‘Increasing in-person inspections in sectors of particular concern will help prevent future outbreaks’
British Columbia has announced it is expanding provincial COVID-19 ticket enforcement and workplace safety measures to keep British Columbians safe, as well as mitigate the effects on health-care systems, communities and the economy in the ongoing government response to COVID-19.
The Province has asked WorkSafeBC to enhance its inspection presence in workplaces by reducing reliance on virtual checks and moving to more in-person inspections, particularly in sectors where COVID-19 transmission is occurring.
“WorkSafeBC officers have been doing an admirable job conducting inspections and enforcing compliance with the requirement to have a COVID-19 safety plan,” said Harry Bains, minister of labour.
“Increasing in-person inspections in sectors of particular concern will help prevent future outbreaks and aligns with our co-ordinated approach to COVID-19 enforcement. Our government is firmly committed to keeping people safe at work.”
In August, the province announced it would hire about 500 additional health professionals to increase contact tracing around the province.
B.C. 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 identifying protocols for their workplace.
The plans must be in accordance with the order of the provincial health officer and posted at the worksite and on the employer’s website, if there is one. During a WorkSafeBC inspection, employers will be asked about the steps they have taken to protect their workers and to see their plan, says the government.
