New restrictions prompted by Covid-19 require new ways of working for Irish businesses, and until the most recent measures announced by the Government, Safehaven Marine in Cork was among those rising to the challenge.
The performance boatbuilder spread out its production over two large factories, with staff divided into split morning and evening shifts, so that physical distancing was maintained as work continued.
Other measures included limiting staff to no more than three inside a boat at any one time, split meal breaks to rule out social grouping, and regular and rigorous disinfection of more highly trafficked areas on the workshop floor, as well as daily temperature readings for all staff.
“Everybody’s positive and banding together supporting each other’s efforts in making Safehaven Marine a little safe haven,” said the company in a recent social media post. “What a great workforce we have. Hopefully we’ll get through it OK.”
Safehaven also recently bade farewell to two pilot boat commissions on their respective journeys to Berbera in Somaliland, and San Juan in Puerto Rico.
The latter Interceptor 48 was featured by Safehaven Marine two months ago after undergoing sea trials alongside Thunder Child II off a stormy Cork coast.
Update Tuesday 7 April: An earlier version of this story inferred incorrectly that work was continuing at Safehaven Marine after the most recent extension of Covid-19 restrictions. Afloat.ie would like to make clear that Safehaven Marine is of the understanding that it is not an essential business and has since paused its workshop operations in the interest of employee and public safety.
