Covid-19 | Safety | Employee

Free Covid-19 Employee Safety Plan and Rules

You may be returning to work and worried about your personal safety.

I’m working at a campground this summer and was asked to develop a safety plan for someone just like you. We live in British Columbia, Canada, so there are certain rules to be followed.

Writing a plan sounded straight forward, but it was tricky. There’s a lot of information about Covid-19 and how it is transmitted, but not everyone agrees on what do to to prevent it.

Different jobs require different protection. When writing a plan, consider 4 things: time, space, people and place.

Time

Evaluate the amount of time the employee spends with other people as it increases the risk of infection.

Space

Allowing a distance of six feet between people at all times is important in reducing risk. Reconfigure work spaces or stagger work times in order to separate employees.

People

As the number of people the employee interacts with increases, so does their risk. In high contact positions such as a cashier, consider added protection such as protective barriers and masks.

Place

Working or meeting outdoors is definitely a better choice than indoors, especially if you are meeting in close quarters. The virus spreads in droplets and an outdoor setting is ideal for dissipating them.

Allow employees to work at home if possible.

Limit the length of meetings, reduce the number of meetings employees are required to attend and consider using technology, even if you work in an office.

For employees working indoors, avoid touching hard surfaces and wash your hands frequently. Open windows to dilute any droplets in the air.

The safety plan had to be flexible yet not too complicated or vague. We are a small organization so the plan had to be affordable, yet still protect our workers.

Here’s the first draft of our camp plan:

Employee Camp Covid-19 Safety Plan

1. Social distancing rules must be followed by employees or volunteers including members of the family while onsite.

2. If you are ill or have symptoms, stay home.

3. All employees and volunteers must follow self-isolation requirements prescribed by the provincial health officer of British Columbia. No one is allowed to quarantine at the camp.

4. Always wear required protective gear while you perform your duties. If you are unsure as to what protective gear is required, contact management at the camp.

5. Coffee and lunch breaks will be held outside until further notice.

6. Use the hand sanitizer provided or wash your hands when you arrive on site and when you leave.

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Protective Gear Required for cleaning washrooms, cabins and trailers include the following:

1. When you initially arrive at the camp use the hand sanitizer provided.

2. When you leave for the day, use hand sanitizer for your protection.

3. Wear gloves. A new set of gloves is required for each unit.

4. Face masks are not required unless you are in a situation where you cannot easily practice social distancing.

5. If you have any concerns, contact management at the camp.

This COVID-19 Safety Plan is posted in accordance with an order made by British Columbia Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on May 14, 2020

It’s a beginning.

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