Keppel Shipyard places 100 workers on leave of absence following COVID-19 cases

Keppel Shipyard said that it could confirm two employees had tested positive for COVID-19. “They have been hospitalised and we are extending our full support to them and their families. There are two other cases from our customers but we are unable to comment on behalf of other companies,” the shipyard said in a statement.

The shipyard said that around 100 personnel known to have had direct contact with the patients had been placed on Leave of Absence, under which they should stay at home. It is also assisting in contact tracing.

“We have also thoroughly deep cleaned and disinfected the premises that the patients came into contact with, in accordance with National Environment Agency (NEA) guidelines,” Keppel Shipyard said.

“As a further pre-cautionary measure, we have closed down segments of Keppel Shipyard’s Tuas yard. The affected workers, which include direct employees and resident contractors, were placed on 14 days Leave of Absence from 1 April 2020.”

In terms of measures in place to protect workers from COVID-19 Keppel Shipyard said: “Since the start of the outbreak, we have put in place various measures to combat COVID-19, in line with the advisories regularly issued by MOH and other relevant authorities. These include temperature screening, distribution of thermometers to all employees, split team arrangements, working from home or alternative sites where possible, staggered work shifts and safe distancing within the workplace.”

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