A couple of weeks ago I approached a subject that raised a number of discussions.
Why not allow – I wrote – only and exclusively enterprises that have certifiable safety conditions in place to exit the lockdown (therefore complying with the new measures dictated by the Covid-19 emergency)? And why not toughen the controls so as to inflict fines and/or to close down those that do not?
The main issue raised by those who did not agree referred to
the difficulty in carrying out checks to ensure the actual respect of the safety measures imposed by Covid-19, due to the severe shortage of personnel assigned to this task.
Well, there is no doubt that there is likely to be a number of difficulties in carrying out blanket controls. But I believe we must add many other factors to the equation, as we will only be truly immune to this virus when we have a vaccine, which presumably will not be available for a minimum of 12/18 months. So unfortunately
we will have to cohabitate with Covid-19 for many months to come.
And also – whilst respecting the opinions of other –
I am rather perplexed by the fact that the possible lack of controls is seen as a problem so large as to preclude the possibility of reopening after the lockdown.
Also because enterprises already have trade unions, Workers’ Safety Representatives, (WSR), Prevention and Protection Service Managers (PPSM) and so forth. These are all individuals or departments assigned to manage risk situations.
And then – and here I speak as an entrepreneur because this is what I have been for most of my life – I am firmly convinced that people are the core value of a company, not to mention the fact that I myself, and many of my colleagues, have grown up together. Therefore there is no way I could imagine making them work in dangerous conditions, neither before nor – let alone – now that we are in the middle of a full health emergency.
Even before any such obligations came into force, MICROingranaggi had already put in place smart working for all the feasible work activities, and suspended the work of those who travelled too our facility using means of public transport, as well as employees with health problems and therefore more exposed to such risks. And throughout these weeks of restricted operations, the health of our employees continues to be my constant thought to which I give top priority: minimum distancing is widely respected and, in addition, we are assessing the ideal of erecting plexiglass dividers between work benches and desks. This is naturally in addition to the mandatory use of gloves and masks, disinfectant dispensers in every department, daily temperature tests and so forth.
Then, obviously, I am fully aware of the fact that we are not all the same and there are many entrepreneurs lacking in such principles. But just as there are many corrupt policemen, paedophile priests or reckless doctors, this doesn’t mean we have to close police stations, churches and hospitals. Fortunately this is because the majority of those operating in such professions do so in an excellent manner.
We should also consider the fact that,
unlike many decades ago (the year 1968 springs to mind), mechanical enterprises such as MICROingranaggi are workplaces that are generally safe and accidents (which are practically absent at our facilities) are almost always caused by incorrect or reckless conduct.
But let’s say (even if I do think so) that the majority of entrepreneurs are lacking in such principles. At the end of the day, these people are still entrepreneurs and, as such, will certainly be focused on the economic aspect of their business. Am I wrong?
So I will ask you a question: can you imagine what damage a Covid-19 positive employee (or, even worse, an outbreak) would be for an enterprise? It would mean further suspension of business operations (with everything that follows), and also – in the worst case scenario – legal action filed against the company itself if, following an inspection, the working conditions fail to comply with the mandatory measures.
