Employers must have an Exposure Control Plan in place prior to reopening
Human Resources Minister Adam Lightstone has assured employees that Nunavut workplaces are safe to operate as the province begins reopening this month. Lightstone said the government of Nunavut (GN) acknowledges the increased risk of infection from the Omicron variant but stressed that "additional measures" are in place to prevent exposure from the virus.
"By using the latest information from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer, the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC), and industry best practices, GN departments will be well equipped to manage the risk of COVID-19 infection," said Lightstone. "Combining the best information from trusted sources with the expert knowledge of our front-line staff will allow the GN to continue providing sustainable service while protecting its employees.”
The minister also said that the government will carrying out safety procedures in its workplaces and will make necessary adjustments if needed.
"When we return to the workplace, we need to follow health and safety procedures for the well-being of all public servants. Updated health and safety guidelines have been posted on the GN’s internal website and distributed to all GN employees via email," he said.
Employees and their family who may need personal counselling may also avail them through the government's Employee and Family Assistance Programme.
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Workplaces need exposure plan
Meanwhile, Lightstone urged managers and supervisor to continue supporting hybrid work arrangements until February 11.
"We continue to encourage supervisors to support hybrid schedules for their employees to balance work from home and work from office to reduce exposure between staff," he said.
According to the WSCC, it is the duty of employers to ensure that workplaces are healthy and safe.
"Under Section 88 of the OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) Regulations, employers must have an Exposure Control Plan. This will outline all necessary precautions that the employer needs to follow to minimise the risks of COVID-19 transmission and e keep workers, customers, and clients safe," it said in its guidelines.
The Exposure Control Plan aims to prepare workplaces for the risks imposed by the communicable diseases, including COVID-19 in the workplace.
The commission said that reopening workplaces will not need their approval, and Exposure Control Plan will not need their review. However, employers need to prepare the plan in case WSCC inspectors need them to present it.
Nunavut's offices will only be reopened to staff and not the public. Igloolik offices will also remain shuttered, and employees will continue working from home until further notice, the government said.
The territory announced on Thursday that it is extending the Public Health Emergency there until February 16.