Develop a COVID-19 Workplace Safety plan that outlines the specific controls that will be put into place to make the workplace safer for everyone. Consider using the COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan information and template.
Communicate clearly to employees that the following Infection Prevention and Control Measures (screening, hand washing, cough etiquette, environmental cleaning, and physical distancing) should be used together for optimal effectiveness in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
More details on these general measures can be found on the Stop the Spread page.
Businesses are encouraged to check the signage at entrances often to make sure they are the most current version. Please replace anything old with the latest signage. View the most up-to-date signage at: Printable signage and posters
Employers are required to actively screen employees, volunteers, students, suppliers, contract workers, and other essential visitors who enter for work purposes, to ensure that no person with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 comes into the facility. This involves collecting and reviewing information to determine whether a person may enter the workplace.
- Actively screen each person using the Ontario COVID-19 Worker and Employee Screening (a PDF version of the screen is also available at this link).
- Active screening may be done in person at the workplace or remotely using telephone, internet (online), email submission or an app prior to entry.
- Screening should occur before or when the person arrives at the workplace at the beginning of their shift or visit.
- Remind staff that they should stay home if they are sick.
- Ensure that your organization’s screening protocol is clearly communicated. Combine screening procedures with other communication (i.e. OH&S updates, intranet, briefings at meetings, etc.)
- Post signage at all staff entrances reminding employees to be sure that they have completed the screening process before entering. Updated signage is available on the Workplace Printable Posters and Signage page.
- Anyone who does not pass the screening should be advised to:
- not enter the workplace, including those that are outdoors or partially outdoors;
- go home and self-isolate immediately; and
- contact their health care provider or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 to find out if they need a COVID-19 test and for further instructions.
- Ensure screeners receive information and instruction on how to perform this work safely and what to do if a person must be excluded from the workplace.
- TBDHU is currently in Provincewide Shutdown until at least February 11, 2021. When the current restrictions are lifted, the COVID-19 Prevention Framework will be renacted. At this time, active screening of patrons is required for certain sectors as indicated.
- Businesses should use the Ontario COVID-19 Customer Screening Tool (a PDF version of the screen is also available at this link) and should continue to post patron screening signage at public entrances.
- The only exception at this time, is for retail establishments as further information from the Ontario Government on this requirement is pending. Retail businesses should continue to ensure that the patron screening poster is in place at public entrances.
Businesses and organizations can adopt their own patron screening process as long as it meets the minimum requirements of Ontario Regulation 82/20, and/or other sector-specific guidelines. However, TBDHU encourages employers to consider the following when implementing patron screening procedures:
- Essential workers who travel outside of Northwestern Ontario or outside of Canada for work purposes should not be excluded entry on that basis alone.
- Health care workers may have contact with a positive case of COVID-19 in the course of their duties, however this should not be a reason for them to be denied access to a business. Front-line health care workers are highly trained professionals (and also heroes in this pandemic) who wear appropriate personal protective equipment to keep them safe.
- Healthy household members of health care workers and of those who have traveled pose minimal risk to the public. The only time that a household member would have restrictions is if they are identified as a close contact to a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. These individuals would be contacted by public health and instructed to self-isolate for a period of time. Otherwise, such screening questions that ask about “household members” would be far-reaching.
If you have any questions or concerns about screening for COVID-19, call TBDHU at (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1-888-294-6630 or complete the Contact Us form.
Questions regarding COVID-19 health and safety measures for employees, including employee screening, can also be directed to the MLTSD Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008.
- Enable and encourage employees to work from home, if possible. Consider issuing staff with laptops or the equipment required to work remotely if necessary.
- Everyone should be practicing physical distancing. Details on what physical distancing is and how to do it can be found on the Physical Distancing page.
- Where feasible, adjustments to policies and procedures may be put in place to reduce social contact, such as remote working arrangements, flexible hours, staggering start times, use of email and teleconferencing.
- Promote physical distancing in your workplace and post reminders in places where people may be closer than 2 metres together (e.g. active screening locations, line-ups, entrances and exits). Combine this with other communication (i.e. OH&S, intranet, briefings at meetings etc.).
- Investigate ways of using technology to limit the amount of face-to-face contact, for example video conferencing, to facilitate remote meetings.
