TT Club publishes workplace guidance to help UK ports through the coronavirus pandemic

UK ports have demonstrated their resilience by continuing to facilitate 95% of the UK's trade throughout the lockdown period, which includes half of the country’s food imports, along with medicines, energy and fuel. Those port workers responsible for making it happen have been identified as ‘key workers’ by the government and continue to need support as the lockdown now starts to be gradually lifted.

The TT Club paper is part of the BPA's Port Futures Programme, which considers emerging and innovative trends in the ports sector.

Commenting on the TT Club paper, Sara Walsh, Corporate Services Manager at the BPA, said: “During this rather unusual and challenging time, all UK ports are under a lot of pressure. They are having to make difficult decisions about how best to maintain their workforce so critical tasks are performed and legal duties met, whilst also supporting staff who are working at home or are self-isolating.

"We are pleased to be working with TT Club to produce this short paper that addresses some of the key things UK ports and terminals must continue to prioritise when managing their workforce during COVID-19 and its immediate aftermath.

"The maritime sector is no like no other and has worked together during this unprecedented time to overcome the challenges faced as best it can whilst still ensuring food, medicines, energy, fuel and other products continue to flow into the country.”

TT Club is a mutual insurer, formed by the transport industry for the benefit of the industry. Its mission is to make the industry safer and more secure and therefore prioritises risk management and loss prevention, promoting the development and implementation of sound operating practices to the port and terminals sector.

Michael Yarwood, TT Club’s Managing Director for Loss Prevention commented on his organisation’s report for the BPA: “Like many other sectors who have 'key workers', those who work at UK ports and terminals are in a unique position as the vast majority of roles cannot be performed at home.

"We have compiled a list of factors operators should consider as part of their risk assessments and management plans during the COVID-19 outbreak. From social distancing, cleaning facilities, personal protective equipment, shift patterns, communications to remote working and health and well-being, ports must continue to support their staff and ensure all risks are managed as best they can be.

"We are committed to supporting the industry in this effort and are continuing to create and collect resources such as this paper to guide good practice.”

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/10062020/tt-club-publishes-workplace-guidance-to-help-uk-ports-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic/