Setting up a Covid-19 Back to Work Plan

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has forced many companies to come to terms with pandemic planning. Some employers had used the SARS crisis of 2003 as a springboard to develop pandemic plans. Unfortunately, some smaller businesses have not really had a chance to develop these types of plans.

Returning to work can be a daunting task. First and foremost, public health regulations in your province and municipality need to be followed. A site-specific plan can be a good way to lay out expectations for workers, clients and visitors alike. 

Our team of health and safety advisors can help set up a program specific to your workplace, from Office Settings to Construction Sites.

Some key things to consider are:

• Having a questionnaire to verify contact tracing
• Keeping two (2) metres distance wherever possible
• Having dividers between individual workspaces
• Wearing face coverings at all times
• Keeping sanitizing equipment in the open for all to use
• Having a response plan to address potential cases

As a Health and Safety organization, we have drafted action plans for a variety of industries based on best practices and safety precautions. As an example, this is the Table of Contents from a comprehensive plan that outlined the roles and responsibilities of everyone in an office setting. Included are communication plans, roles and responsibilities, and emergency procedures. This is to give you a better idea of the level of detail and quality we put into keeping ourselves, clients, and communities safe

Contents

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employer / Senior Management
• Director of Operations / Director of Business Development
• Joint Health and Safety Committee
• All Workers
• Visitors / Trainees

DEFINITIONS

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

COMMUNICATION PLAN

RESPONSE TO DEVELOPMENTS

COVID-19 AWARENESS

PREVENTATIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES

• Office Environment
• General Measures
• Physical Distancing (Two Meters)
• Communication and Awareness
• Business-Related Travel
• Cleaning Protocols
• Limit Touch Points
• Compartmentalization
• Deliveries

RESPONDING TO CASES OF COVID-19

• Confirmed Case of COVID-19
• Secondary Contact with COVID-19
• Illness / Symptoms Not Confirmed by Test

REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO HEAD OFFICE

SHUT DOWN & START UP PROCEDURES

• Facility Shut Down
• Pre-Start Up
• Safe Work Practice – Washroom Hygiene
• Hand Washing Technique