WorkSafeBC will be conducting around 40 field inspections and 35 consultations at wineries, cideries and craft breweries in the BC Interior over the next three weeks.
The inspections and consultations will confirm that COVID-19 safety plans are in place and implemented effectively, as well as confirm that controls are in place to protect workers from COVID-19 transmission.
“With warmer weather here and summer fast approaching, these businesses will likely see increased activity in all three areas of their operations: agriculture, manufacturing, and customer visits,” says Al Johnson, head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC.
“As the number of workers increases, manufacturing ramps up, and tasting rooms attract more visitors over the summer, we need to ensure these employers have updated and effective COVID-19 safety plans in place to protect their diverse workforces.”
Employers: As conditions change, it’s important that you continue to review, update, and communicate your COVID-19 safety plans.
— WorkSafeBC (@WorkSafeBC) May 14, 2021
The first 1️⃣ step of every workplace COVID-19 safety plan is a risk assessment.
Learn more: https://t.co/QLTY0odhIc#COVIDBC #LetsDoOurPartBC pic.twitter.com/ujGa1Q1FwM
WorkSafeBC has been conducting these types of inspectional initiatives targeting specific industries since the start of the year.
They’re informed by WorkSafe risk assessment and employer effectiveness surveys, COVID-19 claim numbers, information from health authorities and both seasonal and temporal factors.
“We want to ensure we are working with BC wineries, cideries and brew pubs in order to help these businesses prepare for a safe and successful summer,” added Johnson.
BC businesses are required to have a COVID-19 safety plan to protect workers and prevent transmission of the virus in the workplace and the plan must be reviewed and updated as conditions change.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of 123rf.
