Lloyd’s Register calls business leaders to begin planning the incoming vaccine rollout, given that complexities around the matter may also lead to legal and ethical policy barriers.
Based on a survey conducted by the University of Hamburg, LR informs that 40% of respondents across seven European countries are hesitant or unwilling to get the vaccine, while Ipsos found that nearly a third of Japanese respondents have said they would choose not to get inoculated for the coronavirus.
Although the dilemma for those employers operating in factories, offices, shops and transportation is greater, James Pomeroy, Group Health, Safety, Environment & Security Director at Lloyd’s Register, explains
Companies have an obligation to keep all employees and customers safe, and the dilemma awaiting many industries shows that work must start now to prepare vaccination policies.
IUMI recently highlighted additional challenges that will be faced within the maritime sector in the supply chains once the vaccine arrives. Specifically, IUMI explained that the three pillars the industry should focus on, concerning the right handling of the vaccine are:
- Maintaining required temperatures throughout the entire supply chain.
- COVID-19 vaccines will be high value goods, thus exposed to the risk of theft.
- Lack of capacity in the supply chain.
In addition to workplace policies, employers are being warned to carefully consider the legal requirements if operating in more than one country. Understanding legal frameworks will be vital, particularly if countries plan to introduce a form of compulsion, such as so-called vaccine passports. This understanding will be crucial for any business operating in multiple countries, including joint ventures, as a group-wide approach may not work.
James concludes that
At the moment, there are many uncertainties facing employers. However, plans must be put in place for every eventuality and all processes must be challenged rigorously.”
In the meantime, the shipping industry has been in several discussions concerning the vaccine, with the majority of the stakeholders supporting that seafarers must be put in priority, due to the sensitivity of their job.
