‘Having a plan, and training to support that plan, is one thing, but the plan means nothing unless you have the people to make it happen’
COS recently spoke with Eric Thompson, HSE Manager at Horizon North Camps & Catering, about how his company has successfully handled the pandemic thus far, and his advice for other companies wishing to effectively combat the virus.
“Success, when it comes to mitigating COVID-19, is not a proprietorial situation. Horizon has shared its plans with numerous clients, subcontractors and peers and they have done the same with us.” Said Thompson.
Thompson tells COS that the first COVID-19 case in Canada was January 25, and by February 26 there were 12 cases. By this same date, Horizon North had a fully implemented COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan ready to go. “We are fortunate to have an in-house trainer that develops online training, and all staff started to receive training as part of the Emergency Response Plans for COVID-19,” he says.
This is very important, because having a proper plan in place is paramount to containing, and eradicated, virus spread. Companies wishing to improve their COVID-19 response should have designated personnel to keep abreast of the fast-changing nature of the virus. This allows for the company to respond in a timely manner, says Thompson.
Using Horizon North as an example, Thompson tells COS that there are various things that other companies can do to protect their employees. This includes, requiring staff to wear face coverings (this is something Horizon North did early on); reaching out to regulators to vet response plans to make sure that they will bill effective; and adopting the highest standards from each province to mitigate potential exposure to the virus.
Furthermore, says Thompson, “having a plan, and training to support that plan, is one thing, but the plan means nothing unless you have the people to make it happen.”
He adds: “Don’t solely wait for regulators to provide guidelines for a pandemic plan – especially one that has had ever changes nuances. Look to industry and peers as they represent those facing the opportunities firsthand. Keep up to date on the news and be a leader – not a follower.”
