Vitro implements preventive measures to combat the Swine Flu epidemic

In light of the appeal from the Mexican Authorities to implement measures to mitigate the impact of the H1N1 flu outbreak that took place at the end of April and beginning of May, Vitro opted to join the effort and take the appropriate preventive measures.

“We applied a contingency plan with the firm commitment to preserve the integrity of the health of our employees as well as outside people entering the Company installations, such as clients, suppliers and contractors, among others”, declares Raúl González Sáenz, Manager of Quality, Safety and Environment.

He adds that among the main initiatives that were implemented was the temporary suspension of all non-essential work activities from May 1 to May 5, allowing work via remote means, as well as the handing out of more than 110 thousand surgical face masks.

“These were used by our personnel during working hours as well on public transportation used to go and come from work; the measures also applied to contractors, clients and suppliers”, he explains.

At the same time we installed more than 27 thousand disinfectants and antiseptic solutions for use by our personnel in their work centers.

“We have been evaluating our employees as they entered our facilities to assure that they did not present any symptoms of the illness; those who showed symptoms were immediately channeled to the Medical Department of each of the respective business units for evaluation; in total we undertook a little more than 460 medical examines fortunately without any serious consequence”, he comments.

Javier Uriegas, Director, Human Development and Quality at Vitro added that all training sessions, meetings and social and sporting activities were suspended within and outside the installations.

“At the same time we asked all pregnant or lactation personnel not to come to work as well as canceling all travel by our employees”.

“He adds that these measures, among many others that were taken in the Company, had an extremely positive impact, as the number absentees, due to the flu, have been very low.