Dipon Group

Standard operating Procedure for Work

Resumption During the Coronavirus
Pandemic

©2020 by Dipon Group

This document contains proprietary information of Dipon Group and its’ sister
concerns. Any use of this document or part thereof without express, prior, written
permission from Dipon Group and/or its affiliates is strictly prohibited.
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Standard operating Procedure for Work Resumption During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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Standard operating Procedure for Work Resumption During

the Coronavirus Pandemic

Document Number : Dipon Group-HSE-SOP-COVID-19_01

Document Owner : CEO
Date : 01-05-2020
Minimum Review Period : 24 Months

This sheet must be completed in detail, at each revision once this document has been approved.

Details must include revision number, description and indication of which pages and
paragraphs have been revised, date of revision approval and approval indication.

Document Approved
1 00/00/2020
and Issued for Use
Issued for initial
A 04/05/2020 Tanoy Shahidul Abedin, PE Maj. Nasir (Retd.), PhD
review and comment
REV. DATE DESCRIPTION BY TECH REVIEW OPS REVIEW APP’D

Control Copy: 52

Sl. No. Title Page Ref.

Cover Page 1

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Document Information 2
Table of Content 3
1.0 Introduction 4
2.0 Purpose 4
3.0 Objectives 4
4.0 Workers Who May Have Exposure Risk 5
5.0 Identifying Potential Sources of Exposure 5
6.0 Prevention and Control Management 5
6.1 Basic Principles 7
6.2 Know the Latest Facts 7
6.3 Ensure Safe Site/Project/Workplace Operations 7
6.4 Establish Procedures If Crew Members or Officials Become 8
Unwell
6.5 Promote Information Sharing 8
6.6 Address Mental Health/Psychosocial Support Needs 8
6.7 Standards (OSHA) 8
6.8 Checklist for Project/Site Management 9
6.9 Checklist for Crew Members and Officials 10
7.0 Nursing 11
7.1 Signs and Symptoms of Covid-19 Infection 11
7.2 Exposed to or Infected with Covid-19 11
7.3 COVID-19 Diagnosed 11
7.4 COVID-19 Treated 11
7.5 Nursing for Suspected Covid-19, who Present with Mild 12
Symptoms
7.6 Guidance on Donning PPE to Manage COVID-19 Patients 15
7.7 Guidance on Removing PPE to Manage COVID-19 Patients 16
8.0 Nutrition Advice (for Adults) during the COVID-19 Outbreak 17
9.0 Counselling and Psychosocial Support 18
10.0 References 18
Table of Content

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1. INTRODUCTION:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-

2 virus. The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared by
Bangladesh Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) and also
by World Health Organization (WHO). It has spread from China to many other countries
around the world, including Bangladesh. While a lot is still unknown about the virus that
causes COVID-19, we do know that it is transmitted through direct contact with
respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing).

It is paramount that construction projects operating during the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

pandemic ensure they are protecting their workforce and minimizing the risk of spread of
infection.

This guidance document is intended to introduce standardization on sites of all sizes in line
with the Government’s and HSE recommendations on the management of COVID-19.
Every project should devise a plan considering this guidance, for implementation on site in
consultation with all affected parties.

The normal health and safety requirements of any construction activity must not be
compromised at this time – there is no derogation to the usual health and safety legislative
requirements.

If an activity cannot be undertaken safely, it should not take place.

Site management should monitor the implementation of these Standard Operating

Procedures in tandem with site specific health and safety procedures and remind the
workforce at every opportunity that their purpose is to protect the workers, their
colleagues, their families and the Irish population.

2. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to describe the procedure
to follow for re-start office activities and worksite operations in the lockdown caused
by COVID-19 outbreak. To provide a guidance to the all levels and grades, including
senior managers, supervisors, officers, directors, employees (whether permanent, fixed-
term or temporary or project basis), consultants, contractors, third parties, vendors, crew
members, trainees, casual workers, agents or any other person associated with the sister
concerns of Dipon Group, hereinafter referred as “DIPON”.

3. SCOPE:
This SOP applies to all DIPON establishments
 Corporate Office
 Project sites
 Region Headquarters
 Divisions
 Any other premises

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Health and Safety Documentation

Prior to construction projects commencing during the COVID-19 breakout, all project
health and safety documentation should be reviewed to ensure that the documentation is
aligned with the measures as outlined in general / standard health and safety
requirements, considering the constraints of COVID-19.

