Vedanta’s Alumina Refinery at Lanjigarh, Odisha has intensified its precautionary measures against COVID-19 as per the guidelines of the Government and the health authorities. The plant continues to operate, ensuring adherence to stringent COVID-19 guidelines issued by the central and state authorities.
Following the recent identification of some positive cases in the adjoining areas, Vedanta Lanjigarh has strengthened the enforcement of its protocols for safeguarding employees and associate partners against COVID-19. Entry into the plant premises is highly regulated and prohibited without due thermal scanning and soon will also utilize the Aarogya Setu app for further strengthening the process. All employees and workers are strictly mandated to wear relevant PPE and individual masks all the time. Hand sanitizers have been placed at all entry points in the plant.
There is mandatory cleaning of all workplace surfaces and areas of operations every 4 hours. Social distancing protocols are implemented and followed with heightened rigour. Vedanta has undertaken fumigation and disinfection of dozens of villages, public places, marketplaces, government offices etc. to ensure the safety of employees, workers and the peripheral villagers and has been widely appreciated by the local community and the administration.
Rakesh Mohan, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh unit informed, “For Vedanta, the safety and well-being of our employees, associate partners’ workers and the community are of utmost importance. The company is undertaking safe operations through these extensive preventive measures against COVID-19 across the operational facility, residential areas and adjacent areas. We continue to stand together in this worldwide pandemic.”
Company is also sensitizing the local communities and as part of this, telephonic awareness sessions are being conducted for the members of the local Self-Help Groups on precautionary measures. A 24×7 helpline to cater to the community’s concerns on the COVID-19 outbreak has also been created. Moreover, Vedanta’s Lanjigarh hospital offers a telemedicine facility to community members who can avail a doctor’s consultation remotely and safely. This facility has been availed by more than 150 people in just over a month.
The plant has readied self-isolation facilities in case there are any positive cases. In fact, the plant is also supporting the administration by converting Vedanta’s Nand Ghars (Child Care Centre) at Basantapada as a temporary quarantine / isolation center, duly equipped with necessary safety kits.
