Written by Kim R. Dykman, Purchasing/Supplier Development at Apex Spring & Stamping

COVID COMPLACENCY

Pivot. This is a word that many of us have been all too familiar with over the last 18 months. From our professional lives to our home life, it’s been a trying season where change has been necessary. But there is another word that comes to mind when we think about seasons like this. In a previous article, we talked about how Apex Spring & Stamping has worked very hard, in all areas, to avoid this “C” word: complacency. It’s a silent giant that can easily destroy communication, productivity, and creativity. It’s something that we take very seriously and plan to stand against continuously. 

As we all continue to navigate the effects of COVID 19, it is more common to face situations of frustration and weariness around the suggested and necessary precautions to keep employees and vulnerable individuals safe. Although the conversation can feel exhausted, the outcomes of COVID 19 and the Delta variant are still very present. In situations like these, this is where complacency can show up. At Apex, our response to the COVID 19 pandemic remains the same: we are focused and committed to protecting our team members, suppliers, and customers.  

Since March 2020, we have been working rigorously to improve the safety of our environment and develop protocols in response to the various challenges that have arisen for manufacturing during the pandemic. We assure you that we will continue to monitor, maintain, and make the necessary improvements as the environment dictates.  

The list of mitigations that have been put in place has pushed us to make adjustments at Apex Spring and Stamping. But there is beauty in a scenario that may seem unfortunate. It is that it’s encouraging us to grow and flex our muscles of adaptability to pivot, adjust, and charge forward.  

Before we go any further, let’s take a look at what we have done over the last 18 months: 

• Installed UV lighting in our air duct systems to kill bacteria.
• Installed automatic touchless faucets in all restrooms.
• Installed motion detection lighting for “no-touch” power.
• Purchased hospital-grade air fogging systems. 
• Set up sanitizing stations throughout the facility including on forklifts.
• Spread out all office employees as well as allowing remote work.
• Stopped use of common items such as microwaves and dishwashers.
• Installed foot-operated door opening systems where possible.
• Installed computerized thermal temp scanner for all employees at the start of shifts and after breaks. 
• Installed timers at sinks to ensure proper handwashing.
• Provide several types of masks and gloves for personal protection.
• Installed barriers in areas where employees cannot distance 6 feet. 
• We monitor MIOSHA, OSHA, and the CDC bulletins for updates.
• We encourage our staff to get vaccinated.

These changes have created some angst for some, we will not allow ourselves to be complacent. The systems and protocols that we have put in place are enabling us to operate in a healthy environment. Why does this matter? In a healthy environment, we can continue to focus on our customers, strive for on-time delivery, and meet target dates. While the supply chain continues to face obstacles, we are raising the bar to ensure excellence. 

Complacency is not a word in the Apex dictionary and this is just a glimpse of how we are rising above it. No matter how long the uncertainties of COVID 19 linger, we stand firm in our commitment to the health and success of our employees, suppliers, and customers. 

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