Frequently Asked Questions
In the new regulation, one basic level first aider and one intermediate first aider are required to be on site during one shift. Do they have the equivalent in terms of providing first aid service? My concern will be the basic first aider will rely on the intermediate level as they are better trained (for 2 days).
Some workplaces may require multiple first aid attendants. The purpose of multiple attendants is to ensure adequate response to major incidents and to ensure adequate first aid coverage. When multiple designated attendants are present, the following should be considered and incorporated in the written procedures:- In workplaces where first aid attendants have different levels of certification, procedures should state that the designated attendant with the higher certification should be the lead attendant for serious incidents and serious injuries. For minor injuries, any designated attendant may provide care and complete the required documentation. Lower level attendants should consult with the higher level attendant to ensure that the higher level attendant has no additional treatment options to offer the injured worker prior to discharge.
- For work locations with multiple attendants with the same level of certification, procedures should include instructions on how to determine which attendant will be the lead attendant for major events, serious incidents, or serious injuries (for example, person who has been attendant for longest, first on scene, etc).
- Where a workplace has multiple first aid attendants, procedures should identify how attendants are to respond (for example, attendants working and responding on different floors of a building). For major events, serious incidents, and serious injuries, all designated attendants should respond, or the employer should develop alternative procedures to ensure sufficient attendants respond to provide optimal first aid treatment to injured workers.
In the WorkSafeBC Health and Safety Planning Tool, under Financial Summary, what does the maximum potential savings specifically mean, and what can employers do to be proactive to achieve the savings?
The maximum potential savings section shows what could be saved with the 50 percent discount on the base rate. To drive down costs, you should prevent injuries and illness and improve loss-time results, which often drive claims costs. This is easier said then done, so you can use the EHSPTK to analyze where some of the greatest challenges are and then build a strategy to drive the costs down. You can contact Megan Martin at [email protected] or use the services of the the Employer’s Advisors office if you would like help with navigating the tool. For advice and support, contact us for confidential help from a Safety Advisor.Is it okay to still mix 30% water on top of 70% concentration alcohol, thus resulting in 50% alcohol for sanitizing high touch surfaces?
70% strength alcohol is needed. See these links:
Is the COVISHIELD (SII) vaccine recommended for people under 18 or 65 and older?
None of the vaccines that are currently available are recommended for children. The COVISHIELD (SII) vaccine is approved for people aged 18 and up.Is the onus still on the employer to maintain employment when they let go without cause and pay out a worker? Should employers have an employment release or something referring to this new obligation.
Ale (KSW Lawyers): Terminating a worker and paying them termination pay does not automatically cancel the Duty to Maintain Employment obligations. Employers may still be required to establish that the termination was unrelated to the injury under the WorkSafeBC system. Whether there was a breach of the Duty to Maintain Employment is determined on a case-by-case basis, though investigation, and consideration of specific circumstances of each situation. Similar to discrimination claims under the Human Rights Code, a termination can be discriminatorily motivated, even in without cause terminations. WorkSafeBC and the Human Rights Tribunal look to the underlying motivations behind the termination. Workers can request WorkSafeBC to determine whether an employer has failed in its duty to maintain employment within three months of the termination.Is there a place for face shield or the shields that we have seen in restaurants which fit on the chin and come up as a shield?
Face shields are not a replacement for a face mask.
Face shields when masks are not an option
- When communicating using lip-reading, when visual facial cues are essential, or when people may be unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition, a face shield may be an alternative to no mask.
- Some face shields may provide better protection than others. When needed, use face shields that wrap around your face and extend below the chin as well as hooded face shields.
- Non-medical clear masks that cover the nose and mouth are another option when visual communication is necessary. These options have not been widely assessed for their effectiveness.
Source: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks
Is there an app or digital option available for the daily questionnaire?
No digital or app out yet, which is recommended or promoted by public health. However, there are some apps out in the market.
If you are an organization with access to Microsoft Forms, a digital version of health questionnaires can potentially be set-up. Contact the Alliance to be set up with an advisor to walk you through these steps, if your interested.
Is there an official list of what changes/differences there are for each level of first aid kist?
Refer to the guideline to see the content requirements for the basic, intermediate, and advanced first aid kits. Reference: OHS Guidelines for Part 3 - Occupational First Aid | WorkSafeBCIs there any PPE that can be worn to filter tobacco smoke (smell)? If not, what would do you recommend aside from distancing to avoid exposure?
Particulate disposable respirators often times have a nuisance odor relief feature. These respirators are for protection against particulate matter, however, if for context of smell these types of respirators may assist for the odor relief. Check out this link: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/c/ppe/respiratory-protection/disposable/i/safety/personal-safety/Is there any updated scientific evidence about how long the virus can stay on a surface (ie. metal handrails, plastic handles, clothing, etc.)? For example you hear people saying “well if it sits for 2-3 days it’ll be fine”
There are a number of studies relating to this. The key takeaway, however, is that as long as there are no known COVID-19 positive employees, transmission from surfaces is very low risk. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, all related areas and surfaces need to be disinfected.
Is there any updated scientific evidence about how long the virus can stay on a surface (ie. metal handrails, plastic handles, clothing, etc.)? For example you hear people saying “well if it sits for 2-3 days it’ll be fine”
There are a number of studies relating to this. The key takeaway, however, is that as long as there are no known COVID-19 positive employees, transmission from surfaces is very low risk. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, all related areas and surfaces need to be disinfected.