Stay Open – Guide to Operating During COVID-19

 

To help local businesses operate safely during the pandemic and to avoid closure orders, the Burnaby Board of Trade is providing this Guide to Operating Safely During COVID-19.

With COVID-19 cases increasing across BC, new powers have been granted to local Medical Health Officers and WorkSafeBC officials to issue closure orders of at least 10 days to workplaces which have seen COVID-19 transmissions.

To avoid this risk of closure, businesses should ensure they are following best practices for prevention of COVID-19 in the workplace.  See below for help on what you need to do to keep your business open!

COVID-19 Safety Plans
Daily Worker Health Checks
WorkSafeBC COVID Inspections
PPE Supplier List 
Videos

COVID-19 Safety Plans

Employers are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Employers must involve frontline workers, joint health and safety committees, and supervisors in developing the plan.   The plan does not need to be submitted or approved, but it must be posted at your worksite and on your website.

Resources:

Daily Worker Health Checks 

A critical part of your COVID-19 Safety Plan is ensuring that every worker performs a daily health check before entering the workplace. Health checks are mandatory self-assessments conducted by workers and includes confirming with their employer, in written or verbal format, that they have reviewed the complete list of entry requirements and that none of the prohibited criteria apply to them.

You must ask workers as part of your health check:

  • Whether have travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days
  • Whether they have been told by public health that they are a close contact of a positive COVID case
  • Whether they have been told by public health to isolate
  • Whether they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
    • fever, chills, cough, loss of smell or taste, extreme tiredness, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing or sore throat

If they answer yes to any of those questions, the worker should not be allowed in the workplace. If they have symptoms, they should call 811 to determine if they should be tested.

Resources:

WorkSafeBC COVID Inspections

WorkSafeBC officers may call or visit unannounced to evaluate how you are protecting your workers and how you are applying the appropriate safeguards to properly manage the overall risk of COVID-19 exposures. Inspections may be done physically on-site or over the phone, and in both instances employers and workers will be asked questions about their COVID-19 safety plans to determine if the plan has been developed appropriately and implemented by staff.  This is why it is critical that employers ensure all staff know about the COVID-19 safety plan and understand their role in fulfilling it.

Resources:

PPE Supplier List

As part of safe operations during COVID-19, many businesses may need to install and provide personal protective equipment, signage, office cleaning or physical barriers. But where can you find these sought-after items and services?

The Burnaby Board of Trade has a exclusive list of local suppliers who can provide PPE, COVID signage and decals, cleaning services, and plexiglass barriers.  Download the PPE and COVID-19 Safety Equipment Supplier List here or request one by emailing cory@bbot.ca 

Videos

Throughout the pandemic, the Burnaby Board of Trade has brought subject matter experts to our business community to share valuable information, insights, and guidance.   Click below to watch videos from digital events related to operating during COVID-19.

Discussion with Fraser Health Authority  (April 2021)

COVID-19 Vaccines and Your Employer Obligations  (April 2021)

Bringing Workers Back to a Workplace  (August 2020)

Re Opening and Operating During COVID 19  (June 2020)