Frequently Asked Questions
How do we maintain social distancing while working in our facility?
In order to comply with health protocols, review your walkways to ensure that your employees have enough space to maintain their distance while walking between workstations, break rooms, and other commons areas. This might require one-way direction flow for entrances and exits, for example.
How do you manage employee safety concerns when many issues may not always be an “easy fix”?
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that even if you can’t fix something right away, how you respond makes all the difference. I make it a point to acknowledge the concern right away, explain the steps we’re taking or planning to take, and be honest about the limitations, whether it’s time, budget, or if a larger issue, could require an entirely new process. What I believe matters most is that employees don’t feel ignored or unheard. I’ll often say, ‘You’re right to report this and it’s on our radar, and here’s what we’re doing about it so far…’ Even if it’s a longer-term solution, I check in regularly and keep them updated. That kind of communication builds trust and shows that we’re not brushing things aside, we’re just managing them the best we can, and their input is still highly valued.How does an employer measure the ppm to ensure exposure limits are not exceeded?
To determine the concentration of a contaminant in the air, specialized equipment is needed for this assessment. Typically, air sampling pumps and/or specialized media is put on a worker for the duration of the shift (or a representative time). This media is then sent off to a lab for analysis, and a report is generated indicating the concentration a worker is exposed to during the sampled time. Comparison is then made with the regulatory exposure limits. Other means of assessment also involve using direct reading instruments. With this, we are able to get a concentration in that moment, and it does not require the sample to be sent off to a lab for further analysis. These would be, in simplest terms, the way to truly determine contaminant concentrations.How effective are the vaccinations with the variants we are seeing now?
They have good effectiveness across the board. It does vary as some vaccines have decreased effectiveness on some variants, but these are minimal changes. We expect the emergence of more variants, and something we are keeping a close eye on.How effective is using handheld laser temperature readers for screening employees? Do the readers have to be geared for reading body temperature?
If an employee's temperature exceeds 37.8, the employee should not be allowed to enter the workplace, and should contact a physician to be tested. However, keep in mind that only 30% of symptomatic COVID cases include fever; your screening process should address other recognized symptoms (cold/flu or gastrointestinal symptoms, loss of sense of smell) as well.
How is the experience rating calculated if a company has only been open for 1 or 2 years?
As soon as the first year (with payroll) hits the 3-year window, ER will commence. For instance, if the company started in 2020, the earliest ER starts is 2022.How long does it take to see improvements to your rate?
Improvements may be observed as soon as the current year hits the 3-year window for rate calculation. For instance, if there are noticeable improvements in claims costs in 2022, the first year 2022 will appear in the 3-year window for rate calculation is in 2024.How many accommodated workers is too many?
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): There is no limit prescribed. If the work is being completed regardless of accommodations than there is no effect. If providing accommodations becomes an undue hardship, then that will be reviewed. Make sure you document why an accommodation is not possible. Amanda (TeksMed Services): There is no set figure.How will I know when it is my turn to get the vaccine?
Vaccine is being administered through a phased approach developed by the Ministry of Health, starting with priority groups first. Sequencing of these groups is based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and on our own epidemiological data to reduce the risk of infection to those most vulnerable to severe disease and death following COVID-19 infection, and to protect our health care system. For more information on the provincial immunization plan and priority groups, visit the BC government website. For frontline and essential workers, appointment information will be communicated clearly and directly to each sector and employer.How would you handle a refusal of unsafe work if our only control is physical distancing and washing hands (no disinfectant to spray down equipment due to short supply)?
Follow the refusal of unsafe work procedures.
I already had COVID-19. Do I still need the shot?
If you had, or may have had, COVID-19 you should still get the vaccine. This is because you may not be immune to the virus that causes COVID-19 and could get infected and sick again.I am confident that most of the organizations in BC have effective controls. But to control and eliminate COVID-19 incidents in BC, we must think not as individuals or organizations, but as a community. Is there anything else we can do aside from training and awareness in our organizations to encourage people to follow guidelines outside of work?
The safety culture of your organization should impact your ability to influence workers beyond the workplaces and into the actions they take at home and in their communities.