Our response to COVID-19

We have made the important decision to maintain operations during this unprecedented crisis because of the vital role our company plays in sustaining global infrastructure and ensuring critical power supply.

Eaton’s products and support services are vital to hospitals, emergency services, military sites, utilities, public works, transportation and shipping providers. In addition, data centres, retail outlets, airports and governments, as well as the networks that support schools and remote workers, rely on our products each day to serve their customers and communities. 

In keeping our operations running, we know we also need to modify how we work to keep our employees safe. Here are some of the things we are doing to protect the safety and health of our workforce, as well as meet our customers’ critical needs during this crisis.

Protecting our employees

• We’ve trained our sites around the world in cleaning and disinfecting protocols and are increasing these activities.
• We’ve enacted social distancing procedures, including staggering shifts, implementing a rotating office work schedule and the modification of work-space and meeting-space layouts.
• We are requiring employees to stay at home if they are feeling ill, and encouraging increased hand washing and hygiene practices across all our sites.
• We’ve advised employees that they can take advantage of flexible work options.
• We are restricting visitors to our sites.
• We are following the UK Government guidelines closely and we will do whatever is necessary to implement them.

In the event an employee suspects he or she has been exposed to COVID-19, or testing confirms it, we will implement an aggressive response plan that our team has developed. This plan includes:

• mandatory quarantines
• communication with all who may have been exposed,
• disinfecting work stations and common areas,
• and shutting down the facility if warranted.

These actions are aligned with our preventive health protocols and those of global, regional and national governmental authorities and health organisations including the Centers for Disease Control (US) and the World Health Organisation. In the event that local laws require more stringent measures, we will do whatever is necessary to implement them.

Supporting our customers

We have activated our business continuity management plans across the organisation. This includes:

• staying in close contact with our suppliers to manage the supply chain,
• equipping our service technicians with additional personal protective equipment as needed,
• coordinating closely with local and national governments,
• and following governmental and health authorities’ guidelines.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation around the world and address our customers’ needs on a case-by-case basis. 

If you have specific questions, please contact your local customer care team or Eaton Account Manager.

Siobahn Meikle
Country Manager, UK & Ireland