Sunday, May 19, 2024
ADVT 
National

WorkSafe BC issues COVID-19 guidelines as businesses ready to reopen

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 May, 2020 11:16 PM
  • WorkSafe BC issues COVID-19 guidelines as businesses ready to reopen

British Columbia's workplace safety agency released new guidelines Friday as businesses across the province get set to reopen.

WorkSafe BC's guidelines cover sectors ranging from restaurants to offices, including guidance on how many people should be allowed in a business as well as controlling entry and exit points.

In every industry, the guidelines emphasize having as little contact with customers as possible and ensuring social distance is maintained.

It also advises businesses to follow the protocol on gatherings, limiting events, such as museum tours, and working to establish safe occupancy limits.

It says specific guidelines for sports and recreation as well as child care will be released later.

But before reopening, WorkSafe says businesses need to ensure they have a COVID-19 safety plan to protect workers and it must be displayed.

It says employers should work with employees to ensure businesses remain safe.

"The planning process should involve workers for their input to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed," said Al Johnson, WorkSafe BC's head of prevention services, in a statement.

The agency says it will continue developing industry-specific guidelines as more businesses across B.C. begin reopening over the coming months.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has previously said businesses are under no obligation to reopen on Tuesday, and they should only do so when they are ready.

MORE National ARTICLES

Feds pledge COVID-19 financing help for the country's biggest companies

Feds pledge COVID-19 financing help for the country's biggest companies
The country's largest employers will soon be able to land federal financing to help weather the COVID-19 economic crisis, but are being warned they'll need to open themselves to financial scrutiny for any tax evasion and prove their commitment to fighting climate change.

Feds pledge COVID-19 financing help for the country's biggest companies

The latest developments on COVID-19 in Canada

The latest developments on COVID-19 in Canada
Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu is leaving the door open to the federal government leading discussions with provinces around the creation of new standards for long-term care facilities.

The latest developments on COVID-19 in Canada

Police-escorted motorcade to accompany remains of helicopter crash victim

Police-escorted motorcade to accompany remains of helicopter crash victim
The remains of Sub-Lt. Abbigail Cowbrough, a Royal Canadian Navy sailor killed last month in a helicopter crash off the coast of Greece, were expected to arrive in Halifax on Monday. 

Police-escorted motorcade to accompany remains of helicopter crash victim

Virtual parliamentary proceedings cause spike in injuries for interpreters

Virtual parliamentary proceedings cause spike in injuries for interpreters
Virtual sittings of the House of Commons and parliamentary committees are causing headaches for interpreters — literally. Coping with iffy audio quality, occasional feedback loops, new technology and MPs who speak too quickly has resulted in a steep increase in interpreters reporting workplace injuries, according to the union that represents some 70 accredited interpreters who translate English into French and vice versa.

Virtual parliamentary proceedings cause spike in injuries for interpreters

Peter MacKay calls for China sanctions over COVID-19

Peter MacKay calls for China sanctions over COVID-19
Conservative leadership hopeful Peter MacKay is calling for use of the Magnitsky Act if specific individuals in China can be identified as having suppressed information related to COVID-19 A full inquiry, perhaps an international one, into how the novel coronavirus turned into a pandemic is required, MacKay told supporters.    

Peter MacKay calls for China sanctions over COVID-19

Despite jarring jobs numbers, Canada, U.S. charting different courses

Despite jarring jobs numbers, Canada, U.S. charting different courses
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it's a fundamental principle of life in Canada that no one should have to go to work if they don't feel safe doing so. Trudeau made the comments today as the country confronted some of the worst unemployment numbers in history — nearly two million jobs lost last month and an unemployment rate of 13 per cent.    

Despite jarring jobs numbers, Canada, U.S. charting different courses