Avara installs protective screens and two-metre social distance markers

Poultry processor Avara Foods has introduced new measures at its processing plants to try and protect its workers during the coronavirus crisis.
Some of these are simple and help remind colleagues to keep their distance – such as marking out two-metre intervals in corridors, canteens and other shared spaces to discourage groups gathering, and spaced out seating in canteens and rest areas. Changing rooms and break areas have been extended so colleagues can spread more, and shift start and finish times have been staggered to reduce the volumes of people entering and leaving sites at one time. Office teams are working from home where possible, but those who remain on site are evenly spaced across floors.
Further measures include installing protective screens and curtains along production lines where standing apart isn’t possible – these screens help separate colleagues as they work. To protect the staff who take advantage of the transport services the company offers, Avara has increased the number of buses and coaches provided to aid better distancing during travel.
The company has also increased cleaning schedules and has increased provision of colleague PPE
“Keeping our colleagues protected is of the highest priority for us,” said a company spokesman. “Avara follows industry guidance from Public Health England for food manufacturing environments and is regularly reviewing measures to identify where improvements can be made. We’re proud to be operating efficiently and effectively during this time, and are grateful to our dedicated colleagues around the UK who are keeping the nation fed.”