Knowledge Base Questions Archive - Page 23 of 23 - Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC 2025

Will COVID-19 vaccine program for front-line priority worker vaccination program be restarted now that AstraZeneca’s age eligibility has been expanded?

Not at this time, but potentially in future. Some workplaces are continuing to receive priority vaccination based on overall risk assessments in the health regions, but the remainder of the current AstraZeneca supply has been diverted to high-risk neighborhoods and pharmacies. Pharmacies with supply in other communities are also continuing to offer COVID-19 immunizations, so encouraging employees aged 40+ in high-risk neighborhoods to register (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/neighbourhood), and those outside those neighborhoods to make appointments at a participating pharmacy may be the quickest route to getting your team members immunized. A complete list of participating pharmacies can be found here: http://www.bcpharmacy.ca/resource-centre/covid-19/vaccination-locations

Will hot weather affect the temperature screening?

No, not unless the temperature exceeds 40 degrees centigrade.

Will “vehicle technology” ever been regulated in the near future? For example, Management wants to add backup cameras to vehicles, but drivers will find it a distraction despite the benefits. What advice would you give for someone who is in the middle between the two groups?

Technology that is available today is incredible. Observations made by the owners of a large courier company who have implemented back up cameras and cameras in the cabs. They found a tremendous benefit, but they also did a lot of work in training, education and deciding how and when the cameras would be implemented. Continuous follow up throughout the process. It is a sensitive issue, but done properly it has tremendous positive results. Louise would be happy to take this conversation off line for further conversation.

Will WorkSafeBC have control over the curriculum as they do presently with OFA 1, 2, and 3? Under the new changes, will WSBC assign a standard and not have any curriculum material of their own?

First aid training providers can either develop their own curriculum; aligned to CSA Z1210-17, and have it approved by WorkSafeBC, or enter into a training agreement and use the WorkSafeBC developed first aid curriculum. First aid training providers are subject to periodic quality assurance audits to ensure that WorkSafeBC requirements and standards are adhered to. WorkSafeBC approved training providers: Workplace First Aid Training Providers | WorkSafeBC

With the reduction in age group for the Astra Zeneca, will people 40 – 54 who registered be expected to now contact pharmacies? or will they still get that call from the registration?

People who have registered will stay on the provincial registry until their age cohort becomes eligible. However, they can get faster access to vaccination now by booking with a participating pharmacy. A complete list of participating pharmacies can be found here: http://www.bcpharmacy.ca/resource-centre/covid-19/vaccination-locations

Work-related claims occur as it arises out of, or in the course of employment. Is there any distinction when it comes to lunch? Some companies are paid breaks and some are not.

If they are on their personal time (commuting - is not considered part of work), if they are truly free to spend their lunch as they see fit, and not working, than that would be a personal incident.

What about if some workers are not willing to wear masks?

There are exemptions to be wearing masks. People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask on their own are exempt. Some people cannot wear a mask for psychological, behavioural, or health conditions. Be respectful of people who can't wear a mask.

Alternative options may potentially be considered, however this is based on your risk assessment, as well as the above criteria.

Source: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks

With WorkSafeBC stepping up inspections, do they have jurisdiction at a Federally regulated workplace?

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (Regulation) contains legal requirements that must be met by all workplaces under the inspectional jurisdiction of WorkSafeBC. Generally, WorkSafeBC does not get involved with federally regulated workplaces, as it is out of their jurisdiction.

In a workstation or work cell with 5 operators working face to face, do we still need plastic barriers at the middle even if mask is already mandated?

We cannot rely only 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 barriers, 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.

You mentioned sharing sources of PPE. Are there sources for hand sanitzer (for example) that are more readily accessed by the manufacturing sector?

We are sharing information about local suppliers on our COVID-19 PPE page as we hear about BC manufacturers that are producing these products.

You spoke of physical barriers such as terrain, but what about other barriers? For example, in Victoria, EHS will not respond if there are issues with safety. Some calls to areas of where homeless people are will not be undertaken unless police are also present. How do workplaces account for that in their first aid plans?

Employers must consider additional barriers that could potentially limit or delay a worker’s access to first aid. If a particular barrier is known, such as BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) will not enter the area without police escorts, then employers must consider this in their assessment and first aid procedures.

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