WorkSafeBC extends support for employers managing COVID-19

Workplaces are transitioning to communicable disease prevention

BY Dexter Tilo 12 Apr. 2022

WorkSafeBC has announced that it is extending support to employers in British Columbia after the province lifted the remainder of the Workplace Safety Order in early this month.

The Workplace Safety Order mandates employers to have their own COVID-19 Safety Plan, which should include measures reducing the risk of COVID-19 in workplaces.

However, after the order requiring a COVID-19 Safety Plan expired last week, employers may now transition back to utilising the communicable disease prevention to manage the risks of communicable diseases in workplaces, including COVID-19.

According to WorkSafeBC, the prevention plan focuses on basic risk-reduction principles. It includes:

Implementing policies to support staff who have symptoms of a communicable disease, so they can avoid being at work when sick
Providing hand-hygiene facilities with appropriate supplies and using policies and signage to remind workers to wash their hands regularly and to cover coughs and sneezes
Maintaining a clean environment through routine cleaning processes that are appropriate for the industry and work practices
Ensuring building ventilation is adequate and ventilation systems are properly maintained and functioning as designed
Supporting employees in receiving vaccinations for COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable conditions

WorkSafeBC said in a statement that they are supporting employers that will utilise the plan, noting that a communicable disease prevention guide is available online with steps for employers to follow.

"This includes understanding the level of risk, implementing appropriate measures, communicating policies and protocols, and updating them as required," said WorkSafeBC in its announcement.

The template from the guidance said that:

Step 1: Understanding the risk
Step 2: Implementing measures, practices, and policies to reduce the risk
Step 3: Communicating measures, practices, and policies
Step 4: Monitoring the workplace and updating the plan as necessary

In addition to the online employer guide, employers may also contact WorkSafeBC's Prevention Information Line for more assistance.

Aside the mandatory COVID-19 Safety Plan, the following orders in British Columbia have also been eased since April 8:

Showing the BC Vaccine Card proof of vaccination to access non-essential events, services and businesses will no longer be required.
- Individual businesses and organisations can choose to continue to require the BC Vaccine Card proof on their premises.
The requirement for students residing in residence to be fully vaccinated under the Post-secondary Institution Housing COVID-19 Preventative Measures Order will be repealed.