We wrote to you recently about SGS's initial responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now writing to you to provide assurance that, as the world's leading testing and certification company, we are implementing further proactive measures to ensure your interests are protected and your business needs are met.
The SGS Group continues to closely follow the COVID-19 situation as it develops around the world. Our priority remains the safety of our employees, customers, their families and communities.
It is clear COVID-19 is developing at different rates in different countries. As a global organization, we are proactively working to ensure that the correct measures are in place for each territory to ensure all potential health and business risks are minimized. For Life Sciences, our global network is being utilized to ensure continuity of service while reducing the impact of COVID-19.
We are committed to supporting our customers and their businesses at this time, therefore we thought you might like to know about some of the ways in which SGS is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Risk mitigation strategies have been implemented at our laboratories, CPU (Clinical Pharmacology Unit) and other operational facilities to protect our staff, clients, visitors and their families. This includes the introduction of specific hygiene conditions for samples entering laboratories, split work shifts, and the prioritization of digital communication methods to minimize direct contact. Where possible, staff are also being directed to work from home. Access to our facilities during this period has been restricted, with clients and visitors being offered remote meetings as an alternative
- Remote auditing and inspections are available if client studies are to be transferred. Audits can be organized using QiiQ, a remote inspection app that can be installed on any mobile device allowing direct interaction with SGS experts. Audits and inspections can also be organized using other streaming platforms
- In locations with government-ordered lockdowns and curfews, we have and are seeking approval from relevant authorities to have our operations remain open as a critical part of many supply chain infrastructures. Specific biosecurity protocols have been implemented to safeguard all concerned
- OneVision – in 2019 we informed you about our initiative to digitalize and harmonize processes and procedures across our entire global laboratory network. This project has now been rolled out to most of our sites, meaning Quality Processes, SOP and Forms are identical – independent from the location. This approach supports and facilitates any required transfer of work between our sites
- COVID 19 INTEL – a complimentary service developed by SGS Digicomply that uses the latest natural language processing and other AI techniques to help the research community stay up to date with the large and growing volume of research papers on Coronavirus
- All employees have received training in COVID-19 awareness. This covers the identification and symptoms of COVID-19, preventative measures (both personal and facility based), and actions to be taken in the event of an employee testing positive, or exhibiting the symptoms of COVID-19
- Our global procurement team is working closely with suppliers from around the world to ensure our network has the materials required to maintain a best in class service for our clients
We have taken these swift responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to ensure the safety of our staff, customers, their families and other stakeholders. The aforementioned strategy also allows us to maintain our service, where possible, given the physical restrictions that are in place, so that we can continue to deliver high-quality services to our customers during this difficult time.
All responses are being developed in line with the spread of the disease and are based on WHO (World Health Organization) country-specific guidance.
