“Workplaces are potentially important sites of transmission for COVID-19 and thus play a critical role in controlling the spread of COVID-19”
On Monday last week, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group published new research on COVID-19 and the workplace. CSA Group compiled its findings in a report entitled “Workplaces and COVID-19: Occupational Health and Safety Considerations for Reopening during the Pandemic”.
The research was completed by the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health and received contributions from around 100 industry experts from throughout Canada. The report aims to provide a best-practice guide for both small and large employers planning to safely reopen their workplaces during the pandemic.
CSA Group has organized the report into three general areas of guidance: physical building systems, workplace organization structures and individual worker wellbeing. Part A of the report covers the group’s findings. Part B of the report covers “Suggested Practices and Considerations Arising from the Research Report.” This includes guidance on hazard assessment, employee communication, safer operation of building systems, workplace organization and monitoring, etc.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to continue for many months, if not years. Employers should consider preparing for subsequent shutdowns of non-essential workplaces […] Workplaces are potentially important sites of transmission for COVID-19 and thus play a critical role in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Supporting workers to stay home when they are sick or have had contact with a COVID-19 case will help prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into the workplace. The hierarchy of controls should guide the selection of controls to reduce the risk of transmission in the workplace. Workers and employers need support to minimize the risk of exposure and transmission as we adapt to new work practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Says the CSA Group.
A link to download the report is available on CSA Group’s website.
