06.05.2020. Right as the infinitely 'small' shakes the whole world, the Republic of Congo has considered harvesting and transformation of sustainable hardwood ‘Made in Africa’ an essential activity of its economy. Work and life at IFO are fully continuing, even though Congolese authorities have extended the state of health emergency. The company, determined to win the fight against COVID-19, is concerned for the health of workers.

IFO has thus developed an emergency plan aimed at preventing and mitigating the associated risks. With one overarching goal: to ensure that workers work safely, without fear of losing their jobs.The plan, in effect since March for an initial period of 6 months, tackles three levels of emergency and includes prevention measures targeting workers and communities living in the Ngombé forest.

Each worker has received reusable masks. Wearing a mask is compulsory everywhere on site, in the sawmills or in the Liouesso camp, an outpost for wood harvesting in the forest. The safety distance of at least 1 m must be observed. Wearing a mask is equally compulsory in offices with several people, which are being disinfected twice a day. Same for the time clock. At the start of the day, flash thermometers take each worker’s temperature – on a daily basis. Hand washing is done before, during and after work, several times a day. Training on good hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is held in local languages. Copies of info-graphics serve as visual reminders on site and in the villages, where awareness-raising activities are carried out, as well.

The crisis generated by the virus allows us to learn several lessons; amongst all: no one can live on self-preservation alone. With your help, workers in Congo know that they too are ‘essential’ –they, their families and communities.

Please DONATE NOW, join INTERHOLCO in the fight against COVID-19:

To be continued...