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.

Setting up to return 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 of laying out the expectations for workers, clients and visitors alike.

Our team of health and safety advisors can help in setting up a program specific to your workplace, including 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 individuals 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 been able to draft plans of action 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 what to do in case of an emergency. 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