Our Covid policy. Here at Footsteps Eco-lodge, we have been preparing for when travel is safe again so you can be sure of a covid safe environment. All our team have received training in safety protocol. We have introduced hand washing stations at the main gate and sanitisers are available throughout the lodge!
How we are keeping you safe!
Having a designated COVID policy compliance officer within the workplace is looking like becoming the new norm. This person/s will ensure we meet any instructions or rules issued by the Government to allow us to continue trading.
Our Covid policy compliance officer is Dodou Touray ( General Manager )
The return to work safety protocol sets out specific duties including, our duty to make sure safety measures are in place and being followed.
Updating business and safety plans, including the business COVID-19 Response Plan, the occupational health and safety risk assessment and the safety statement. Including how to deal with a suspected case of COVID-19 in the safety plans and appoint a dedicated manager in charge of dealing with suspected cases. Develop, consult on, communicate and implement workplace changes or policies. Send out a pre-return to work form to employees at least 3 days before their return to work. Provide COVID-19 induction training for all staff. Put in place temperature testing in line with public health advice. Our Covid compliance officer will ensure that these protocols are being adhered to.
Airport transfers
- The vehicle will be cleaned and disinfected for every trip. Only people in your group will travel together .ie no car sharing. The driver will wear a mask and you will be offered a mask.
Food and drink safety
- Physical distancing at the lodge and in dining areas. Food can be delivered to the guest room upon request A La Carte dining only. No buffets.
General safety features.
- Our staff follow all safety protocols as directed by our local authority. Shared stationery such as menu’s, magazines and pens have been removed. Hand sanitiser is available in all key areas and guest rooms. Temperature checks for guests and staff Face masks available for guests and staff. Cashless payment. Physical distancing observed at all times.
Cleaning and disinfecting
- The use of cleaning chemicals recommended as being effective against Corona Virus. Heavy use areas such as toilets cleaned each hour. Linen, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines. Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning. Guests have the option to cancel cleaning services for their room during their stay. Hand sanitiser in all rooms.
Our Covid policy risk assessment.
( Adapted from the UK health & safety executive risk assessment )
What is the risk?
Getting or spreading coronavirus by not washing hands or not washing them adequately or entering the premises unwell.
Who might be harmed?
Workers, customers, guests, drivers entering our premises, visitors.
How can we control the risk?
Hand washing station situated at the entrance to the site. Running water and soap are provided. On entry, a temperature check will be made. ( We use a Non-Contact Medical Temperature Gun ). For those staying at the lodge, antibacterial hand wash in rooms.
Several hand washing stations are available with wash stations indoors and outdoors. Hand sanitiser is available for occasions when hand washing is not possible. Drivers to wash hands when arriving and before departing. All roundhouses have their own veranda with seating chairs a good distance from neighbours which promotes a covid safe environment. Tables and chairs are distanced where possible to promote a safer covid environment in communal areas – ie our bantaba.
Regular cleaning to all contact areas such as fridges, kettles, shared condiments, doors, chairs, tables. Implementation of covid management into the Kitchen safety management policy. Washing facilities and hand sanitisers are now accessible near high traffic communal areas e.g entrance, bantaba. Signs are displayed to remind people to wash and sanitise their hands and not touch their faces.
What further action do we need to consider that may help control the risk?
Gate security to ensure handwashing procedure followed for those entering premises and to be given adequate training for temperature checking before entry. Signs displayed reminded people to wash their hands regularly. Information provided to our workers and all people accessing the site about when and where they need to wash their hands. Identify if and where additional handwashing may be required.
What is the risk?
Getting or spreading coronavirus via close contact at mealtimes.
Who might be harmed?
Workers, guests and visitors.
How can we control the risk?
Meals to be served in the outdoor seating area in bantabar. Those serving food or working in service points will wear masks. Tables to be spaced for good social distancing.
What is the risk?
Getting or spreading coronavirus through workers living together and/or travelling to work together.
Who might be harmed?
Staff.
How can we control the risk?
Identify groups of workers who live together and group into a working bubble where possible. Advise against using Gambian public transport to come into work at Footsteps.
What further action do we need to consider that may help control the risk?
Constant monitoring of staff. Consider offering company bicycles for staff that don’t have them already. Provide hand sanitiser and mask for public transport if no other alternative.
What is the risk?
Getting or spreading coronavirus by not cleaning surfaces, equipment and workstations.
Who might be harmed?
Workers, visitors, guests.
How can we control the risk?
Identify surfaces that are frequently touched e.g. tables, door handles, vehicle door handles (inside and outside), shared equipment, indoor and outdoor equipment. Cleaning team provided with the necessary uniform, tabard, cleaning equipment. Reduce the need for people to move around the hub site as far as possible. Reducing the potential spread of any contamination through touched surfaces. Use electronic documents rather than paperwork where possible. IE our menus are now only available as downloadable PDF’s.
All indoor and outdoor areas are to be cleaned periodically throughout the day. Clear cleaning procedures in place including what cleaning products are needed (e.g. surface cloths, detergents, water etc) and where they should be used e.g. wipes in vehicles, water and detergent on work surfaces. Displayed in the cleaning room. Additional bins are provided and emptied regularlyAreas for people to store personal belongings and keep personal items out of work areas. Additional bins are provided and emptied regularlyAreas for people to store personal belongings and keep personal items out of work areas.
What further action do we need to consider that may help control the risk? –
Monitoring and supervision in place to make sure people are following controls i.e. are implementing the cleaning regimes required. Information provided telling people who needs to clean and when. Instruction and training are provided to people who need to clean, including information on the products they need to use, precautions they need to follow, the areas they need to clean.
What is the risk?
Mental health and wellbeing are affected through isolation and anxiety about the virus.
Who might be harmed?
Staff.
How can we control the risk?
In the event of coronavirus symptoms, the identified person should return home and self isolate as much as possible. Report to manager/supervisor of possible illness. If a high fever is being experienced our advice is to stay away from the health centre. To call the hotline and get tested. Staff should be kept informed at all times with an open door policy.
What further action do we need to consider that may help control the risk?
Implement discussions in appraisals and supervision sessions.
Get a quote for Covid travel insurance and claim your Footsteps discount!