With the release by the Premier of BC’s Restart Plan, many businesses are preparing for re-opening or returning to more normal operations, and are looking for guidance on how to do so safely.
To operate in compliance with health orders, all businesses will need to develop an operations plan that reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19. These plans should be developed in concert with, and communicated clearly to, employees and staff. In general, these plans will not be required to be submitted to WorkSafeBC, but may be requested during an inspection or spot visit.
These plans should meet WorkSafeBC’s guidance on COVID-19 health requirements around three key priority areas: cleaning, distancing, and access. Full guidance is available at worksafebc.com,but the main considerations in each area include
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Cleaning
- Businesses must provide adequate facilities and policies for hand washing
- Implement a cleaning and disinfecting protocol for all common areas and surfaces
- Remove any unnecessary items that may elevate the risk of transmission, including items like coffee makers and shared utensils and plates.
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Distancing
- Businesses must maintain a distance of two metres between workers, between workers and the public, and between members of the public in their establishment wherever possible
- Where distancing is not possible or is not consistent, then businesses should implement mitigations such as plexiglass barriers, face masks, and gloves.
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Access
- Develop policies around who can be at the office or worksite, including policies around sick workers and travellers
- Visitors/customers/employees who are exhibiting COVID symptoms, who are a close contact of a confirmed case, or who have travelled outside Canada should not be permitted access to the business until they have completed the directed isolation as per health officials
- Be aware that as per recent legislation, employees have a new temporary right to unpaid, job-protected leave because of COVID-19, as well as a new permanent right to 3 unpaid sick days per year
For those sectors that have seen health-order closures such as restaurants or personal care services like salons, their reopening plans need to cover both the above principles as well as further precautions and mitigations. Industry groups, government, and WorkSafeBC are currently working on industry-specific guidance and frameworks to assist with re-opening.
Information on COVID-19, re-opening plans, and programs available to support businesses and individuals is available online at the Burnaby Board of Trade’s COVID-19 Updates page at BBOT.ca/COVID-19
The Burnaby Board of Trade is Burnaby’s chamber of commerce, and is a catalyst for economic growth, the convener of business and community leaders, and a champion for the interests of local businesses.
