Our economy prior to Covid-19 was growing rapidly and we were all looking forward to an outstanding 2020. While our world has paused somewhat, Canada has come together – our governments, communities, and families, to ensure we minimize the spread and ultimately ensure our good health going forward. We know information has been coming fast and furious. Our goal for you is to help supplement some of the information overload with tips and updates that address some of your immediate needs and concerns.
The weeks ahead will be challenging for most organizations and local businesses. Let’s work together to be innovative and to lend a hand. We are here to help you and just an email or phone call away.
As we enter into Phase 2, it is so important to remind ourselves to be cautious – we are in this together and we need to continue taking care of one other.
Here are this week’s TallSky topics for you:
- Covid-19 Safety Plan Template
- Employee Health and Well-being: Tips to ensure a good night’s sleep
- Government Updates: Non-medical masks recommended
Covid-19 Safety Plan Template
As you are aware, every employer in BC must:
- Develop and post your COVID-19 Safety Plan to identify and protect from the risk of transmission and prevent exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace.
- Involve front-line workers, supervisors and ideally, your Health and Safety representative or committee members.
There are six steps to completing this plan:
- 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
The links to helpful WorkSafe guides prepared by WorkSafeBC might be useful if you are just starting to prepare your safety plan, or would like to compare yours with this template. You can also use the fillable template and download it once complete for your workplace.
The guide and planning tool will guide you through the six-step process. Each step has checklists with items you need to address before resuming operations. You may use this document, or another document that meets your needs, to develop your individual COVID-19 Safety Plan.
While WorkSafeBC will not be reviewing or approving the plans of individual employers, in accordance with the order of the Provincial Health Officer, this plan must be posted at the worksite.
Employee Health & Well-being: Tips to ensure a good night’s sleep
As your team starts preparing to return to the day-to-day routines of your business, getting enough rest will help us all reduce stress and anxiety. Continuing to support and care about the health and well-being of your employees will ensure you retain good workers and enable your team to have a more successful integration back into the workplace or office.
It’s possible you or your employees may have experienced challenges sleeping during this unsettling period. Or perhaps experiencing really strange dreams at night? In either case, you are not alone. Below is a link to a great feature produced by Global News regarding 10 tips to help ensure a good night’s rest.
Government updates: Non-medical Masks recommended
While not mandated, we have now been informed that using non-medical masks or cloth face coverings in public settings is recommended. Many employers who are just opening their doors in Phase Two are providing their employees with face masks for protection and to ensure customers feel comfortable. Remember to train your employees on the correct way to wear the mask and encourage them to avoid constantly adjusting the mask with their hands. This training, washing hands, sanitizing regularly and spot checks for compliance will help ensure lower rates of transmission. This should also be incorporated into your COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Our team at TallSky Consulting continues to support our clients, new and valued. If there is anything we can do to assist you in completing your safety plan or drafting or updating policies, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We continue to offer our expertise as and when you need it, and from our virtual offices to yours.
DISCLAIMER: The information is provided as general information on these topics, and given the rapidly evolving environment, they may not be relevant with recent updates or changes on the topic. These materials are not meant to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Please do not rely solely upon this information for making decisions regarding employees in your workplace.