- If possible, increase the spatial separation between desks and workstations as well as individuals (e.g. employees, customers) from each other. A 2 metre separation should be maintained, unless there is a physical barrier (e.g. cubicle wall, Plexiglas window).
- Limit the number of passengers allowed in elevators to the number that can maintain a distance of 2 metres (with a maximum of 3 people at one time).
- Avoid crowding in stairwells, hallways and other tight spaces.
- Schedule breaks at different times to avoid large groups.
- Tips, considerations and guidelines for holding meetings and events can be found on the Meetings & Events page.
Additional Resources
- Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA)
- Advice for Hosts and Event Organizers (TBDHU)
- World Health Organization: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 (PDF)
Printable Posters and Signage
- Physical Distancing Sign (General) (PDF)
- Distanciation physique (général) (PDF)
- Physical Distancing Sign (In Line) (PDF)
- Distanciation physique (en ligne) (PDF)
- Physical Distancing Sign (Picking Up Take Out) (PDF)
- Distanciation physique (ramassage à emporter) (PDF)
- Physical Distancing Sign (Elevators) (PDF)
- Distanciation physique (les ascenseurs) (PDF)
- On October 2, 2020 the Ontario Government amended the Reopening of Ontario Act, 2020 (O.Reg 364/20) and mandated the use of masks/face coverings in the indoor premises of all businesses and organizations (including a business vehicle), with some exceptions. TBDHU’s Instruction Letter to Employers, Business Owners and Operators for mandatory masks/face coverings also remains in effect. Where there are differences between the regulation and TBDHU’s instruction letter, whichever is the stricter expectation will be required. For details, visit the Mandatory Masks Directive for Businesses and Organizations page.
- Visit the Masks/Face Coverings page for more information on the proper use and care of masks.
- When employees perform tasks that require them to be within 2 metres of an unmasked person without a barrier (i.e. plexiglass, partition, wall), it is required that disposable surgical/procedure masks and eye protection be used. See the COVID-19 Eye Protection Guidelines (PDF) for details on the proper use of protective eyewear.
- Promote frequent hand washing by employees, contractors and customers. Details on proper hand hygiene practices can be found on the Hand Hygiene page.
- Display posters promoting hand washing. Combine this with other communication (i.e. OH&S, intranet, briefings at meetings etc.).
- Provide access to hand washing facilities and place hand sanitizing dispensers in prominent locations throughout the workplace, if possible. Make sure these dispensers are regularly refilled.
- Avoid shaking hands with colleagues or clients. Use alternative greetings instead, such as a head nod or wave.
- Remind clients who are children to follow these recommendations and support them to do so.
Additional Resources
Printable Posters and Signage
- General information on cough etiquette can be found on the Cover your Coughs and Sneezes page.
- Display posters promoting cough etiquette. Combine this with other communication (i.e. OH&S, intranet, briefings at meetings etc.).
- Consider providing additional tissues should someone develop respiratory symptoms. If symptoms develop, the person must immediately be separated from others, instructed on proper cough etiquette and sent home (not using public transit, if possible).
Printable Posters and Signage
- Cover Your Cough Poster (PDF)
- Couvrez-vous la bouche (PDF)
- For detailed information on cleaning, see the Environmental Cleaning page and the TBDHU resource on Cleaning and Disinfection of Public Spaces.
- Workplaces should follow their organization specific cleaning protocols.
- Identify frequently touched surfaces that may need to be cleaned more often (e.g. doorknobs, handrails, light switches, touch screen surfaces, phones, elevator buttons, computers, desks, lunch tables, kitchens, washrooms, cash registers, seating areas, surface counters, customer service counters, bars, restaurant tables/menus, communal pens, etc.).
- It is also recommended that items be removed if they cannot easily be cleaned (e.g. newspapers, magazines, stuffed toys).
- All waste can go into regular garbage bins that are lined. Employees who handle waste should be careful not to touch any used tissues. They should wash their hands with soap and water immediately after emptying wastebaskets and garbage bins.
- In businesses where dishwashing occurs, normal dishwashing practices should continue to be followed. No special soap is needed.
- In businesses where laundering occurs, normal laundry practices should continue to be followed.
- Introduce more fresh air by increasing the ventilation system’s air intake or opening doors and windows. Avoid central recirculation where possible.
- Businesses that hire contractors to perform cleaning duties can refer to the fact sheet with Guidance for Janitorial Services (PDF) *Currently being updated.