HSE Plan
It is advised that contractors review their Site HSE Plan and associated risk assessments,
considering COVID-19.
Risk Assessments / Method Statement
Risk assessments and method statements for all work on site should be reviewed to
address the risk of COVID-19 and the associated control measures required. Particular
emphasis will be required on ‘close working’, i.e. where persons work within 1m of each
other (1m being the WHO recommended separation for social distancing).
Daily TBT Documents
It is recommended that daily TBT documents such as SWP’s, SOP’s, Daily Safe Starts,
Task Briefings or equivalent should be updated to reference COVID-19 and specifically
social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene.

Site Management
Site Management
For the purposes of the document, anyone with decision-making responsibilities (PD, PM, SM, Site
Engr, HSEO, Site Supervisors) is classified as site management.
Responsibilities of Site Management for COVID-19
Site management must assess risk and manage safety and health hazards in the workplace. In the
context of the application of the requirements of this COVID-19 SOP, responsibilities include
managing and instructing site workers on the various control measures and compliance. This SOP
identifies a number of key management responsibilities during the implementation of this Plan. These
responsibilities are elucidated hereafter.
Responsibilities HSE Officer (Responsible for COVID-19 Compliance)
» Ensure personnel onsite complete relevant COVID-19 Questionnaires / Declarations.
» Being a constant onsite presence to monitor compliance with social distancing of One-meter
between all personnel onsite (with the exception of planned close working). In instances where
there is non-conformance with social distancing.
» Compliance Officer is to intervene.
» Maintain a log of regular monitoring of COVID-19 controls on site.
» Ensure there is sufficient up to date signage erected onsite to educate all personnel about the
COVID-19 controls on site.
» At all times promote and guide good hygiene practices to all personnel onsite.
» Ensure regular cleaning of welfare facilities, handrails, door handles, etc. is undertaken.
» Ensure hand wash liquid/soap and hand sanitizers are replenished as required.
» Make representations to site management with regards any COVID-19 concerns raised by site
personnel to the COVID-19 Compliance Officer.
» Ensure site personnel are adhering to staggered break time schedules and limiting numbers in
rest and smoking areas cognizant of the 1-metre social distancing guideline.
» Ensure site personnel leaving site at designated breaks remove their site PPE and continue to
adhere to social distancing guidelines.
» Report any areas of non-compliance to site management and ensure these are addressed.

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» Consider provision of additional controls for exceptional circumstances

» Keep up to date on HSE guidelines.

Note: Project teams must stay agile as new information comes available that may change approach in
procedures, processes or PPE.

Pre-Planning for works

Site management are responsible for ensuring that all personnel on site have been made aware of the
specific requirements of the site-specific and job-specific HSE Plan. Specifically:
» To ensure that a member(s) of the management team is appointed for the compliance of Covid-
19 requirement.
» DIPON Covid-19 Induction has been undertaken by all site personnel prior to coming to site.
Ensuring that non-compliant personnel are not permitted on site.
» The inclusion of COVID-19 as a hazard in their Risk Assessment and Method Statement for
their work activities.
» To ensure that this Risk Assessment and Method Statement is effectively reviewed, approved
and communicated.
» To ensure that all site facilities are sufficient to allow for the social distancing and hygiene
requirements of this SOP and to take appropriate immediate action where they are not.
On-Site
Site management responsibility includes assessing various work scenarios to ensure that the key
requirements such as worker distancing and hygiene/PPE controls are being implemented. This may
involve discussions with client. It will involve conducting regular site walks and inspections. Continuity
of work crews to be encouraged for ease of contact tracing purposes.

Site Workers
It is vital that each worker knows how to work safely during this COVID-19 and understands the
requirements of their task specific risk assessment. Site management should coach and guide workers
during the workday to ensure that they are fully comply with the requirements.
Management Approach
Site management’s main priority is ensuring that their plan is implemented at all levels and at all times
with the cooperation of all stakeholders – Clients, Workers, Suppliers and with other organizations
worker.

Note: Based on the level of communication involved and requirement to implement social distancing,
should consider a phased return to work, advance communication and briefings as appropriate.

General Site Work Activities

1. Reduce - the number of persons-in any work area to comply with the One-meter social distancing
guideline recommended by the WHO (e.g. relocate workers to other tasks, review work schedule and
task sequence, consider staggered starting and finishing times etc.).
2. Review - work practices, mindful of close working arrangements. Guide site personnel to self-assess
their task for social distancing and transmission points.

