2) Preparing to Open

Preparing your space

WorkSafeBC has released industry-specific guidance and resources for employers resuming operations as part of phase 2 of the provincial government’s restart plan.

 

Industry-specific guidelines and resources are now available for the following sectors:

COVID-19 Safety Plan Template here

 

For more information please visit WorkSafe BC’s website here

Physical Distancing

  • Public gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people.
  • Public gathering restrictions do not apply to retail.  Specific guidance for non-food retail here and for food retail here.
  • ALL employers must provide 2 metres physical distancing between all persons (e.g., both employees and customers).  Guidance for occupancy limit is one person per four square metres.
  • Employees MUST be permitted to take sick days when they are sick.  There can be no requirement for a note from a physician.

 

Disinfecting

  • Cleaning: Consider increasing routine cleaning practices – if you are cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces once a day, move to twice a day using the products you already use.
  • Space: Consider the density of your business and provide additional space for customers and employees to interact; for example, consider how line ups or seating could be expanded so that people are able to put some distance – 1 to 2 metres – between one another.
  • Hand hygiene: Ensure your washrooms remain stocked with soap and consider offering hand sanitizer at entrances.
  • Communication: Show your customers, clients, members, and employees what you are doing to support the efforts to slow transmission of this virus by communicating online and at your place of business.
  • Employees who feel unwell: Support your employees to stay home if they are sick.

Guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting public settings here: 

 

Staffing up

Retail Council of Canada’s Checklist for Bringing Employees Back to Work:

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Anywear Garment Company

  • face masks
  • gloves

Home Hardware

  • masks
  • gloves
  • hand sanitizer
  • lysol
  • face-shields
  • coveralls

Canadian Tire

  • masks
  • gloves
  • 20 L pails of hand sanitizer

Bohemian Spirits

  • locally made wholesale sanitizer