Domtar in Dryden has made changes to its annual shutdown due to COVID-19 concerns.
The modified outage will start May 16th for a 21-day period in order to conduct critical and time-sensitive maintenance.
102 contractors will be coming from across northwestern Ontario with the exception of two specialized workers from the United States who will only be needed for one day.
At the peak there will be 56 external contractors on day-shift and 31 on night shift for a period of 4 days.
A typical outage involves roughly 500 contractors doing work at the mill over the course of 9 days.
Regional Public Affairs Manager Bonny Skene says given the current circumstances they have reduced the scope of the work to include only necessary maintenance directly related to the safe operation of the mill.
Skene adds Domtar has extended the time frame so more work can be done by Dryden mill employees.
“Make sure we plan for time so that appropriate social distancing can be observed while work is taking place. That means jobs are going to take longer.”
Skene stresses strict health and safety protocols will be in place to protect workers on-site and off-site.
“With isolation controls, health monitoring, the required social distancing and hygiene controls. We have a very detailed plan. We are working with contractors to make sure it’s implemented in a thorough way.”
She notes most of the operational changes are already in place at the mill.
Skene also addresses off-site rules for contractors.
“All going to be housed in a single hotel with in-room catering for meals, transportation provided to and from the mill site, and security and supervision so that no visitors will be out and about in the community.”
She adds workers will be required to complete a Questionnaire regarding travel, health and contacts.
Skene says all workers have been very receptive to the heightened measures and very cooperative in its implementation.