4. How a COVID-19 Outbreak Could Affect Workplaces

Similar to influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has the
potential to cause extensive outbreaks. Under conditions associated with widespread
person-to-person spread, multiple areas of Bangladesh and other countries may see
impacts at the same time. In the absence of a vaccine, an outbreak may also be an extended
event. As a result, workplaces may experience:

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Workers could be absent because they are sick; are caregivers for sick family members; are
caregivers for children if schools or day care centers are closed; have at-risk people at
home, such as immunocompromised family members; or are afraid to come to work
because of fear of possible exposure.

Consumer demand for items related to infection prevention (e.g., respirators) is likely to
increase significantly, while consumer interest in other goods may decline. Consumers
may also change shopping patterns because of a COVID-19 outbreak. Consumers may try
to shop at off-peak hours to reduce contact with other people, show increased interest in
home delivery services, or prefer other options, such as drive-through service, to reduce
person-to-person contact.

Shipments of items from geographic areas severely affected by COVID-19 may be delayed
or cancelled with or without notification.

Need to consider how best to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and lower the impact of
the virus on their workplace. This may include actions in one or more of the following
areas:

» Reduce transmission among employees

» Maintain healthy business operations, and
» Maintain a healthy work environment

5. Steps to Reduce Workers’ Risk of Exposure to SARS-CoV-2

This section describes basic steps that every employer can take to reduce the risk of worker
exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in their workplace. Later sections
of this guidance—including those focusing on jobs classified as having low, medium, high, and
very high exposure risks—provide specific recommendations for employers and workers
within specific risk categories.
5.1 Develop an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan
Develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan to provide guideline for
protective actions against COVID-19.
Plan shall consider and address the level(s) of risk associated with various worksite and job
tasks workers perform at sites. Such considerations may include:
Where, how, and to what sources of SARS-CoV-2 might workers be exposed,
including: The general public, management, employee and client; and Sick individuals or those
at particularly high risk of infection (e.g., international travelers who have visited locations
with widespread sustained (ongoing) COVID-19 transmission, workers who have had
unprotected exposures to people known to have, or suspected of having, COVID-19).
Non-occupational risk factors at home and in community settings.
Workers’ individual risk factors (e.g., older age; presence of chronic medical
conditions, including immunocompromising conditions; pregnancy).

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Controls necessary to address those risks.

Follow local government recommendations regarding development of contingency plans for

situations that may arise as a result of outbreaks, such as:
 The need for social distancing, staggered work shifts, downsizing operations,
delivering services remotely, and other exposure-reducing measures.
 Options for conducting essential operations with a reduced workforce, including
cross-training workers across different jobs in order to continue operations or
deliver surge services.
 Interrupted supply chains or delayed deliveries.

Plans should also consider and address necessary steps to reduce the risk of worker exposure to
SARS-CoV-2 in their workplace, described in the sections below.

5.2 Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplace:

The low-cost measures below will help prevent the spread of infections in your workplace, such as
colds, flu and stomach bugs, and protect your customers, contractors, and employees.
Employers should start doing these things now, even if COVID-19 has not arrived in the
communities where they operate. These measures can reduce working days lost due to illness and
stop or slow the spread of COVID-19 if it arrives at one of your workplaces.

5.2.1 Make sure your workplaces are clean and hygienic

- contamination on surfaces and objects touched by employees in one of the main ways that
COVID-19 spreads. Surfaces (e.g. desks, tables, door locks, frequently used tools and
equipment) and objects (e.g. laptops) need to be wiped with disinfectant regularly.
- All areas in the premises including the following shall be disinfected completely
using user friendly disinfectant mediums.

 Entrance Gate of Building, Office etc.

 Meeting room, Conference halls
 Open areas available
 Verandah
 Entrance Gate of Site, Bunkers, Pota Cabins, Building etc.
 Equipment
 Washroom, Toilet, Sink, doorknobs/handles etc.
 Walls
 All other surfaces

- Procedure shall be established for the disinfection method, type of medium, periodicity, log
register, etc.
- Appropriate PPE like Face covers, Masks, Goggles, Gloves, Coats / Aprons, Shoes and also
appropriate disinfecting gadgets like sprayer, brush, etc. shall be made available.
- Display board regarding the procedure of disinfection shall be displayed at
entrances/prominent places.
- Installation of Disinfection chambers - Disinfection chambers are to be placed at
entry points for disinfecting the employees/others.

