The DOF Group, as a responsible company and global citizens, is following advice given by government and health authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, DOF has taken actions and implemented measures to minimise the risk of employee exposure, ensure robust business continuity, and protect our local communities. DOF is balancing risk and action during these difficult times, but we are always guided by our values, especially, “Above all, we are SAFE”.

In additional to fulfilling local laws and regulations, DOF follows advice and guidelines from several international agencies, including but not limited to:

World Health Organisation (WHO) - Link to COVID-19 portal

European Center for Disease (ECDC) - Link to COVID-19 portal

International SOS - Link to COVID-19 portal

Supported by the guidance from organisations above, DOF distributes regularly memos to employees, messages from leaders, and has a dedicated dashboard for COVID-19 information, including a constantly reviewed COVID-19 Guideline.

Further changes in procedure as a result of COVID-19 “coronavirus” will be distributed upon request. The following measures are in effect per 1st October 2020 at all DOF worksites, both offshore and onshore:

Health pre-screening, Vessels/Offshore, & Business travel

DOF has globally implemented a self-assessment form that is based on a simple questionnaire. The form asks if you have travelled internationally, have symptoms, or have been around people with symptoms; and provides leave (offshore) or home-office (onshore) alternatives for anyone who cannot confirm their health status. For ease of access and processing, we are distributing and receiving the form electronically. The routines around the self-assessment form are in place and working as intended. Additionally, in order to minimise stress on health systems and emergency health services, a new medical declaration is required in specific regions and operations to prevent employees with a higher health-risk, as determined by a company medical consultant, from onboarding.

DOF has implemented a complete stop of all non-essential employees from visiting DOF vessels. Essential offshore employees are only allowed to visit or enter a vessel after completing their self-assessment form 24-72 hours prior to embarking. In addition, operational guidelines specific to COVID-19 “coronavirus” have been developed and procedures put into practice onboard, including specific testing procedures and unique quarantine plans for each vessel in operation. Essential travel, including crew changes and support during yard stays, have continued with high focus on safe travel, self-monitoring, and isolation- and quarantine requirements. In order to concentrate efforts on crew changes, after dialogue with all stakeholders, we have continued with our initial adjustment to extend stays onboard reducing the total number of crew changes. Advice from health authorities and our company medical support has and will be constantly monitored and we are focused on making crew changes as safe as possible for our people.

All non-essential international travel has been stopped per late-February. Any exceptions require risk assessment and approval by the regional EVP.

Work from home & meeting restrictions

With the goal to reduce travel and minimise the number of employees in the office, we have put together a Work from Home (WFH) Guideline. In order to meet regional-specific operational requirements, business unit heads have implemented plans that balance WFH and onsite alternatives. Together with our dedicated IT partner, IT tools have been fast-tracked and rolled out successfully to support WFH arrangements globally. Due to practices and tools deployed in first half of 2020, DOF has been able to quickly and successfully respond to local municipality recommendations or requirements to minimise commuter traffic and avoid workplace crowding.

DOF has instructed employees that internal meetings, when possible, should be conducted over tele and video conferencing tools. Additionally, in regions where threat levels are medium or higher, there is a complete stop of all onsite visitors and globally all offsite meetings shall be limited to business-critical arrangements and require approval by EVP.

Health precautions

The Group CEO has sent several, direct communications to all employees stressing the importance of prioritising the health of the employee and their family. The organisation continues to be informed, through multiple channels, to maintain a high focus on personal- and workplace hygiene, including washing hands, avoiding physical contact, and limiting exposure to large groups of people. Employees who feel unwell have been told to contact their General Practitioner or local health provider for medical advice, and at a minimum remain home until they can confirm their health status.

Graphic courtesy of World Health Organisation

 

Continuing to take pre-emptive meaures, globally

DOF is balancing risk and action during these difficult times, but we are always guided by our values, especially, “Above all, we are SAFE”. For further questions or updates, please contact your regional DOF office. You can find all contacts listed on our website: www.dof.com

Learn more about how DOF is a values-driven organisation