1.0 POLICY STATEMENT
Riteway Traffic Control Ltd. (the “Business”) is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of its employees and of all individuals who enter its workplace.
COVID-19 is a respiratory viral infection which has infected millions of individuals across the globe, including Canada.
The Business aims to dispel fears and misconceptions regarding COVID-19 through this COVID-19 Prevention and Control Policy (the “Policy”) by educating its employees on the symptoms, infection prevention and control, and compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. In addition, this Policy sets out the Business’ legal obligations under applicable legislation, as well as steps the Business will take to limit the risk of infection by COVID- 19 in the workplace.
2.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to develop a prevention and response policy for COVID-19, as part of an emergency preparedness and response plan at the workplace. The aim is to clearly identify the requirements and procedures required to control the spread of the infection at the workplace, while also maintaining the business operating. The policy is based on information available at the time of its development and is subject to change based on further information provided by the government, health authorities, and the latest evidence.
4 – GENERAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 EMPLOYER
COVID19 presents a risk to the health and safety of employees, and as a result,
employers have legal a obligation to take reasonable steps to address this risk. What is
appropriate and reasonable may vary depending on the nature of the Business and
its workforce. The Business is responsible for making sure that the workplace is safe,
and that employees’ health and safety are not put at risk.
The ultimate goal of the Business is to prevent and reduce transmission among employees, maintain a healthy business operation and work environment. While the following are subject to change, at present, reasonable steps may include the following:
- Review this COVID-19 policy with all employees;
- Require employees to immediately inform their supervisors or managers if they or someone they have been in close contact with, has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been directed to quarantine by public health authorities;
- Direct employees who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 to quarantine themselves
- Implement a system for screening employees, contractors, visitors and volunteers who may enter the work premises for COVID-19;
- Provide training to all workplace parties on the reporting procedures of COVID-19 infection;
- Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to face masks, gloves, face shield, goggles to the employees who may have exposure to COVID-19;
- Advise employees to practice social distancing while at work;
- f possible, provide physical barriers between workstations (Plexiglass or cubicles);
- Encourage good hygiene practices at the workplace;
- Ensure that appropriate steps are being taken to ensure the cleanliness of the workplace; and
- Develop and implement a COVID-19 business continuity plan.
4.2 SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS
-
- Ensure this COVID-19 policy is implemented and adhered to at the workplace;
- Monitor the employees for possible signs of COVID-19 symptoms;
- Request that any person who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 to leave the worksite and seek medical advice;
- Ensure employees use personal protective equipment as required;
- Advise an employee of any existing or potential risks of exposure; and
- Protect the privacy of any employee who may have to leave the worksite due to COVID-19 related symptoms.
4.3 EMPLOYEE
- Follow the requirements of this COVID-19 Policy;
- Become familiar with the symptoms of COVID-19;
Supervisors will be held responsible for the health and safety of the employees under their supervision. Some specific duties of supervisors include:
Under the law, employees must protect their own health and safety by working in compliance with the law and any established health and safety policies, safe work practices and procedures. Some specific responsibilities include:
- Inform supervisors and managers if diagnosed with COVID-19 or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19;
- Quarantine and stay away from work until completely free of COVID-19 symptoms;
- Use appropriate PPE when required; and
- Practice good hygiene protocols.
5.2 REPORTING PROCEDURES
If an employee is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they should contact a primary care provider or 8-1-1 anytime to talk to a nurse at HealthLinkBC and get advice about what to do next. The employee also has the option of going to a COVID-19 assessment center for testing. An employee with symptoms related to COVID-19 is not allowed to return to work until all symptoms have subsided.
In the event that an employee is experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 while at work, they should immediately inform a manager/supervisor. The supervisor and manager will take down relevant information (time, date, employee name and contact information) and advise the employee to self-isolate and call a primary care provider or the local COVID-19 Public Health for further guidance.
If the employee is tested for COVID-19 and the test result is positive, the employee must immediately inform the employer. The employer has a duty to report any confirmed cases to the following:
- Dial 8-1-1 which is the number for HealthlinkBC in British Columbia.
- JHSC/Health and Safety Representative.
- Union Representative if applicable.
Any confirmed cases of COVID-19 that could reasonably be assumed to be work-related, should be reported to the WSIB//WCB within 72 hours of receiving notice of the illness. The Employee compensation case manager will make a determination on whether the employee’s COVID-19 case is work-related or not. Clear instructions will be provided to all workplace parties about the reporting procedure.
View our Detail COVID19 Policies at COVID-19 Policies