CONCERNS have been raised over Covid-safety procedures at a Worcester warehouse.

A whistleblower said the Sainsbury’s distribution centre at the Shire Business Park has seen a number of coronavirus cases and that staff are not following the proper rules.

Despite this, DHL, which runs the site, said regular checks are carried out to make sure guidelines are being followed.

Among the whistleblower’s concerns are mixing between workers and social distancing.

They said: “Colleagues are still not wearing masks in the correct manner inside the warehouse, with some colleagues still not wearing them at all now.

“Social distancing rules are still constantly being broken and seem to been non-existent and not followed up in the correct manner even by managers. There were meant to be half hour gaps between shifts, so that the other shifts don’t overlap and mix together. This changes when seen fit by management.

“Shifts are constantly overlapping with gatherings of people. outside in the smoking area, people waiting to leave, leaving and coming into all at the same time creating utter chaos. Come Sunday, all shifts are working together, which contradicts the overlapping of other shifts.

“We are always being put unnecessarily at risk, with the constant lack of awareness and understanding of the rules.”

In response, a DHL spokesman said the rules are being adhered to on-site, and that management and business partners are making sure guidelines are followed.

They said: “The safety of our employees remains paramount and since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak last year we have been rigorous in implementing government guidelines around social distancing and operational hygiene, with regular reinforcement by local management and our business partners.

“Comprehensive Covid measures are in force at Shire Park, including a 30 minute gap between shifts, minimal attendance on site and daily briefings to reinforce our robust hygiene measures.

“An independent audit has also been carried out to validate our Covid protocols, and all key locations on site are being monitored for compliance including the canteen, smoking area and queuing areas. We will continue to carry out regular on-site briefings to reinforce the message, to ensure the wellbeing of all our colleagues.”