An initiative aimed at providing additional assistance to ACTOM employees during the COVID-19 pandemic was launched in February 2021, when the group purchased 20 oximeters to enable employees who have tested positive to monitor their own condition.
The oximeters have been distributed to the group’s sites on the East Rand and a decision to acquire and distribute more meters to sites elsewhere around the country is likely to be made later, based on how effective the present initiative proves to be.
Paul de Nobrega, Marthinusen & Coutts’ Risk Manager, demonstrates to an M&C employee how an oximeter is used to check one’s oxygen saturation level and heart rate.
An oximeter is a device that instantly displays the oxygen saturation in a person’s blood, as well as his heart rate, after being placed on a finger.
“It is very simple to use, just put your finger in the oximeter and check the oxygen saturation level and heart rate once it appears on the meter. If a person’s saturation level falls below 90 or his heart rate is higher than 110 beats per minute then he is at risk and must immediately consult a doctor or arrange to be admitted to hospital,” explained Sister Ina Snyman, ACTOM’s Principal Occupational Nurse based at Knights, who also manages the COVID-19 screening facility at the Knights site.
The safety managers at the East Rand divisions, who are managing the positive cases at their sites, are responsible for handing out oximeters to anyone who tests positive for the disease and also instruct them how and when to use them.
“They take the oximeters home with them and are advised to check their saturation levels and heart rates at least three times a day and whenever they experience shortness of breath. It is strongly emphasised to them that they need to take immediate action to go to hospital or see a doctor if either of the two readings shows them to be at risk, since early intervention can save their lives,” said Sister Ina.
“Without the aid of an oximeter a person is unable to detect that his/her condition is deteriorating. They therefore run the risk of being admitted for treatment too late, resulting in severe disease, more complications afterwards and even death,” she added.