Provincial Health Officer order delegates specific powers of the Public Health Act to WorkSafeBC prevention officers
Today, the Provincial Health Officer announced new orders delegating specific powers of the Public Health Act to WorkSafeBC prevention officers. Under the new order, WorkSafeBC prevention officers are limited to serving a closure order to a business with a known COVID-19 outbreak. The closure order will be in effect for a period of 10 days, or more, as prescribed by the health authorities Medical Health Officer on a case-by-case basis and when directed to do so by a Provincial Medical Health Officer.
WorkSafeBC is providing this support to help the Province manage the recent increase in COVID-19 cases. When serving the closure order, the WorkSafeBC prevention officer will discuss the employer’s COVID-19 safety plan and provide the employer with the “Reviewing and updating your COVID-19 safety plan” resource guide.
The prevention officer will advise the employer to review and make improvements to their COVID-19 safety plan. When the workplace reopens, the prevention officer will conduct an inspection to review the employer’s updated COVID-19 safety plan to ensure the employer is effectively implementing measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The increase in COVID-19 cases across BC is an important reminder that we all have a shared responsibility to remain vigilant in supporting workplace health and safety during the pandemic.
The Alliance is available to support BC manufacturers and food processors to strengthen their COVID-19 safety plans and keep their workers safe.
Call our OHS Support line to get immediate support from a safety advisor – 604.795.9595 or visit safetyalliancebc.ca/covid-19 for resources and tools, webinars and online training, and updated expert answers to frequently asked questions about the virus and recommended workplace controls.
Resources:
- Provincial Health Officer orders and notices
- WorkSafeBC COVID-19 website for resources and information on keeping workplaces safe, including information on the PHO order and inspections and consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic
