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Navigating the 2nd Wave of the Pandemic

December 1st, 2020 9:30-10:30AM

Strengthen your COVID-19 safety plan to protect your workers and your business through the second wave 

The rise in COVID-19 cases and new provincial regulations require employers to assess their pandemic safety plans with fresh eyes. Do you know how to maintain safe operations that protect your employees, your customers, and your business? Learn what’s new—and what’s changed—and how to review your safety plan to keep your workplace safe from COVID-19.

In this webinar you will learn

  • The impact of the new public health orders on businesses
  • What to do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
  • How to revise and strengthen your safety plan to keep the virus out
  • New mask requirements for BC and mask policies for the workplace
  • Conducting health employee health checks

Webinar Q&A

What are acceptable options for confirming health screening? Does it have to be a verbal confirmation? We have an employee finger scan when workers enter after a thermal temp check Can we use the finger scan as confirmation with signage?

Confirmation of health checks is needed, as per WorkSafeBC guidance. See below: Employers must ensure that every worker performs a daily health check before entering the workplace. Health checks are mandatory self-assessments conducted by workers and include confirming with their employer, in a written or verbal format, that they have reviewed the complete list of entry requirements (included on this entry check poster) and that none of the prohibited criteria apply to them. Employers can use a number of methods to confirm that this self-assessment has taken place. Some examples include:
  • A written health check declaration completed by workers before entry.
  • An online health check form completed by workers before entry.
  • A verbal check-in, done either in person, virtually, or by phone with every worker, confirming that the worker has completed their daily health check.
  • Other forms of a supervised daily health check process based on the above.
Source: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/health-and-safety/health-checks

Should we be closing down staff kitchens?

This depends on your risk assessment. Controls need to be factored in to make this determination – frequency of cleaning, protocols in place (are masks being worn, are occupancy limits being followed, etc.).

Under the PHO are non-medical / cloth masks safe to use?

Yes they are safe to use.  

A mask or face covering can be homemade or purchased, and should: 

  • be made of at least 3 layers 
  • 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen 
    the third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric 
  • be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping 
  • allow for easy breathing 
  • fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops 
  • be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments 
  • be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty 
  • maintain its shape after washing and drying 

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html#a2  

Will the fast test become available at the borders, as in Calgary, Alberta?

Testing is currently available in an optional pilot program at YVR for WestJet domestic flights. Asymptomatic private testing is also available for travel and work purposes by appointment in-terminal and on Sea Island. Details here.

For workplace tasks that require workers to work within 6 feet where a barrier cannot be installed, is a face shield/mask combo a significant control in reducing the risk of exposure as a barrier would?

It depends on your risk assessment. We cannot rely only on one type of control, i.e. Masks. Factoring in the hierarchy of controls, a combination of controls are encouraged. We all know masks are not 100% effective, thus having other controls such as occupancy limits, hygiene protocols, in combination of masks can create a bigger impact in reducing the risk of transmission. Carry out a risk assessment for this scenario, and determine what other controls are warranted, and consider what is the acceptable risk to your organization.

We have an ISO level 8 facility air exchange in certain rooms of once an hour. Does high-volume air exchange affect some of the precautions as far as distancing and additional PPE? Are there some specifications on air exchange?

Source: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/ipac/2020/09/covid-19-hvac-systems-in-buildings.pdf?la=en  

In general, while there is plausibility of COVID-19 transmission by inhaled virus in air particularly in crowded, poorly ventilated settings, there is limited epidemiological evidence that this occurs. Specifically, the overall scientific evidence does not indicate that transmission of COVID-19 occurs via HVAC systems at this time. Although viral RNA has been detected in air and HVAC systems, the viability of virus in or infection from air circulated through HVAC systems has not been demonstrated. 

Enhancing outdoor air ventilation and good maintenance of HVAC systems will complement other public health measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission, e.g., screening, self-isolation when sick, physical distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory source control, environmental cleaning and disinfection 

Good ventilation is important in indoor environments for the general health and comfort of occupants. Optimization of HVAC systems can be done on the basis of best practices for ventilation, as COVID-19 transmission from HVAC systems has not been observed. In general, avoiding stagnant air conditions and ventilating indoor environments with fresh outdoor air, whether by increasing the outdoor air ratio of the HVAC system or by opening windows, will dilute exhaled air from the occupants including any infectious particles. Thus, most guidance encourage ventilation with outdoor air, avoiding recirculation as far as practically possible and ensuring clean filters  

Source: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/about-us/covid-19/general-ventilation-and-air-circulation-covid-19-faq?lang=en  

It is a requirement for employers to ensure that heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed, operated, and maintained as per standards and specifications for ongoing comfort for workers (Part 4 of the OHS Regulation).  

What is the policy for out of town training? Are we allowed to have peoples from out of town/province come to workplace to train or not allowed?

This depends on your risk assessment and internal policies in terms of having visitors on site. In regards to restrictions — see below: Coming from outside of B.C. At this time, people travelling to B.C. from another province or territory within Canada should only come for essential reasons. If you do travel, you are expected to follow the same travel guidelines as everyone else in B.C. Flights to and from B.C. The order does not restrict flights entering and leaving B.C. Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions#travel-precautions

Presented By

Dr. Emily Newhouse

Medical Health Offier
Fraser Health

Jasmine Kalsi MSC, OEH

Occupational Hygienist
Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

Lisa McGuire CRSP, ICD.D

Founder and Former CEO
Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

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