INA firefighters in the time of covid-19

“… Like all other INA Group employees, INA firefighters have adapted to all of the measures and instructions adopted by the Civil Protection Directorate of the Republic of Croatia related to the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 infectious disease. However, even in these extraordinary circumstances, they have not forgotten the important role they play, and that is fire prevention.

Firefighter Vedrana Šmit tells us of the ways the firefighters at INA Vatrogasni servisi are adhering to the measures adopted for the purposes of protection against coronavirus.

– The nature of our business is such that an increased risk is inevitable. Our company INA Vatrogasni servisi has provided us with all of the protective equipment, such as protective masks, gloves, disposable suits, hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants (Dezinol – a new product by INA Maziva). In addition, we try to keep the prescribed distance. Firefighters are always at risk, especially when rescuing people, so it is not hard for them to adapt to any situation. In fact, encountering hazards, possible injuries or infections is an integral part of our work and we are used to dealing with it – says firefighter Vedrana.

– Despite the exceptional circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis it caused, which strongly affects the oil industry, INA makes no compromises when it comes to health, safety and the environment. We harmonized our operations with all the preventive measures of the Civil Protection Directorate of the Republic of Croatia in a timely manner. In adjusting our operations to the economic crisis, care was taken not to jeopardize the protection of health, safety and the environment within exploration and production, refinery operations and retail. Operating costs are being revised to help the company in overcoming this challenging period and emerging even stronger. As part of our business, we adhere to all the adopted preventive measures, monitor the situation and adjust our operations in such a way that the occupational health and safety is not at risk.

As far as the fire brigades are concerned, we are additionally coordinating our activities with the Croatian Firefighting Association – said Angelika Brnada, Director of Sustainable Development, and Health, Safety and Environment.

…In accordance with the measures of the Civil Protection Directorate, and in order to ensure uninterrupted work, a reorganization was carried out. A 24/72 work regime was introduced, and for workers in the operational section, the organization of work by division into teams was introduced in order to reduce the possible negative impact of the pandemic on our employees.

Preventive measures have been introduced at all INA sites in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, with high standards of hygiene also being implemented.“

Cited from: Slobodna Dalmacija.