Are workers or members of the public required to wear masks in the workplace? Make sure everyone in the workplace follows these guidelines when wearing a mask: The BCCDC recommends that sick people use surgical or procedural masks to prevent transmission to others. A mask helps keep a person`s droplets inside. Health workers wear surgical masks, eye protection and gowns to protect themselves and patients. For sanitary measures where aerosols can be generated (e.g. when administering certain inhaled drugs), health workers should wear special masks (e.g. N95). They also point out that wearing a mask in the community may be less effective if a person is not sick themselves. Masks can give a person a false sense of security and probably increase the number of times a person touches their face (for example, to fit the mask). If public health has recommended physical distancing to reduce the risk of certain communicable diseases – such as COVID-19 – in the workplace or region, this poster can be used to provide instructions on how to wear a mask properly. The requirement to wear a mask in the province was lifted on March 11, 2022. Individual employers can establish their own mask policies for workers and the public based on their risk assessment.

If recommended by public health, the employer must follow public health instructions regarding the use of masks in the workplace. These may include guidelines, requirements or recommendations for workers and members of the public. If a worker has a work-related adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine (including subsequent booster doses), the following information will help you decide whether to apply. In general, sick workers should stay home and contact their local health care provider. Every employer should have a sick leave and compensation policy if an employee is unable to work due to COVID-19 concerns. Employer policies must comply with the Employment Standards Act, which sets standards for compensation, compensation and working conditions in most workplaces. Under OPH orders, employers in the health sector are required to ensure that workers are fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. For example, employers, contractors, employees and service providers in long-term care facilities; private hospitals; independent long-term care hospitals; assisted living; Hospitals and community health facilities such as public health clinics, laboratories and private home care are subject to OPH orders that address the collection and reporting of information on immunization status and immunization requirements to perform work in facilities. For more information on specific requirements for employers and others, refer to the Provincial Medical Officer of Health`s prescriptions, notices or guidelines. For more information about choosing and using respiratory protection, see the following resources.

As every workplace is different, employers should seek advice when considering a mandatory vaccination policy, as they must balance occupational health and safety with privacy, work and occupational issues. In addition to legal advice, employers can also consult the following resources to learn more about what to consider when developing a mandatory vaccination policy: Are there industry-specific protocols to prevent communicable diseases? WorkSafeBC advises employers and employees to follow recommended personal hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding facial contact and direct contact with others. The following information will help you understand communicable diseases, how to prevent them in your workplace and respond to periods of increased risk. 23. In November 2022, WorkSafeBC`s Board of Directors approved an amendment to the policy in section C6-40.00, section 196 Permanent Partial Disability Benefits, of the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II, to clarify that the factor used to adjust income for inflation when calculating loss of earnings is based on the change in the annual average wages and salaries in British Columbia. If the vaccination or injection was administered voluntarily by the employee, either as part of an employer-administered program or in other circumstances, and the evidence suggests that the COVID-19 vaccination was not a requirement or condition of the employee`s employment, as noted above, it is unlikely that an injury or death resulting from an adverse reaction to the vaccination or injection during the employee`s employment. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control is asking people arriving from outside Canada to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms 14 days after arriving in Canada. People coming from Hubei province, Italy or Iran are advised to take additional measures to limit their contacts. The worker must stay home and follow instructions from the BC Centre for Disease Control, which include the current screening protocol, self-assessment tool and self-isolation procedures.

A medical certificate or negative test result is not required to return to work. No. An employee`s right to loss of earnings ends when the employee is no longer temporarily disabled by the compensable condition, but absent for other reasons. Workers should be aware that some employers require them to be vaccinated before returning to work. WorkSafeBC encourages employees to talk to their employer about their vaccination policies and how they are being implemented. On November 24, 2022, Bill 41, which makes amendments to the Workers` Compensation Act, received Royal Approval. In general, an unvaccinated worker would not be considered an unreasonable risk, especially if controls were in place. However, there may be situations where there may be an undue risk if there is no communicable disease prevention program in place or is considered inadequate. Any refusal must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If the employee and supervisor or employer cannot resolve the issue, they should contact WorkSafeBC and a prevention officer will investigate and take action to find a workable solution. If you have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19, employers must take reasonable steps to ensure health and safety in their workplace, including preventing the transmission of communicable diseases.

Except in certain cases where exposure control plans are required to control the transmission of communicable diseases, such as health care, your plan does not need to be written, published or approved by WorkSafeBC. Employers can consult Communicable Disease Prevention: A Guide for Employers to Take Steps They Can Take to Effectively Manage Communicable Diseases. This factsheet provides answers to frequently asked questions about ventilation and air circulation. It answers questions about the spread of communicable diseases – such as COVID-19 – and. Employers are required to monitor communicable disease information provided by their regional health officials and provincial health officer related to their region and industry and to follow these guidelines if additional measures are required in their workplace. WorkSafeBC anticipates that such situations will be rare, as most professional regulatory bodies do not assist their members in opting out of services because a patient is not vaccinated. If such situations occur, WorkSafeBC will investigate the circumstances with the provider to ensure they understand the situation. If a provider refuses to assess or treat an unvaccinated injured worker, other service or treatment providers or options for the worker will be explored. WorkSafeBC compensation is only available for work-related injury or illness and is not available to employees who retire for preventative reasons. The prevention of communicable diseases is based on fundamental principles aimed at maintaining the health of workers and reducing the risk of communicable diseases for workers in all workplaces.

For more information, see Communicable Disease Prevention: A Guide for Employers. Communicable Disease Prevention: A Guide for Employers If you do not agree with WorkSafeBC`s decision, you can request a review from WorkSafeBC`s review service. The Office of the Worker Adviser (604.335.5931 or toll free at 1.800.663.4261) is also available to workers who disagree with WorkSafeBC`s COVID-19 decisions and COVID-19-related prohibited acts. Learn more about submitting and managing reviews during COVID-19.