By Rick Britton
This seems like a troubling time for some of us. Our business is great, but what about our health and welfare? There are lots of questions on everyone’s mind. Therefore, here are some common-sense steps we’re taking to encourage everyone to stay healthy and safe and keep the business going strong.
- The DMP Facilities team, led by our vice president of Corporate Services has implemented additional cleaning and disinfecting procedures to help reduce any virus spreading. Daily they are wiping down door handles and related flat surfaces. Most doors are being propped open to reduce the times we have to touch any surfaces.
- The IT manager and IT department have reviewed our capacity to support a significant increase in employees working remote via computer. Today, our vice president of Product Management & Support, as well as our Call Center manager had a portion of our Tech Support department work from home with remote IP phones to check our preparedness in that department.
- Our Executive Management Group is monitoring the appropriate governmental agencies to stay up to date on COVID-19 outbreaks and related area responses. This would include governmental agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Emergency Management, appropriate local jurisdiction’s health departments, such as the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, as well as Dr. Jim Blaine and his staff at the DMP Family Clinic.
- DMP’s chief operating officer, director of Manufacturing and our Purchasing director are leading a great production group that is exceeding all of our previous years. Inventory levels of incoming parts were increased months ago and continue to be increased even as sales grow significantly.
- Business will continue to be conducted as normal. If you have business travel plans and have questions or concerns about a particular travel area, please contact your supervisor.
- If you receive information from either customers or vendors pertaining to their business disruption caused by COVID-19, please forward the info to your supervisor.
By now, I’m sure we’re all familiar with these tips, but they can’t be emphasized enough to help prevent the spread of illness at all times:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water. At least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer.
- Stay home when you’re sick. If you have a fever or cough, please use your PTO and stay home. A few years ago, we extended our Sick Days and combined them with PTO. We all like to save as many days as possible for our vacation, but these are meant to be used when you aren’t feeling well. Your co-workers are using their days to protect you from illness; please do the same for them.
- Wipe down phones, keyboards and surface tops regularly, especially in shared work areas.
- I know we are a close company that likes to shake hands or give a warm embrace, but right now keep your distance from others; everyone understands.
- Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes. This is a very difficult one.
- Limit food sharing.
- Practice these same tips at home.
China, Iran and Italy (and now most of Europe) have been designated as Level 3 Travel Health Notice by the US CDC. Persons returning from these countries are instructed to stay home and monitor their health for 14 days. If you or a family member in your home returns from one of these locations, please follow the instructions from the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html.
Your service to your family, each other and customers is important, and I encourage you to continue taking common sense steps to remain healthy. Thank you for your hard work and care of each other. We will get through this together.
Rick