May 4th, 2020
HEDDLE SHIPYARDS – COVID 19 UPDATE
As the global situation concerning COVID 19 continues to develop, the health and safety of our employees, suppliers, customers and their families remains our top priority. To date, no Heddle employee has tested positive for COVID 19. We will continue to keep our people informed on any developments through postings and information sessions. Also, we will provide regular updates on our social media accounts because townhall sessions are no longer possible. We will continue to react to this changing situation taking guidance and direction from Provincial and Federal health and government officials.
Heddle Shipyards has been deemed an essential service. We are an important service provider to the marine industry which is a vital lifeline to the Canadian economy. To date, no Federal or Provincial recommendation to cease business operations has been issued and Heddle Shipyards intends to remain operational until such a recommendation is made. Our business and the re-delivery of our customers vessels remains critical to ensuring the health of trade and commerce in Ontario and Canada. Our business also supports the livelihoods of our people and so we are doing everything that we can to stay open without compromising safety. We will evaluate this decision daily as the situation evolves.
Heddle Shipyards has implemented a number of policies and procedures to protect our people, suppliers and customers. These initiatives include:
- The creation of a COVID-19 Response Team
- Enforcing Screening measures (i.e. questionnaires, infrared temperature scanning and
interviews) for anyone entering one of our shipyards. - Hiring dedicated personnel to disinfect high traffic areas in the shipyards continuously.
- Educating and enforcing physical distancing.
- Educating and encouraging increased personnel hygiene
- Communicating our new policies and procedures to all employees
Heddle Shipyards is continually monitoring the situation and is responding to new information on an hourly basis. We will continue to adapt to new directives from public health officials and escalate preventative measures as the circumstances change.
Shaun Padulo
President Heddle Shipyards