B.C.’s four-step restart
The B.C. government has announced BC’s Restart, 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.
Steps 1 and 2 of the plan see a gradual loosening of restrictions and protocols outlined under existing orders from the provincial health officer (PHO). 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 currently 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 based on the information and guidance offered by Public Health and the PHO.
Our proposed approach is currently being reviewed by Public Health and government and we hope to have more information for our industry stakeholders soon. In the meantime, please ensure you are familiar with the steps outlined on BC’s Restart website and continue to visit our website for the most current information and resources from WorkSafeBC.