28 May 2020 AENOR has awarded Argal Alimentación the AENOR Protocol certification against COVID-19 for its best practices in managing risks derived from coronavirus, implemented during the health crisis and which involve the implementation of a series of measures aimed at protecting its workers, ensuring, at all times, the highest standards of food quality and safety. The Argal protocol against the COVID-19 covers the entire production and supply chain: from the admission of raw materials to manufacturing plants, until the delivery of the product to the customer.
The food group, in its commitment to ensuring the safety and health of its workers, has implemented since last March different measures to protect its professionals against SARS-CoV-2. It is a series of measures mainly related to hygiene, organisational, training and information aimed to minimise the risk of contagion. With these measures, which are applicable both to the company's staff and to its suppliers and collaborating companies, Argal wants to give priority to its workers, guaranteeing their health and safety, as well as contributing with society to minimise the spread of the virus.
Now, thanks to this new Best Practices against COVID-19 certification, initiated by AENOR, Argal will have an external endorsement to support the fact that these measures carried out by the company and that form part of its Action Protocol are effective in the face of the risks arising from this pandemic, and that it also complies with the guidelines established by the Ministry of Health in the area of Prevention and Hygiene on COVID-19 for essential services.
The methodology created by AENOR represents a complete approach to the management of COVID-19 related risks by organisations, from the management of the specific risks of each organisation to the application of protocols aligned with them. Actions are also audited with regard to occupational health management, good cleaning practices, correct use of chemicals, good practices in personnel hygiene and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), training and practices of staff in their private environment, such as the hygiene of their personal vehicles or laundry. Similarly, training and information for workers and communication with stakeholders are examined; as well as waste management and organisational measures to minimise risks. All of this is aligned with the revision of their contingency and business continuity plans.
The evaluation carried out by AENOR assesses aspects such as risk management, occupational health management, training/information and communications developed to reveal these best practices, organisational measures (capacity control, social distancing, alternative circulation routes, etc.), the protection measures (use of personal protective equipment), as well as the intensification of good cleaning and hygiene practices, among others.
Ultimately, it is a certificate that promotes confidence among all groups, a key aspect for the economic and social recovery of the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
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