According to an article on the busnews.com.au website, bus drivers at a Western Sydney depot forced its closure for a safety stoppage recently because they want COVID-19 rapid testing to be implemented.
The Transport Workers Union of NSW stated that the action at the Smithfield depot was due to the NSW Government and the operator’s failure to take steps to protect drivers from exposure to COVID-19. This follows the positive COVID test by a bus driver at the depot.
In the article, TWU NSW state secretary Richard Olsen is quoted as saying that the bus drivers have drawn a line in the sand, and that rapid antigen testing is required in bus depots.
“Just this Monday, drivers at four depots – including Smithfield – walked off the job over this health and safety concern. The NSW Government ignored their calls, and now unfortunately the drivers have been proven right,” Mr Olsen is quoted in the article.
“They’ve already got rapid antigen testing at the NSW Parliament, and so the question that Gladys Berejiklian needs to answer is simple – why does she deserve a safe workplace while our bus drivers don’t?” Olsen asked in the online article.
The Smithfield depot has around 200 bus drivers. The depot is located in the centre of the COVID-19 Delta outbreak in Sydney, NSW.
The article also quotes a NSW Health spokesperson who said that the safety of staff and customers on buses is a priority and, “Transport for NSW is already in the process of trialing Rapid Antigen Testing across key work locations of the network.”
Integrity Sampling now offering COVID-19 rapid testing
As we highlighted in our post last week, Integrity Sampling is now offering COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Saliva Testing for clients.
Routine Rapid Antigen Saliva Testing has been proven to keep employees and others safe, which helps to protect your business and give you peace of mind. Effectively, COVID-19 rapid testing can help keep your business in business during these difficult times.
The process Integrity Sampling offers is the world’s first “no-spit” COVID-19 saliva antigen rapid test. It uses a sponge-like pen tip that collects saliva in two minutes without the need to spit or conduct nasal/throat swabbing. It takes around 15 minutes to receive an indicative result. Integrity Sampling’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Point of Care Testing equipment has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or TGA.
It’s important to note that COVID-19 rapid testing does not replace PCR testing (the standard nasal/throat swab test). Nor will Integrity Sampling test employees with COVID-19 symptoms. We will only test employees who are asymptomatic, in the interest and safety of all parties involved.
To take advantage of Integrity Sampling’s COVID-19 rapid testing, contact us today on 1300 725 482 or by emailing contact@integritysampling.com.au.
IMAGE CAPTION:
Some NSW bus drivers are asking, ‘Why not us too’, when it comes to COVID-19 rapid testing. Credit Simon_sees https://www.flickr.com/photos/39551170@N02/9436996928/
