The Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) recently released a report outlining guidelines for stakeholders to ensure the importance of health and safety in order to keep office services running efficiently.
It is important to remember that all measures taken should be done alongside the requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and through public health directives issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
The following are tips and best practices to assist employers in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace as provinces begin to ease restrictions:
1. Protecting Yourself and Co-Workers
Here are a few helpful tips to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses through close contact at work:
● Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
● Sneeze and cough into your sleeve;
● If you use a tissue, discard immediately and wash your hands afterward;
● Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth;
● Avoid contact with people who are sick;
● Stay home if you are sick;
● Wash your clothes as soon as you get home.
2. Reporting Illness
Right now, it's recommended that anyone who is experiencing symptoms related to a cold, flu or COVID-19 are immediately sent home and are to notify their supervisor and wait for further instructions. This may include having to self-isolate for 14 days, contact the trade union, and alert the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in a period of four days.
3. Establish an Effective Occupational Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control Plan
The infectious disease preparedness and response plan for the workforce will follow any recommendations from the Ministry of Health and directives from Public Health Ontario (OPH) such as:
● Maintain physical distance at least 2 metres (6 feet) or more between persons;
● Discourage sharing of telephones, keyboards, desks or workstations;
● Consider the total number of workers in the workplace and have staff work remotely as much as possible;
● Restrict access to building to only essential personnel;
● If direct client contact is essential and cannot be avoided, then staff should consider using personal protective equipment (e.g. having staff and/or clients wear surgical masks).
4. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
As we are amid a global pandemic, thorough and regular cleaning and disinfecting practices in the workforce are vital. The areas of focus for sanitation include:
● Encouraging workers to frequently wash their hands with soap and water (for a minimum of 20 seconds) or alcohol-based (greater than 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer;
● Increased cleaning and sanitization of commonly touched surfaces, areas or items (e.g. door handles, railings, tables, work surfaces, equipment e.g. computer keyboards and mice).
5. Track and Monitor the Workforce
All employers are to track where employees have worked. In cases where an employee tests positive for COVID-19, local public health units will be able to conduct contact tracing, provide information of where other employees may have been exposed, and carry-out appropriate cleaning and sanitation methods.
To access all of the Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) information and resources, please visit the website: https://www.pshsa.ca/resources/health-and-safety-guidance-during-covid-19-for-employers-of-office-settings
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