TORONTO — To assist the industry in measuring compliance with COVID-19 protocols, Sensors Quality Management Inc. (SQM) recently launched Trust Audits.
The Trust Audits focus on various cleaning and physical-distancing practices that many companies are putting in place, to ensure compliance and adherence to standards, guidelines, regulations and laws is occurring in their businesses on a consistent and ongoing basis. This may include monitoring signage, directional decals, in-house announcements, maximum occupancy, proper distancing of individuals, use of face masks, cleaning protocols, use of sanitizers, protective shields and employee safety.
Presently, SQM offers businesses three different program options:
• Brand Certification — auditing the company based on the brand’s standards
• SQM’s Certification — using checklists that are in alignment with government and professional-association guidelines (including the Center for Disease Control, Health Canada, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental Protection Agency)
• Hybrid Certification — a combination of government guidelines, professional-association best practices and updated brand standards
In addition, to assist those companies hard hit by the pandemic that are trying to reduce their expenses, while still properly operating their business, SQM is offering access to several innovative programs, including the expansion of its popular no-fee model.
“Whether it’s guest confidence, customer and employee safety, risk management or overall trust, the program provides a number of short-term and long-term benefits,” says David Lipton, president of SQM.
Lipton also explains that while traditionally the company’s programs have been implemented by senior management in Operations or Quality Assurance, in recent times, SQM has also been dealing with Chief Financial Officers and the Risk-Management department, as they are ultimately responsible for protecting both the short- and long term-health of the brand.
