By Prior Beharry
A protest by TSTT workers in San Fernando leads to an alternative to temperature testing on the forehead of employees.
Some workers at the TSTT Cipero Work Centre refused to be tested on their foreheads on Tuesday and were not allowed to enter the office and chose to sit in a shed outside.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, TSTT stated that health and safety of their employees, customers and partners were top priority.
TSTT stated that since mid-2020, temperature testing and hand sanitising were mandatory requirements to enter any of its compounds.
It stated:
As part of our Covid-19 response, we have also increased the cleaning and sanitising of work locations and high traffic areas, installed handwashing stations, distributed face masks and implemented a series of measures in the best interest of those we serve.
We use non-contact infrared thermometers and adhere to manufacturer guidelines which state that the thermometer must be directed towards the forehead for the most accurate reading.
It is important to note that these units were designed and calibrated to be used specifically on the forehead.
In light of concerns raised by some employees, we will be looking at robust alternative testing devices which can be deployed at certain TSTT locations provided they meet requisite standards.
Provisions have been made for employees who prefer an alternative method of testing.
In these unique cases, employees are required to produce a letter from a licensed physician and walk with their personal clinical thermometer for temperature testing.
As cases of Covid-19 continue to increase, it is important that we remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to protect against the virus.
In the best interest of our employees and stakeholders, TSTT’s policy regarding temperature testing and hand sanitising remain unchanged.
Secretary General of the Communications Workers’ Union Clyde Elder told AZPNews.com on Tuesday that the employees were not refusing to work but just don’t want temperature testing on their forehead area.
Delta Force advertisement
He said this testing causes a number of psychological problems as videos circulating showed that it may affect the pineal gland.
Elder said whether this was true or not, the issue was that workers do not want a gun pointed at their foreheads.
See related story below:
