1.     PURPOSE

At Apex Instruments Company Private Limited (Apex), we prioritize the health and sanitation of our employees and associates. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize the importance of refined sanitization practices for the prevention and protection of society and individuals. This policy outlines the guidelines governing health, hygiene, and sanitization practices to be followed by individuals employed by or associated with Apex, whether on Apex premises or elsewhere during the course of employment.

2.     SCOPE

This policy aims to provide clarity on hygiene and sanitization practices at the workplace and applies to all Apex employees and associates. It covers procedures and practices related to health and hygiene, as well as the expectations Apex has for employee hygiene at all times. The term "health" in this policy includes both physical and mental health, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

3.     APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all individuals who work with and are associated with Apex, whether temporarily or permanently, including employees, directors, officers, or other associates, working in all branches throughout India (referred to collectively as ‘members’).

4.   PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY

4.1. At Apex, we prioritize the health and well-being of our members, believing that "health is wealth." Our goal is to create an environment that promotes good health practices among all members.

4.2. We regularly sanitize our office spaces and workplace using effective equipment that adheres to industry standards. We encourage all members to follow the same practice.

4.3. We value the health of our members above Apex's commercial interests and follow principles outlined by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

5.     GENERAL GUIDELINES

Personal hygiene practices are essential for all members to follow in the workplace and during employment. To prioritize the health and safety of all members, we require the following guidelines to be followed:

5.1. Members must use the hand sanitizer provided at their work station as needed.

5.2. Members must not engage in any activities that may jeopardize their own health or the health of their co-members within Apex premises.

5.3. Members will be provided with surface sanitizing spray/disinfectant (based on availability) for their workstations and should use it to wipe down their stations regularly.

5.4. Members should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth frequently and cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing inside the office premises.

5.5. Members with common cold and cough symptoms must wear a surgical/single-use face mask and avoid close contact with other members, subject to professional medical advice.

5.6. All restrooms are equipped with hand washes and members are required to use them when visiting the restroom or toilet.

6.   CONTAGIOUS AND/OR COMMUNICABLE ILLNESS POLICY

6.1. In the event of a member being diagnosed with a contagious and/or communicable disease, the member must immediately inform the concerned Department Head as well as the HR Department, and provide a copy of the diagnosed report and/or relevant medical documents.

6.2. Depending on the severity of the illness and the member's health, the member may be required to apply for sick leave or work from home leave under the relevant policy of Apex, following the procedure laid down therein.

6.3. Before returning to work, a member who has recovered from a contagious and/or communicable disease must submit a written application to the HR Department, along with relevant medical reports and/or documents demonstrating recovery.

6.4. Upon verification of the medical report, if the HR Department is satisfied that the member can resume work, an approval email will be sent to the member, specifying the date of resumption of work.

6.5. If a family member of a member is suffering from a communicable and/or contagious disease, the member must monitor their health regularly and ensure that they are symptom-free.

6.6. If a member displays symptoms of a communicable illness and attempts to conceal this information from Apex under this policy and continues to attend the office, thereby jeopardizing their health and the health of their co-members, disciplinary action may be taken against the member.

7.       SANITIZATION POLICY

At Apex, we take the cleanliness and sanitization of our premises seriously, in order to promote good health among our members. Our sanitization policy includes the following measures:

7.1. We maintain a high level of cleanliness throughout our premises, and may engage professional cleaners for thorough deep-cleaning and disinfection when necessary.

7.2. Our restrooms are regularly cleaned with industry-grade chemicals and equipment to ensure they remain free from contamination.

7.3. We encourage all members to cooperate with each other in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of all the common spaces shared by them.

7.4. We take all necessary measures to maintain the cleanliness, sanitization, and good hygiene of all areas inside and around our premises. We request all members to cooperate with us in achieving this goal.

8.       DISPLAY OF THIS POLICY

8.1. Apex shall display this Policy on the Apex website as well as display the same conspicuously on the notice boards of each of its offices in English.

8.2. Each employee shall view and confirm to these policies upon joining and/or upon the same being enforced by Apex.