Large construction companies in the Czech Republic are prepared for mandatory testing

Prague – Large construction companies in the Czech Republic are prepared for the mandatory testing of their employees, which was ordered by the government on Monday. They are compiling distribution lists and some had planned to introduce voluntary testing this week. They generally allow work from home for everyone whose work nature permits it. This follows from statements by representatives of construction companies that were contacted by ČTK today.

The government approved mandatory testing in companies on Monday. Businesses with more than 250 employees will have to start by Wednesday and must test all workers by March 12. Companies with 50 to 249 people will begin testing on Friday, and all workers will need to have tests completed by March 15.

"For almost 3000 of our employees, we have secured 20,000 SafeCare antigen self-tests. We are currently compiling distribution lists. We expect deliveries to delivery points on Thursday and distribution to individual workplaces on Friday. We will start self-testing on Monday, March 8. Each employee will initially receive three tests, which they will conduct every Monday, or at the beginning of their shift if it does not start on a Monday," said Metrostav spokesperson Vojtěch Kostiha. According to him, the company will gather the use of tests and results according to numerical codes. The system will be monitored continuously.

"We are subsidizing the self-tests. Their price ranges from 120 to 150 crowns, and the state contribution is 60 crowns. We have also changed the operation of our canteen, which currently operates only in a food distribution mode, either to personal containers or purchased containers," Kostiha added.

According to spokesperson Edita Novotná, Strabag planned to start voluntary self-testing this week, that is in cases where employees felt respiratory symptoms or just wanted reassurance. "The government's decision on mandatory testing has of course created pressure for a significantly larger number of tests that we will need to have available. We have about 2500 employees, so the need for tests will be very significant. There is currently enormous interest in tests on the market, so our priority is primarily to procure tests and purchase them in sufficient quantities. We have already received the first delivery," Novotná reported.

In locations where the company has a higher concentration of workers, it will use mobile testing units, while smaller branches will use self-testing kits.

"In our operations, home office use is only possible for a part of administrative staff. This option has been given at our company since the spring of last year due to the nature of the work. However, buildings cannot be constructed in a home office mode, so we are primarily focused on ensuring all hygienic preventive measures, purchasing, and distributing protective equipment. And above all, we hope that vaccination for employees will be possible as soon as possible," Novotná further stated. According to her, the vast majority of employees are interested in vaccination.

Hochtief will begin testing employees at workplaces using antigen tests this week. According to company spokesperson Michal Talián, employees will be tested twice a week. "As for working from home, we have had it implemented continuously since last spring, that is since the first wave of the pandemic. Employees within the same team alternate in a mode of one week in the office and one week at home office. During the weekend, the workplace undergoes disinfection," Talián added.

The HR director of Skanska Central Europe, Slavomíra Sedláčková, stated that antigen testing is becoming part of corporate life. The company's capacities will be adjusted according to the presence at workplaces. "At our construction sites and facilities, but also in administrative buildings, we have long-term established a multi-level system of detailed safety measures. This is always in line with current government regulations but often stricter," Sedláčková added.