Workforce management
COVID-19 screening a test of time TEAM MEDICAL SUPPLIES’ DISTRIBUTION OF COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING KITS TO FLY-IN, FLY-OUT WORKERS IS HELPING KEEP THE MINING INDUSTRY ON ITS FEET.
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Australia like most countries, yet the mining industry has managed to stay afloat as an essential service. Despite work continuing, the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak has already shown that it can temporarily suspend operations. In June, a positive case from a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mine worker prompted lockdowns across the Northern Territory while putting an entire site into isolation. Snap lockdowns, as seen in Perth where the Western Australian Government temporarily banned FIFO travel with little to no warning, are also creating challenges. These disruptions to mining operations have taken a toll on labour forces also facing skills shortages. The impact of skilled shortages is
compounded by hard border closures that prevent FIFO workers from travelling to site, or force workers to isolate for extended periods. While Australia’s rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations continues, a key part of preventing the virus from spreading to mine sites is wide-scale testing. Despite most mine sites operating in isolated areas, Team Medical Supplies has the tools needed to ensure that fast and reliable COVID-19 testing is completed at FIFO airports. Team Medical Supplies is a familyowned medical wholesaler that was founded in 2011. The company distributes nationwide and has access to more than 100,000 medical products from major brands. In 2014, the company acquired Western Australian wholesaler BP Medical, a move which has been
Rapid antigen tests can give results in 15 minutes.
SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 38 SEP-OCT 2021
key to expanding its reach into the mining industry. Team Medical Supplies general manager Tom Vriens says the company has grown significantly. “We partner with more than 600 manufacturers and suppliers with access to more than 100,000 products. We can support the mining industry with a broad range of products suitable for the mining industry,” Vriens tells Safe to Work. “Team Medical Supplies distributes key medical products required by mining operations, including COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits, drug screening, defibrillators, personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention products.” Vriens says rapid antigen tests have become an essential part of stopping the risks of COVID-19 at mine sites. “We are all now aware how quickly COVID-19 can spread so it’s important for businesses to take the necessary precautions to protect their staff and business,” Vriens says. “Rapid antigen tests can give results in as little as 15 minutes with excellent accuracy.” Rapid antigen testing, which can quickly determine if an individual has contracted COVID-19, has not been widely adopted by governments. Like the widely used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, a swab is taken from the nose and throat of a person to detect if they have COVID-19. The tests show if an individual is
