On January 7, 2022, the provincial health officer announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 Safety Plans.

This order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have a Communicable Disease Previous Plan in their workplace. Employers should take note that, although both plans share many of the same fundamental principles, a COVID-19 Safety Plan is a formal, written plan that must be posted on your workplace’s website (if you have one) and must be provided to a health officer or a WorkSafeBC officer upon request.

Additionally, as opposed to a Communicable Disease Prevention Plan, an employer’s COVID-19 Safety Plan must include specific controls such as:

• a limit on the number of workers and customers in the workplace;
• social distancing measures; and
• use of barriers and directional arrows.

Check out WorkSafeBC’s website for an updated copy of its template COVID-19 Safety Plan, industry specific information, and further updates.

Want More?

COVID-19 continues to have a serious impact on both employees and employers, and we realize that changes to government programs and legislation can be difficult to keep up with. If you have any questions or would like advice about COVID-19 and how it affects your business, employees or employment, please contact Ryley Mennie or Carson Bell from our Workplace Law Group.