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5.2.2 Promote regular and thorough sanitization by management, employees and clients
- Put sanitizing hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the workplace. Make sure
these dispensers are regularly refilled.
 All people who are entering the premises shall be sanitized using whole body
sanitizers
 Hand sanitizers shall be kept ready in the entrances and people after entry shall
sanitize their hands before proceeding to their work spots
 Bio-metric (Finger touch) swiping for attendance shall be temporarily discontinued
 Alternate arrangements for attendance (Swiping with bar code or register)
- Display posters promoting hand-washing
- Combine with other communication measures such as offering guidance from occupational
health and safety officers, briefings at meetings, and information on intranet sites to
promote hand-washing
- Make sure that management, employees, and clients have access to places where they can
wash their hands with soap and water. Washing kills the virus on hands and prevents the
spread of COVID-19.

5.2.3 Promote good respiratory hygiene in the workplace

- Display posters promoting respiratory hygiene. Combine this with other communication
measures such as guidance from occupational health and safety officers, briefing at
meetings, and information on the intranet, etc.
- Ensure that face masks or paper tissues are available at your workplaces, for those who
develop a runny nose or cough at work, along with closed bins for hygienically disposing
of them. Good respiratory hygiene prevents the spread of COVID-19.

Brief employees, subcontractors, and clients that if COVID-19 starts spreading in workplace
anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) needs to stay at home. They
should also stay home (or work from home) if they have had to take simple medications, such as
paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of infection

- Keep promoting the message that people need to stay at home (14 days) even if they have
only mild symptoms of COVID-19
- Display posters with this message in workplaces. Combine this with other communication
channels commonly used in inhouse organization or business
- Make clear to employees that they will be able to count this time off as sick leave

5.3 Security procedures at entry gates

Screening at Points of Entry

 Compulsory screening all persons irrespective of cadre / status entering through gate with
thermal scanner.
 Stoppage of any person found fever and cough with breathing problem and inform
concerned department. Person shall be taken to nearest quarantine facility and later to govt
hospital immediately.
 No new workers (without valid pass) shall be allowed inside.
 Any new vehicle shall not be allowed without valid permission.

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 Any parcel /courier person should be stopped at gate. Parcel shall be collected from gate by
concerned person.
 All vehicles including two wheelers shall be parked outside gate.
 All the person entering into gate shall be permitted inside only if they are with nose mask.

End of Shift
 Conduct health screening on all workers at end of shift to ensure they are still well before leaving
the worksite;
 Keep a log of temperature reading for all workers;
 Ensure workers have disposed properly any disposable used PPE;

Restriction on the entry of outsiders

Entry of relatives / friends of employees is to be avoided to maximum extent. In case of essential

entry, they are to be checked for health issue at the gates.
Entry of visitors is to be avoided to maximum extent. In case of essential entry, they are to be
checked for health issue at the entry.

Labor Camps

» All outside camps, utility areas, drainages, waste bins, etc. are to be cleaned and
disinfected using disinfectant on daily basis.
» To ensure that all doors / windows/ fittings are disinfected frequently.
» Special attention be given to wash rooms / toilets by periodical cleaning,
swabbing, disinfecting and maintaining dry.
» Walls / Doors / Windows and all fittings in wash rooms shall also be disinfected
and cleaned thoroughly.
» Soap solutions / hand sanitizers shall be placed in all camps / wash rooms places
where ever required and replenished periodically.
» To ensure that all the workers who are coming for work are healthy and not
having any symptoms of COVID-19 (Fever, Dry cough, Breathing problem).
» Arrangements to be made to supply all essential items like rice, wheat, groceries,
water, etc. to camps itself so as to restrict movements of laborers.
» Appropriate masks shall be distributed to all laborers.
» All shall be advised to wear mask always while at camps, movement outside (only
if unavoidable reason) and during duty timings.
» Tie up shall be made for getting medically examination of all people for any
Covid-19 symptoms.
» Quarantine hall or room shall be established in camp for the said purpose.
» Display precautions measures - do’s and don’ts at camp premises in all languages
spoken by the workers.
» Vehicle shall be kept ready or tip up for vehicle shall be made for emergency
purpose.
» Minimum social distancing shall be ensured in keeping occupants in a single room.
Disinfecting spray done at all the areas of colony after workers are left for work
daily.

