A webinar on a contextual theme “Workplace Hygiene Management during Pandemic” was organized jointly by ONGC Foundation and ONGC on 2 July 2020, the second day of Swachhta Pakhwada 2020.  Participated by eminent speakers on the subject, the proceedings of the webinar was webcast on reports.ongc.co.in for all ONGCians.

The renowned panel of speakers comprised ONGC Director (HR) Dr Alka Mittal,   ED- Chief CSR Mr S S C Parthiban,   ED-Chief ER Mr S K Wadhwani,   CEO, Babasaheb Ambedkar Vaidyakiya Prathisthan (BAVP) Dr Ananth Pandhare, Director - Workplace Resources, CISCO Mr. Praveen Vasudeva and Regional Manager - Food Safety and Hygiene, Taj Hotels, Karnataka region Ms. Champavai J. The session was moderated by CEO, ONGC Foundation Mr. Kiran DM.

Director (HR) [top right] addressing the Webinar panelists and participants

Dr. Alka Mittal, Director (HR), while addressing the Webinar panelists and participants, appreciated the inputs provided by the panelists from Healthcare, IT, Hospitality and E&P industries. She flagged ONGC practices on Swachhta and how it has assumed renewed significance to contain the spread of the virus in current times. Emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, she said, “ONGC, through Information, Education and Communication activities, has created awareness among school children about importance of personal hygiene. Observing strict personal hygiene practices will definitely play a significant role in the fight against this virus.”

Earlier, the Webinar commenced with the introduction of panelists and a brief on the topic by CEO, ONGC Foundation. ED-Chief CSR welcomed the panelists and participants and highlighted the importance of Swachhta and ONGC contribution to Swachh Bharat Mission. Major CSR projects for Swachhta like construction of toilets (IHHLs, community toilets, school toilets), Solid Waste Management project- Green Rameswaram, Restoration of ancient stepwells at Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, Revival of Ancient River Saraswati, Clean Himalayas campaign and Project Bandicoot- installation of robotic manhole scavenging machine were shared with the panelists and participants. Mr. Parthoban shared, “ONGC has been investing around 180-190 crore every year for Swachhta-related projects.”

Panelists sharing their points on workplace hygiene management during Pandemic

Dr. Ananth Pandhare, CEO, BAVP presented a perspective on hygiene practices and protocols in hospitals to contain spread of the coronavirus. He showcased how hospitals have adapted to a battery of new habits in the wake of the current pandemic outbreak.

Mr. Praveen Vasudeva, Director - Workplace Resources, CISCO highlighted CISCO’s HR practices to tackle the pandemic. He emphasized how client interests were taken care of without compromising employee safety. The process of prioritizing roles was undertaken and job roles were segregated into those requiring inevitable physical presence in office and those which can be managed remotely working from home.

Ms. Champavai J, Regional Manager- Food Safety and Hygiene, Taj Hotels, Karnataka region brought out the hygiene protocols observed in their hotels, both for employees and guests. The entire process from welcoming of guests to services provided to them till their exit from premises have all undergone significant changes to manage the pandemic.

ONGC ED - Chief ER Mr. S K Wadhwani shared ONGC’s efforts in tackling the situation by sanitizing office premises, installations and rigs, designing staggered working hours, maintaining social distancing at every workplace and effective crew changes at installations during these trying times.

The webinar was attended to by Key Executives and Head HR/ERs of work centers across ONGC. It ended with an engaging interactive session, followed by concluding remarks of CEO, ONGC Foundation.