April 11th 2021

The order of the provincial health officer (PHO) delegated specific powers to WorkSafeBC prevention officers. The order provides WorkSafeBC prevention officers the ability to serve a 10-day closure order on an employer with COVID-19 transmission when directed so by a medical health officer. WorkSafeBC’s role is well defined and narrow in scope, with no role in deciding which workplaces will be served with a closure order. Questions regarding the closure order itself are referred to the Health Authority Medical Health Officer.

When WorkSafeBC prevention officers deliver a closure order to affected workplaces, they will also help the employer understand their need to review their COVID-19 safety plan and make any necessary changes during the closure period. WorkSafeBC will be available to provide guidance around reviewing and updating COVID-19 safety plans.

Then, once the workplace has re-opened, WorkSafeBC will conduct an inspection to review the employer’s COVID-19 safety plan and ensure the employer is effectively implementing measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace.

REF: WorkSafeBC Announcement (LINK)

Throughout the pandemic, WorkSafeBC has been engaging employers to ensure that protocols identified in their COVID-19 safety plan have been effectively reviewed, updated, and implemented, and that exposure to COVID-19 is being effectively managed in the workplace. This includes issuing an inspection report with orders in cases where improvements to COVID-19 safety plans and protocols are required.

WorkSafeBC recently analyzed 1,600 COVID-19 orders to identify the controls most frequently identified as needing improvement.

They include:

Physical Distancing

• Ensure physical distance of 2 metres is maintained between workers and others whenever possible, especially in shared spaces; consider changing the layout of workspaces to enable physical distancing in all work and break areas.
• Provide physical barriers such as Plexiglas if physical distancing between workers and customers cannot be maintained.

Signage

• Post signage that reminds workers of the controls in place, including occupancy limits, handwashing practices, health-check requirements, and entrance restrictions.
• Use physical queue controls, such as crowd-control cones or floor markers to regulate traffic and physical distancing.

Policies and Protocols

• Develop and post a COVID-19 safety plan that identifies and addresses the risks in all areas of the workplace.
• Ensure there are posted policies for employer and visitor daily health screening.

Training

• Ensure health and safety information and training is provided in the required languages so it can be understood by everyone at the workplace.

Supervision and Monitoring

• Communicate safety programs and policies clearly to workers through information-sharing, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure the controls in place are being followed.

Facilities

• Provide adequate hand-washing facilities on site for all workers.
• Place alcohol-based hand sanitizer at key areas of your workplace (near pay stations, in break rooms, etc.).

Personal Protective Equipment

• Make sure appropriate masks are available and being used properly for the work being carried out.

For more information about all aspects of a COVID-19 safety plan, please refer to the following resources:

• Reviewing and updating your COVID-19 safety plan: A guide for employers
• COVID-19 safety plan video series: Five steps to developing your COVID-19 safety plan

REF: WorkSafeBC | Inspections and consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic (LINK)

As a reminder, employers and workers should continue to report a workplace injury or disease during this time, including those involving a work-related exposure to COVID-19. Contracting COVID-19 in the workplace may be considered a work-related occupational disease, and affected staff members have the right to make a claim and could be eligible for health care and wage-loss benefits.

For information on when and how to report a COVID-19 illness to WorkSafeBC, please visit the Claims COVID-19 pages on worksafebc.com for information for both workers and employers.