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» A team comprising Dipon HSE and Site in charge shall visit camp frequently to
ensure availability of essential things and regarding no off occupants, cleanliness,
sanitization status, etc. and submit a report to PD.
» Feedback in written form or through personal interaction regarding camps
requirements shall be generated on weekly basis.

5.4 Handling Deliveries/Rentals

Clearly identify delivery zones;

Avoid handwritten or e-signatures, use other contactless methods of verification;
Make alcohol-based hand sanitizers available for workers (and delivery person) after physically
handling deliveries;
All supply chains must have a license/approval to operate and travel

Machinery/Construction Vehicles
» Do health screening and record personal details of machine/vehicle operator;
» If machine/vehicle is to be handled by in house workers, clean and disinfect frequently
touched surfaces such as control buttons, handles, seating etc.;
» Immediately wash hands or use hand sanitizer after using machine/vehicle;

Material delivery
» Minimize number of workers attending to deliveries as much as possible –keep a record of
contacts and items/materials delivered;
» Deliveries are unloaded solely by receivers wearing PPE, while deliverers remain in their
vehicles;

5.5 Waste Management

» Provide no-touch closed lid bins to prevent virus from spreading;

» All bins should be lined and replaced frequently.

6. Manage COVID-19 risk when organizing meetings and events

Why do we need to think about COVID-19?

Management need to think about the potential risk from COVID-19 because:
 There is a risk that people attending at workplace and meeting or event might unwittingly
bring the COVID-19 virus to the workplace or meeting. Others might be unknowingly
exposed to COVID-19.
 Although COVID-19 is a mild disease for most people, it can make some very ill. Around 1
in every 5 people who catch COVID-19 needs hospital treatment.

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Key considerations to prevent or reduce COVID-19 risks for meeting

BEFORE the meeting or event

• Develop and agree a preparedness plan to prevent infection at your meeting or event.

– Consider whether a face-to-face meeting or event is needed. Could it be replaced by a

teleconference or online event?

– Could the meeting or event be scaled down so that fewer people attend?

– Verify information and communication channels in advance with key partners such as public
health and health care authorities.

– Pre-order sufficient supplies and materials, including tissues and hand sanitizer for all
participants. Have surgical masks available to offer anyone who develops respiratory symptoms.

– Actively monitor where COVID-19 is circulating. Advise participants in advance that if they
have any symptoms or feel unwell, they should not attend.
– Make sure all organizers, participants and visitors at the event provide contact details: mobile
telephone number, email, and address where they are staying.
– Identify a room or area where someone who is feeling unwell or has symptoms can be safely
isolated
– Have a plan for how they can be safely transferred from there to a health facility.
– Know what to do if a meeting participant, staff member, or service provider tests positive for
COVID-19 during or just after the meeting
– Agree the plan in advance with your partner health care provider or health department.
• Develop and agree a response plan in case someone at the meeting becomes ill with
symptoms of COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, malaise).

This plan should include at least:

DURING the meeting

Provide information or a briefing, preferably both orally and in writing, on COVID-19 and the
measures that have been taken to make this event safe for participants.

– Build trust. For example, as an icebreaker, practice ways to say hello without touching.
– Encourage regular hand-washing or use of an alcohol rub by all participants at the meeting or
event.
– Encourage participants to cover their face with the bend of their elbow or a tissue if they cough or
sneeze. Supply tissues and closed bins for disposal.
– Provide contact details or a health hotline number that participants can call for advice or to give
information.

• Display dispensers of alcohol-based hand rub prominently around the venue.

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• If there is space, arrange seats so that participants are at least 1 meter apart.
• Open windows and doors whenever possible to make sure the venue is well ventilated.

If anyone who starts to feel unwell, follow your preparedness plan or call your hotline.

AFTER the meeting

1. Retain the names and contact details of all participants for at least one month. This will help
public health authorities trace people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if one or more
participants become ill shortly after the event.

2. If someone at the meeting or event was isolated as a suspected COVID-19 case, the organizer
should inform participants. They should be advised to monitor themselves for symptoms for 14
days and take their temperature twice a day.

3. If they develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 C or more) they
should stay at home and self-isolate. This means avoiding close contact (less than 1 meter) with
other people, including family members. They should also call their health care provider or the
local public health department, giving them details of their recent travel and symptoms.

4. Thank all the participants for their cooperation with the provisions in place.

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