ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih, the largest mining and metallurgical plant in Ukraine, continues to implement precautions to protect its employees and ensure the uninterrupted manufacture. Under conditions of worsening of the epidemiological situation, ArcelorMittal is forced to reduce production at many own companies around the world, but working diligently to prevent them from complete shutdown and to retain staff.
Now the main task is to counter the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of infection, so the plant minimizes the number of personnel at production sites. At the moment, the operation of Blooming-1, light section mill No. 3 of rolling shop No.1, central electro-technical laboratory and electrical repair shop is almost completely stopped. Some employees are on leave, some – are working remotely. At the same time, the company provides the social protection for all employees, paying salaries steadily and protecting the social packages.
ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih has already received the first batch of infrared thermometers to carry out the temperature control at the gates of the plant. The next delivery of thermometers is expected by the end of March. The company has the necessary amount of disinfectants for hand treatment and in the nearest future will receive the additional 250,000 breathing masks. In addition, sewing of the gauze and cloth masks is organized to have the opportunity to provide the individual means of protection for all employees. It is also expected to supply the special protective suits for operation under risk of infection, additional treatments for the territories of the plant, vehicles, bus stops, etc. Pulseoxymeters are purchased to determine the blood oxygen level. The tighten control of cleaning and disinfection of rooms is implemented, the procedure in case of identification of the person infected with COVID-19 is developed and the chiefs are informed, the mass meetings, daily briefings, trainings are cancelled, canteens are closed.
Taking into account the restrictions imposed on transportation by public transport, the alternative options for organization of the work of the plant are considered: shifting the time of start and end of production shifts in different structural subdivisions, as well as organization of additional transportation. Drivers at the plant having D category do work experience as bus drivers as a matter of urgency. In such a case, ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih will have the opportunity to bring 48 large-sized buses and additional minibuses on the line urgently. The negotiations with private carriers about additional special transport in the city are ongoing, but these arrangements will require time and coordination of the efforts.
The management of ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih carries out all governmental instructions under all-Ukrainian quarantine and is in close contact with the local authorities in view of making key decisions. The company helps to the city to fight against spreading of COVID-19. Since March 23, the health care center “Dzherelo” has been closed as a health center, for the period of quarantine it is planned to create an observatory base for the citizens who have previously returned from abroad, as well as for the residents without symptoms of the disease and identified coronavirus, but who have previously been in contact with those to whom COVID-19 has been confirmed. The company’s pipeline includes acquisition of three artificial lung ventilation apparatus for the city health care institutions and equipping of six own ambulances with everything required for safely transportation of the people suspected infecting with coronavirus. (AMKR/Ukrainian metal)