How our people secured your world
during Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for governments, businesses and communities everywhere. In the midst of this, G4S staff all over the world have responded with extraordinary courage and resilience to keep vital services and workplaces safe, clean and secure.
There are more than 550,000 G4S employees worldwide. Here, a handful share how their workplace has changed in the worst global pandemic in 100 years.
There are more than 550,000 G4S employees worldwide. Here, a handful share how their workplace has changed in the worst global pandemic in 100 years.
11 Jun 2020
GHANA | QUARTEY | G4S CONTRACT MANAGER FOR THE GHANA HEALTH SERVICE
In the heart of Africa, Ghana has been praised internationally for its rapid response to COVID-19 and high level of testing. In the centre of the Ghanaian capital of Accra, the headquarters of the country’s Health Service - leading this response - is secured by G4S.
“Access control is tighter than ever,” Quartey, the Ghana Health Service Contract Manager for G4S, said. “Many more people are coming here and lots of logistics and donations are being brought here... We are the 'eyes' of Ghana Health Service, you cannot enter the compound without our permission. We insist that the right things be done.”
Quartey said he is personally much more cautious about hygiene. "For example, I wash my hands every 15 to 20 minutes and when I feel I have touched something that I am unsure about. The men and women on this contract give their best.
“Access control is tighter than ever,” Quartey, the Ghana Health Service Contract Manager for G4S, said. “Many more people are coming here and lots of logistics and donations are being brought here... We are the 'eyes' of Ghana Health Service, you cannot enter the compound without our permission. We insist that the right things be done.”
Quartey said he is personally much more cautious about hygiene. "For example, I wash my hands every 15 to 20 minutes and when I feel I have touched something that I am unsure about. The men and women on this contract give their best.
I boost their morale and remind them that this is their time to step up and contribute to a global cause.
IRAQ | Mohammed | Supervisor and Security Officer at Baghdad International Airport
As the world has tightened restrictions on air travel, the number of people travelling by plane has fallen. The need for security around airports, however, remains the same: those who need to travel in the pandemic are often those with the greatest need. At the entrance of Baghdad’s International Airport, Mohammed helps keep travellers secure.
“I work at Baghdad airport in security,” he said. “I check paperwork to enter the airport, also passenger information, badges for everyone entering. I need to ensure passengers are kept safe while entering the airport and they have a safe trip.”
Mohammed is a friendly face for those arriving, but even he has had to change how he interacts with his colleagues and people he knows. “I no longer greet people with hugs or shake hands,” he said. “We have to keep extra clean and keep space between us all.”
“I work at Baghdad airport in security,” he said. “I check paperwork to enter the airport, also passenger information, badges for everyone entering. I need to ensure passengers are kept safe while entering the airport and they have a safe trip.”
Mohammed is a friendly face for those arriving, but even he has had to change how he interacts with his colleagues and people he knows. “I no longer greet people with hugs or shake hands,” he said. “We have to keep extra clean and keep space between us all.”
THAILAND | JANCHUREE | SECURITY OFFICER AT BANGKOK MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM (BTS SKYTRAIN)
In the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, Janchuree protects passengers and key workers who are still going about their jobs. She wears personal protection equipment, and is the friendly face many people see in the midst of a pandemic. “My job is to maintain a safe and secure environment for passengers and employees,” she said.
“These services are necessary and create a safe environment for all those people who travel every day. This reduces the risk of being infected.” Her role has changed dramatically in recent months. Now, security officers practice strict social distancing and follow all G4S and BTS guidelines.
“I need to wear a face mask throughout the day to prevent germs,” she said, “and to prevent any disruption to my important role of helping clients.”
USA | Lisa & Krystle | Upscale Security Officers at a daycare centre for children of healthcare employees
In order to keep local nurses and doctors at work in hospitals, employees working for a healthcare provider in Nashville, Tennessee, have needed to send their children to daycare. This has been possible by putting in place strict social distancing rules and regular welfare checks, which are overseen by G4S security officers like Lisa (left) & Krystle (right).
Krystle said there had been huge changes to on-site security procedures. “While our regular duties have us patrolling and protecting the building and its users from insider or outsider threats, we are now also in charge of mask wearing, hand sanitising, social distancing and temperature checks,” she said. They have also sought to limit building access and put in place strict rules for picking up and dropping off children.
Lisa said their lives and work have changed drastically in recent months. When a violent tornado hit Nashville on March 3, 2020, many of their clients and co-workers were affected, making the effects of the current pandemic even more challenging for the community.
“We went from helping our neighbours to distancing from our neighbours, which was sad and confusing,” Lisa said. “We’ve had to take serious action and adapt our role to enforce the rules and guidelines to keep people safe, while showing kindness and compassion."
UK | Sue | Security Officer and temporary fever screener, Hinkley Point C
At the northern entrance to Hinkley Point C, the enormous nuclear power station under construction in southwest England, Sue has been monitoring those working on site.
"Everyone has their temperature taken,” she said. “Anything above 37.4C, a healthcare team gets involved. There are broadcast systems telling people to keep their distance. Thermal imaging picks up everyone’s temperature very quickly.”
G4S has been providing enhanced security services on the site for years, protecting thousands of people and millions of pounds worth of equipment while maintaining order on the 430-acres inside the ever-evolving perimeter. Hinkley Point C has many steps in place to prevent the spread of infection on site, including social distancing measures, reducing numbers and, through the work of people like Sue, monitoring the health of everyone entering the site. Sue worked as a cleaner before joining G4S and going through the extensive training for Enhanced Security Officers.
"Everyone has their temperature taken,” she said. “Anything above 37.4C, a healthcare team gets involved. There are broadcast systems telling people to keep their distance. Thermal imaging picks up everyone’s temperature very quickly.”
G4S has been providing enhanced security services on the site for years, protecting thousands of people and millions of pounds worth of equipment while maintaining order on the 430-acres inside the ever-evolving perimeter. Hinkley Point C has many steps in place to prevent the spread of infection on site, including social distancing measures, reducing numbers and, through the work of people like Sue, monitoring the health of everyone entering the site. Sue worked as a cleaner before joining G4S and going through the extensive training for Enhanced Security Officers.
“People’s outlook on the whole COVID-19 has changed. People are treating the advice with a little more respect,” she said.
“They are more conscious of distance and hygiene, using alcohol sanitiser gel, and we’ve also got social distancing on buses. We’ve adapted and things have changed a lot.
“They are more conscious of distance and hygiene, using alcohol sanitiser gel, and we’ve also got social distancing on buses. We’ve adapted and things have changed a lot.
As security officers, it’s part of our role to help minimise the chances of anyone getting COVID-19. We’re putting these precautions in place to keep the site going.”