COVID-19 and Returning to Safe Operation – Phase 2
WorkSafeBC has provided resources and guidance to help workers and employers work safely as businesses resume their operations following COVID-19 interruptions and work stoppages.
All employers resuming their business must develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan. The safety plan will include policies, guidelines and procedures in the workplace to minimize COVID-19 exposure and transmission. The plan must be posted in the workplace but is not required to be submitted to WorkSafeBC.
A 6-step guidance has been provided by WorkSafeBC to help reduce the risk of COVID-19.
- Assess the risk at your workplace
- Implement measures to reduce the risk
- Develop policies
- Develop communication plans and training
- Monitor your workplace and update your plans as needed
- Assess and address risks from resuming operations
Employers, employees, owners and prime contractors are all responsible for the health and safety in their workplace. This means they must all practice and do everything within reason to control the risks of COVID-19, as well as comply with WorkSafeBC laws and regulations.
Additionally, WorkSafeBC has provided industry-specific guidance to support businesses resuming operation during this pandemic. Please visit https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation for more details.
Understanding the new mandates and requirements can be overwhelming for business owners and we are here to help. Our team is fitted with health and safety professionals to guide you through this transition so your business can operate in the new norm as early as possible. We can assist in preparing COVID-19 safety plans, conducting risk assessments, designing and evaluating controls in the workplace, preparing safe work procedures, performing workplace inspections, educating workers and training, and much more. Please feel free to contact us for more information at [email protected].
