Our workers are required to wear safety glasses. When wearing a mask, the glasses fog up and create hazards with vision. We’ve implemented mandatory face shields that cover the face, but does this comply with the PHO? We’ve tried all the anti-fog treatments, but nothing seems to prevent fogging the safety glasses.MSABC System Account2021-02-18T12:36:46-08:00
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but should sanitize regularly and disinfect when advised by the health authority of a symptomatic COVID-19 case.
Employees are starting to ask for material that can be used by employees that drive, and that is something we are in the process of delivering. We did a review of the people taking our courses and webinars, and there seems to be a real interest from workers and employers who drive to do so. They are signing up and we are seeing more completing the courses. There is material on our website that is helpful for those driving and we'll be sharing that with you all soon.
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.).
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
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).
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
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).
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.
The hazard rating assigned by WorkSafeBC should be considered the minimum acceptable hazard rating for workplaces of employers assigned to that CU, with the following exception, multiple-employer workplaces where the work is phased and not all phases have the same hazards present. E.g., A prime contractor in residential construction classification unit 721027 (House or Other Wood Frame General Contracting, Construction, or Renovation Work) with hazard rating of high is providing first aid services when the only work being conducted is painting with hazard rating of medium – a hazard rating of medium may be used. No other subtrades must be conducting any other work at the time of the painting when the medium hazard rating is used. A separate first aid assessment must be documented using this lower hazard rating.
If multiple employers are doing work at the same time, the hazard rating of the prime contractor must be used - it is the prime contract’s responsibility to coordinate the safety at the worksite which includes provisions for first aid.
You will have to carry out a risk assessment to determine which is going to be the least hazardous to your employee(s). Factor in hazards such as weather, distance, driver experience as well as the risk of transmission.
Carry out a risk assessment and see what can be implemented. Masks and face shields are recommended anywhere physical distancing is not possible. To reduce risk further, consider taping a flexible piece of clear plastic between the front and rear seats, to isolate passengers from the driver (ensure the driver's vision is not obstructed for driving). Disinfect contact surfaces of the vehicle, when occupants change.
Carry out a risk assessment and see what can be implemented. For example, respiratory protection, face shields, or even taping a flexible piece of clear plastic between the front and rear seats (ensuring vision is not obstructed for driving) may help reduce the risk if it is not possible for employees to use separate vehicles. Ensure that work vehicles are thoroughly disinfected between shifts or use by different employees.