9.3 Employee Health and Hygiene Guidelines

This document aims to identify guidelines and procedures for employees to ensure a safe, healthy, and hygienic workplace for all employees, customers, and visitors as well as prevent the contamination of products handled and stored at GWSI Facilities. Maintaining high standards of personal hygiene and health helps prevent illness, contamination, and the spread of infectious diseases within the workplace.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, temporary staff, and visitors working on company premises.

Responsibilities

Management

• Provide facilities and resources for employees to maintain proper hygiene (e.g., handwashing stations, sanitizers, restrooms, PPE).
• Ensure that employees are trained on health and hygiene requirements.
• Monitor compliance and address any breaches of this policy.
• Support employees who report illness or health concerns without discrimination.

Employees

• Adhere to all health and hygiene practices outlined in this policy.
• Report illnesses, infections, or injuries that could affect workplace safety or hygiene.
• Maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance at all times.
• Follow any additional health and safety protocols related to specific work areas.

General Health Requirements

All personnel, including employees, visitors, and temporary workers, must notify GWSI management of any relevant infectious disease or conditions to which they may have been exposed. Employees who cannot report to work must notify their manager before their designated work period.

• Employees must report to work only when they are fit and healthy to perform their duties.
• Employees experiencing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent coughing must notify their supervisor and refrain from working until deemed appropriate for them to return to work.
• Employees must notify management if they have been diagnosed with or exposed to a communicable disease.

Personal Hygiene Standards

Hand Hygiene

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water:
• Before starting work and after breaks
• After using the restroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or touching the face
• After handling waste or cleaning materials
• Before and after eating or handling food

Personal Cleanliness and Appearance

• GWSI employees are expected to maintain an acceptable standard of cleanliness and grooming when at work.

Clothing and Protective Equipment

• Wear clean and appropriate work attire daily.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required (e.g., gloves, masks, hairnets, aprons).
• Replace or sanitize PPE as instructed by workplace protocols.

Workplace Cleanliness

• Maintain clean personal work areas and shared spaces.
• Dispose of waste properly in designated containers.
• Clean up spills immediately and report any sanitation issues.

Food and Beverage Consumption

• Consume food and beverages only in designated break or dining areas.
• Store personal food in labeled containers in designated refrigerators, if provided.
• Do not share eating utensils, cups, or water bottles.

Illness and Return-to-Work Procedures

• Employees returning to work after illness may be required to provide a medical clearance certificate.
• The company may request a health assessment if an employee’s illness poses a potential risk to others.
• Supervisors must ensure that employees returning to work comply with hygiene and health standards.

Training and Communication

• All employees must receive initial and ongoing training on health and hygiene practices.
• Updates to the policy or new health regulations will be communicated promptly.

Compliance and Disciplinary Action

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.