COVID-19 safety in place at APG Workforce

The COVID pandemic has brought many challenges to the recruitment and workforce management industry in both permanent and temporary employment. At APG Workforce, we had to quickly adapt our recruitment and assessment processes to keep candidates safe at all times.

We are a people-first organisation, which means we are dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of our own team, our hundreds of candidates and many clients during this time. As we keep our business moving, we will continue to follow all recommendations from the Australian government and health officials, and make changes to how we operate if and where needed.

Recruiting during COVID

APG Workforce is committed to providing a qualified and engaged workforce that feels supported and valued as members of the APG Workforce team. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have reviewed the following processes and, where needed, updated them to align and be compliant with strict government policies and social distancing rules.

Sourcing of talent

Finding candidates continues via online advertising, database marketing, phone and the new addition of widespread use of video conferencing.

Recruitment

We have very quickly adapted our recruitment practices to incorporate video conferencing for interviewing and physical testing, meaning no face to face

contact is required. This is backed up by contact via phone, email or text.

Many of our roles require physical competence, and in the past this has been assessed in person. We are now conducting these assessments using video conferencing, where a full range of movements can be viewed.

We’ve also switched over to digital versions of employment contracts, tax forms and handbooks. This is all linked to our recruitment software, meaning the details are recorded and captured in real-time.

Induction and WHS

Some site inductions and WHS audits still need to be conducted in person by an APG Workforce consultant, who wears full PPE provided by APG Workforce and hygiene practices applied to ensure the site is protected. In some situations, this can be conducted via live streaming as onsite managers walk through the site while recording and streaming live video footage on their smartphone.

Candidate care during COVID

Ongoing contact occurs primarily via phone, email or text, rather than in face to face meetings. The technology chosen depends on the location and the preferred method of the participants and may include apps such as  WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom or similar platforms.

If onsite toolbox talks cannot be held due to physical distancing requirements, then virtual meetings are arranged, and employees are sent written updates with their weekly payslips or via text message with links.

COVID safety on-site

APG Workforce is committed to establishing a strong safety culture and maintaining an effective approach to WHS to ensure the health and safety of all employees, candidates, clients and the community. This applies doubly during the COVID pandemic, and as we emerge from it.

Through our recruitment processes, we ensure the right candidate is hired to fill a role. This is followed by site inductions and providing information around APG Workforce policies and procedures. This includes the extra hygiene dimension required for COVID safety.

Through our regular electronic communications with workers, we can monitor progress and the site environment. This includes Toolbox Talks, following up hazard reports through to completion, and direct involvement with injury management.

We also perform an initial site WHS assessment, with full PPE used to confirm safety requirements are met. We then discuss a resolution with the site to determine what action, if any, is required. We also review quarterly to confirm ongoing suitability/safety is upheld.

Like so many organisations around the world, we’ve had to adapt quickly to take all the necessary precautions in relation to COVID by putting the health and safety of our staff, clients and candidates first.

Call APG Workforce on 1300 793 340 or send us an online enquiry to find out more about increasing your workforce – either temporarily or for the long term.

APG accredited with ISO quality management and safety certifications

Monday, 12th February 2018

Manufacturing companies have long understood the value of ISO certification, knowing the standards achieves can improve their business processes and reduce operating costs, while also giving them a leg up in marketing and sales.

APG services the manufacturing industry but are in no way a manufacturer. However, we are committed to the task of continually improving the effectiveness and maintaining our quality systems.

As such, APG is pleased to announce that head office in Melbourne have recently obtained certifications in AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and all branches nationally are aligned with these practices.

According to DQS, certification in ISO 9001:2015 means “Your organisation has enjoyed sustainable success and you know what your customers need. You fulfil your customers’ expectations because you are in control of your processes and know how to ensure quality on a permanent basis.”

“With a certified management system according to ISO 9001 you avoid errors, instead of correcting them. The quality approach has been securely anchored within your organisation, which creates trust and increases your customers’ satisfaction. You are aware of risks and opportunities and clearly structured, transparent corporate processes help to minimise business risk and allow you to react faster to market changes.”

APG are committed to providing our customers and workers with best practice in the workplace, both in terms of managing their health and safety and their expectations or management and processes that govern them.

If you have any questions around our certifications, please call our head office on 1300 793 340.