Southerland Inc. is sharing its safety practices with retailers to help them protect against the transmission of COVID-19 as their stores reopen. The Nashville-based manufacturer’s protocol is a five-point checklist covering store and warehouse sanitation, employee wellness checks, the required use of face masks, proper social distancing, and regulations for delivery personnel. Southerland has implemented this plan at all of its facilities in Arizona, Oklahoma, Oregon and Tennessee.
“We, as an industry and a company, are currently operating in unprecedented times and everyone is anxious about safety,” said Bryan Smith, Southerland president and chief executive officer. “As retail doors begin to open back up, we know consumers will remain cautious in choosing where they shop. Because of that, we wanted to share some of our best practices with our valued partners to help reassure their teams and customers. With information about the virus being updated daily, we will continue to follow the latest safety and health recommendations available.”
According to a news release, Southerland employees wear face masks at all times, work staggered shifts and practice social distancing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Southerland Transport personnel do not enter the factories and must wear personal protective equipment and conduct frequent surface cleaning.
