Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding “late positive” test results, what is the rate of late positive (meaning picking up past COVID-19 genetic material? Are all people who test positive infected with COVID-19? Does a positive test mean the person is sick?
Almost all people who test positive will have been infected with Covid-19, either currently or within the recent past. The most likely scenario of a positive test is a current Covid-19 infection. A positive test does not mean someone is currently experiencing symptoms. Some people can be asymptomatic during their Covid-19 infection. Each person who tests positive is assessed by Public Health to make an individual determination. The rate of late positives varies and is dependent on testing patterns.
Looking at the government and WorkSafeBC wording on mask policies. The only area that has a mandatory mask policy it seems are public areas and public accessed workplaces? A closed-door manufacturer that does not have public access would they not be excluded from the mandate?
That is incorrect. An excerpt from the Provincial Government website:
Masks are strongly recommended in common areas in workplaces and apartment buildings like elevators, hallways and washrooms. Employees may not need to wear a mask in their offices or cubicle if there is a physical barrier like plexiglass in place. Individual workplaces may have further mask requirements that you should follow.
It is strongly recommended that masks be worn in the following areas:
Shared indoor workplace spaces, including:
- Elevators
- Kitchens
- Hallways
- Break rooms
In your production spaces have you added markers on the floors for spacing?
- In production, we have not generally added floor markings; however, in our last risk assessment, we noticed clusters forming at the payroll swipe machine at the start and particularly at the end of each shift. We have approved putting markings down for employees to queue safely. We’re also re-opening our lunchroom facilities and will have designated floor positions marked for tables and chairs that promote safe distancing.
It is my understanding that masks are mandated for the public but not for all workplaces yet. Is this true? Particularly in an outdoor setting.
Masks are strongly recommended in common areas in workplaces and apartment buildings like elevators, hallways and washrooms. Employees may not need to wear a mask in their offices or cubicle if there is a physical barrier like plexiglass in place. Individual workplaces may have further mask requirements that you should follow.
It is strongly recommended that masks be worn in the following areas:
Shared indoor workplace spaces, including:
- Elevators
- Kitchens
- Hallways
- Break rooms
My OSSE re-certification audit is in progress. What happens now?
Many employers have communicated their OSSE concerns in relation to COVID-19. As a certifying partner (CP), we have been working closely with WorkSafeBC in getting answers on how to remain safe and trying to work around COVID-19.
WorkSafeBC reply: All audits that are underway should follow good hygiene practices (i.e. social/physical distancing during interviews) and continue as normally as possible. We understand that some employers are scaling back operations, or changing their current work process flows, and as such, auditors need to be flexible in their ability to observe and conduct interviews. Document reviews should not be affected as directive documents and records should still be available.
My re-certification audit has not yet started and is due on August 31, 2020. What do I do?
Many employers have communicated their OSSE concerns in relation to COVID-19. As a certifying partner (CP), we have been working closely with WorkSafeBC in getting answers on how to remain safe and trying to work around COVID-19.
According to WorkSafeBC: Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, WorkSafeBC is granting COR audit waivers on any COR certificates that are due to expire by August 31, 2020. Employers will need to contact their certifying partner (CP) to request an audit waiver. Visit https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates
My re-certification audit is expiring between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Can I apply for a waiver?
Many employers have communicated their OSSE concerns in relation with COVID-19. As a certifying partner (CP), we have been working closely with WorkSafeBC in getting answers on how to remain safe and trying to work around COVID-19.
According to WorkSafeBC, audits for employers with COR certifications expiring between September 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, while we are sensitive to the concern that employers may not be in ‘normal operating mode’ (NOM), or may not be operating in the latter half of the year, we are intending on moving forward with the program as normal for those certificates expiring after September 1, 2020.
We will be reviewing the COVID-19 outbreak over the summer and if there are continuing or additional restrictions we may extend the waiver program or take other action.
My workers are returning to work after being off for several weeks. What can I do to ensure that they do not experience any sprains and strains?
Have a gradual return to work process. For example, consider increasing frequency of task rotation, frequency breaks of less duration, and access to drinking water. This will allow workers to return to pre-absence physical conditioning levels.
Are nitrile gloves a benefit to reduce transmission when handling or transferring products between workers?
Not necessarily – it depends on the task. Our bare hands equally protect us from COVID-19 as would gloves. If only bare hands are used, you need to follow the hand hygiene protocols (hand sanitizer, frequent hand washing etc.). With gloves, the same might apply. In addition, workers should be trained on correct donning and doffing of the gloves as well. Carry out a risk assessment to see whether or not gloves are warranted in your workplace.
If would like to discuss with an advisor, please contact the Alliance for additional guidance.
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
OFA 2 was a Course someone with no experience could take. Is it now assumed a employee taking the “intermediate” first aid level would already have a knowledge base considering the practice time is reduced in the new course?
There is no prerequisite for taking the Intermediate First Aid training. Competency will be assessed throughout the duration of the 2-day course by the course instructor.Can you offer any suggestions on the most effective methods for employee screening?
- On the first workday of the week, employees complete a medical questionnaire and submit it to their Supervisor prior to starting work. Employees are asked to be mindful of fever symptoms (cold body, hot head) and to take their temperature at home, if possible. If fever symptoms are noted, the employee is asked not come to work.
- If all answers are NO on the questionnaire, the employee can proceed to work.
- If any answers have a YES, the employee is asked to submit their questionnaire to their Supervisor and Safety Co-ordinator right away. The questionnaire is then forwarded to a third party medical clinic as soon as possible for secondary assessment to determine if the employee is able to remain at, or come into, work that day.
- On subsequent days of the work week (Tuesday – Friday), employees are only required to self-monitor for flu-like symptoms; if free of symptoms, employees do not need to re-submit the questionnaire.