At Steel & Tube, we know we are Stronger Together. For us, that means we are at our strongest when working together with our colleagues, customers and suppliers.
Due to the introduction of New Zealand’s COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the Traffic Light system, being stronger together looks a bit different. Here is how we’re working together to keep our communities safe while continuing to deliver for our customers.
The Impact on Supply Chain
Steel & Tube is fortunate to have been able to solidify its relationships with steel mills and producers across the world. Due to the diversity of our supply chain, we are confident in our ability to continue securing both finished goods for distribution and raw materials for processing prior to delivery for our customers.
Mark Baker, General Manager – Group Supply Chain and Distribution Centres: “Steel & Tube’s focus on making it easy for our customers to get the products they need when and where they are required has not wavered in the face of the pandemic. Our Supply Chain team have worked tirelessly to get products where they need to be. We’ve been creative and we’ll continue to do what it takes for our customers. Ultimately, your success is our success”.
Here are the steps we are taking to keep our supply chain open:
- Requiring the use of masks on-site
- Maintaining social distancing
- Requiring Steel & Tube employees and third-party delivery drivers to have current vaccine passes
- Operating a strict zoning system at our manufacturing and distribution facilities to minimise the impact of isolation requirements due to a COVID-19 case
- Minimising the number of visitors entering our facilities, customers collecting product from our sites are provided specific collection times
- Providing our staff that have been identified as close contacts with special leave to encourage them to stay home, if needed, to minimise the risk of infecting others
- Implementing site-specific continuity plans to ensure we can maintain service in the event of absenteeism due to COVID-19 isolation requirements.
Keeping our Communities Safe
As a major employer, it is critical that we provide a safe working environment for our people as the health of our people impacts the health of our wider community. We have implemented several procedures with a view to keep our people safe and healthy.
Here are the key changes we’ve made:
- Each site lead has completed a COVID-19 Procedure and Safety Protocols Checklist to ensure every process is followed
- Every site has developed a COVID-19 Readiness Plan for review by our COVID-19 Response team which consists of a cross-section of Steel & Tube’s senior management and executive team
- Each Steel & Tube site has been divided into different zones. This limits the movements of our team within our facilities to minimise risk of exposure
- Each site lead is familiar with best practice if a case of COVID-19 Omicron variant is detected or suspected
- The use of PPE and other safety measures have continued
- We have recently had a COVID-19 booster vaccination drive at one of our largest sites to encourage all employees to get their booster as soon as possible
- Steel & Tube has registered as a Critical Service* with the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment to ensure we are able to continue to support key sectors throughout New Zealand.
Connecting with Us
As much as we love connecting with our customers in person, our preference is for our customers to purchase through our digital channels to keep everyone safe. To learn more about purchasing via our webshops, click here.
If you do need to visit us on site to pick up a click and collect contactless order, please ensure that you:
- Wear a mask
- Sanitise your hands
- Maintain social distancing of two metres
- Scan in for track and trace
- Provide us with your vaccine pass.
You will see signage regarding our site entry procedures if you or your team need to visit us on site.
Thank you for playing your part in keeping our communities safe.
*Critical services mean one of the following:
- basic human needs (food production, distribution, and sale of basic food; principle accommodation; health services including services provided for deceased persons);
- key public services (including government decision making, MIQ and emergency services);
- support systems and services (lifeline utilities, transport, critical financial services, news media, and social welfare);
- maintenance of the above areas (supply chains, necessary ancillary services).
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