June 10, 2021 | WorkSafeBC
The B.C. government has announced a four-step plan to gradually begin to restart important social connections, businesses, and activities. Since the government announced its plan, WorkSafeBC has been working with Public Health to develop a workplace health and safety approach aligned with the four-step plan.
We are currently in step 1 of BC’s Restart plan, with step 2 expected to start no sooner than June 15. These steps see a gradual loosening of restrictions and protocols outlined under existing orders from the provincial health officer. The expectation is that employers will continue to maintain and review their COVID-19 Safety Plans during these steps.
WorkSafeBC is actively collaborating with Public Health on an approach to workplace health and safety that aligns with step 3, which begins no sooner than July 1. The Public Health Restart Advisory Committee is presently developing a provincial public health guidance document for step 3. WorkSafeBC has provided our proposed approach to that committee, including a framework that employers can use to manage risks as they move through steps 3, 4, and beyond. Direction to employers from WorkSafeBC will be founded in the information and guidance offered by Public Health and the PHO.
WorkSafeBC’s proposed approach is currently being reviewed by Public Health and government and they hope to have more information for our industry stakeholders by next week. In the meantime, please ensure you are familiar with the steps outlined in BC’s Restart website and continue to visit www.worksafebc.com/covid-19 for the most current information and resources from WorkSafeBC.