Businesses required to post safety plan under reopening rules

B.C. got a glimpse of the “new normal” on Friday as WorkSafeBC released guidelines for the reopening of some businesses after the long weekend.

At restaurants, customers may need to browse the menu on a chalkboard, pass plates to others at the table, and refill water glasses from a jug. They will have to wear a mask (one should be provided if they don’t bring your own) at hair salons. And you can forget about catching up on a favourite magazine in any waiting room.

While some sectors received a set of specific protocols from WorkSafeBC, including restaurants, salons and physiotherapists, all businesses must follow more general guidelines to keep employees and customers safe.

Be prepared to be asked if you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19, many times.

All businesses must develop a health and safety plan, which has to be posted so that both employees and the public are clear about protocols, said Al Johnson, head of prevention services. WorkSafeBC does not need to see or approve the plan, but it will be ensuring compliance.

“We’re eager for all of B.C. to get back to work, to the new normal, but we want to make sure it’s done safely,” he said.

It remains unclear when many of the sectors singled out by WorkSafeBC with special guidelines will be able to open. The provincial health officer is expected to lift or modify the orders that have limited service early this week as Phase 2 of reopening begins.

On Friday, Fraser Health rescinded an order closing gym, yoga and other fitness facilities. While there was no such order in place in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, most gyms closed because of physical distancing requirements.

“We all have a shared responsibility to build confidence amongst workers and customers, so everyone feels safe accessing businesses and services,” Minister of Labour Harry Bains said in a news release. “We know that businesses will open at their own pace, and I encourage them to proceed in a careful way.”

The general WorkSafeBC guidelines for all businesses include enhanced cleaning, limits on the number of people in a space, and methods to maintain physical distance.

WorkSafeBC’s 300 inspectors will be conducting checks “trying to catch businesses doing it right,” said Johnson.

They will also be responding to complaints from employees and the public about unsafe working conditions.

Inspectors are committed to working with employers to correct deficiencies, but WorkSafeBC also has the ability to enforce regulations with written orders and fines.

Additional guidelines are expected in the coming days for child care, health services, and recreation and sports.