Insufficient distance is maintained in distribution centres of supermarkets like Albert Heijn and Jumbo. Meanwhile, control from the authorities remains absent; no authority seems to feel responsible for enforcing corona measures in distribution centres.
This is according to research by platform Investico in cooperation with De Groene Amsterdammer and radio programme Argos. For the research, thirty employees of online distribution centres of Albert Heijn and Jumbo were interviewed. They also provided photo and film material from the DCs.
Too busy to keep distance
Although safety regulations are in force in those centres, they are far from always being observed in practice. Due to increased crowding, keeping distance is 'impossible', according to employees. "At the place where we collect orders, 30 people are constantly running past each other. Hygiene rules are not observed. In general, we work as if nothing is wrong," says an employee at Albert Heijn Online in De Meern.
A petition was therefore set up at Albert Heijn's e-dc in Rotterdam, signed by 181 employees. They requested the supermarket chain not to hire new logistics staff. There would already be too many people working a shift.
Albert Heijn hired extra staff after all. Reacting to the investigation, the supermarket chain says it is absolutely possible to keep a distance of one and a half metres. Jumbo also says it has taken all necessary measures. However, based on the film material provided, virologist Bert Niesters (UMC Groningen) says that an outbreak in the centres is only a 'matter of time'.
Migrant workers close together in housing
As the workforce is largely made up of migrant workers, the situation is extra precarious. Two-thirds of migrant workers from countries such as Poland, Slovakia and Spain live in accommodation provided by the employment agency. They usually sleep with several people in one room. Those with health problems should stay at home. However, as these staff fear losing their jobs and thus housing, flu symptoms are suppressed with paracetamol. "Many have health problems, have colds, runny noses et cetera," say employees at Jumbo in Den Bosch. In a response, Jumbo says that people who are sick should stay home, but employees with "mild cold symptoms such as a runny nose or slight cough" can just come to work.
Barely any checks on the warehouse floor
Checks in distribution centres meanwhile remain absent. The investigation shows that the controlling authorities mainly point at each other. The Inspectorate SZW makes enquiries by phone in case of complaints. The body says it is not responsible for monitoring corona measures. When unhealthy and unsafe situations arise due to the risk of corona contamination, it does intervene.
Enforcement remains mainly a task of municipalities and police, according to the Inspectorate SZW. The police only check up to the front door and many municipalities appear to be unaware of their responsibilities. Enquiries at 20 municipalities, reveal that only Zaandam and Waalwijk carry out checks at distribution centres.
Image: www.hollandfoto.net / Shutterstock.com
