleagues.
• checking on elderly or vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.