SILOAM SPRINGS, AR, June 19, 2020 - As communities reopen, Simmons takes steps to address risks associated with community spread and provides an update on its latest initiatives to maintain health and safety for its team members.
“We take our responsibility for continuous attention to health and safety very seriously. We know with community spread on the rise, the biggest risk to our team members exists as they interact in the community. We are committed to being vigilant in fighting the spread of the virus and helping our team members stay safe at work, at home and in the community.”
- Todd Simmons, CEO
Communication and Awareness
Simmons has taken an aggressive approach to prevent the spread of the virus. Raising awareness on the importance of frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, recognizing symptoms, physical distancing, wearing masks, avoiding carpooling, and more. Team members receive communications through a variety of channels, including the mySimmons Mobile App, which puts information right in the palm of their hand. New leave of absence policies support these protocols by providing greater flexibility and paid time off.
Care Clinics and Testing
An invaluable resource to aid in Simmons’ efforts to keep team members healthy and safe during this pandemic has been our network of Simmons’ Care Clinics. Access to medical care, health screenings, and testing for team members and their covered family members are available at the Care Clinics at no out-of-pocket cost. The clinics also provide rapid testing for COVID-19 and our teams work closely with local health officials. This will be increasingly important as we strive to quickly identify and isolate potential cases and keep our workplaces, our families, and our communities safe.
Screenings
Temperature screenings are required for all persons entering facilities. Additional screening occurs when team members have been on a leave of absence, report symptoms or potential exposure. Our on-site health professionals assist in these efforts and provide an added layer of protection for our team members.
Physical Distancing
Strategies have been implemented in all production facilities to enhance physical distancing as much as possible, such as expanded indoor and outdoor common areas, changes to traffic flow, and staggered shift and break times. Markings clearly indicate safe spacing.
Masks and Barriers
All team members are required to wear masks when 6 feet of physical distance is not possible. Masks, and in some cases face shields, are provided for team members in addition to other standard PPE. Protective barriers are in place between work stations and in break rooms where physical distancing is more difficult.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Thorough sanitation procedures are currently in place at all Simmons facilities as part of routine operations. In this pandemic, routine is no longer acceptable, so we have stepped up cleaning frequency and intensity in all facilities. When appropriate, our response protocols may include pausing operations to perform additional intense cleaning. In this event, team members would be placed on temporary paid leave.
Take-Home Safety Kits
Encouraging team members to follow safe practices outside of work is just as important. Recently Simmons provided over 80,000 masks to team members to take home, along with hand gel bottles which can be refilled at work, and a list of safety reminders. They were encouraged to use the supplies while in the community and to share with family members.
“Simmons is grounded in the idea there is always a better way. During times like these, we are putting that concept to work in our evolving health and safety measures. Even with all of these measures in place, we are not resting. We are evaluating the learnings of the last few months and making plans for the next phase of responding to COVID-19.”“Simmons would like to thank our team members for their hard work and dedication to our purpose of making food for families and pets we love. A special thank you to our Safety, Occupational Health and Simmons Care Clinic teams, as well as all of our local health professionals for their support and outstanding service to our communities during this pandemic.”
- Todd Simmons, CEO
About Simmons Foods Inc. and Affiliates
Simmons Foods and its Affiliates are leading suppliers of poultry, pet and animal nutrition products based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Simmons works with farmers, communities, and employees to apply 60+ years of experience to serving customers. Simmons Prepared Foods ranks in the top 20 poultry producers in the United States, Simmons Pet Food is the largest supplier of store brand wet pet food in North America, and Simmons Animal Nutrition boasts an innovative line of proprietary animal nutrition products. With nearly 8,000 team members, Simmons Foods and its Affiliates serve customers in all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world. To learn more, visit www.simmonsfoods.com.
CONTACT:
Julie Maus, Director of Communications
