As the COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation, this document and the guidance within are subject to change and will be updated as appropriate.
SKEANS will continue to operate in this “new normal” environment with a COVID-19 Safety Plan to ensure that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at our workplaces is minimized.
To reduce the risk of the virus spreading through droplets in the air, we have implemented protocols to protect against identified risks. Different protocols offer different levels of protection. Whenever possible, we use the protocol that offers the highest level of protection. Protocols that offer the highest level of protection:
1. Distancing Measures:
Social / Physical Distancing: Employees, customers, suppliers and visitors must stay at least 2 meters away from each other. Where maintaining physical distancing is not possible, we have installed barriers such as workstation dividers to separate people or consider the use of non-medical masks.
We have monitored the number of people in the workplace to ensure physical distancing is maintained. We have implemented work from home arrangements, virtual meetings and limiting the number of visitors in the workplace.
Applicable Operational safety procedures:
• Designated entry/exit doors, keeping closed/locked other access doors
• Posted signage communicating that employees, contractors, or visitors exhibiting COVID-like symptoms are not allowed to enter the office building, but to contact SKEANS by phone or email.
• Posted signage communicating proper hand washing protocols, and shared room occupancy limits
• Hand sanitizer is available upon entry to the buildings, employees to use upon entering and exiting building daily.
• Avoid meetings or gatherings where physical distances cannot be maintained. Consider using larger meeting rooms, warehouse space or moving meetings outside, or having attendees attend virtually.
• Offices and workstations are located two meters apart and separated with workstation dividers.
• Minimizing the number of people using shared office equipment, tools or other items (photocopiers, coffee machines, microwave ovens, etc.). If workers must share equipment/tools, they are to be cleaned after each use.
• We have established occupancy limits for common areas such as lunchrooms, meeting rooms, change rooms, fitness room and shared washrooms. Staggered lunch times have been implemented to reduce occupancy in lunchrooms.
• Non-essential transportation or business travel will be limited and by customer request only.
Outside visitors:
• At this time, no supplier visits will be permitted until further notice, particularly by visitors from outside the province of branch operation, or from the USA.
• If required, visits to the workplace should be pre-arranged, staggered, and safety protocols should be communicated before entry into the workplace (e.g., email and/or signage posted to entrance).
• When booking appointments, visitors should be reminded to reschedule if they experience symptoms typical of COVID-19 or are placed on self-isolation.
• Employee attendance and workplace visitor logs will be maintained.
• Delivery zones are clearly identified and limited to receivers and deliverers only.
• Contactless delivery to maintain physical distancing requirement
2. Cleaning and Hygiene Practices:
Handwashing: Everyone to practice proper handwashing regularly: at a minimum, upon arrival to work/on-site, immediately before and after any breaks, and just before leaving work site.
Avoid shaking hands with people. Consider air high fives at a distance! Avoid touching your face and cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue.
Sanitization: We expect all employees to wipe down their own workstation equipment and workspace at least once daily at the day’s start using disinfectant wipes or equivalent. In addition, each branch designates employees for schedule of cleaning twice daily (start/end of day) the shared doorknobs, railings, light switches, handles, faucets, countertops, desks, tables, phones, keyboards, printer/copier touch screens, and shared office equipment using
disinfectant wipes or equivalent. Enhanced weekly deep cleaning of all spaces and surfaces.
3. Self-Monitoring for Symptoms:
Employees, customers, suppliers and visitors that are feeling unwell or have signs of sickness including fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, new muscle aches or headache are required to stay home, and are prohibited from the workplace. Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen and follow the advice of your medical professional. SKEANS employees have paid sick days.
The following employees, customers, suppliers and visitors are prohibited from the workplace:
• Anyone who has had symptoms of COVID-10 in the last 10 days
• Anyone directed by Public Health to self-isolate, and
• Anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada or who has had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.
Employees, customers, suppliers or visitors that start to feel ill at the workplace, should wash or sanitize their hands, put on a mask and self-isolate by going straight home and consulting with their medical professional. Use of the COVID-19 Self Assessment tool, or call 8-1-1 for further guidance related to testing and self-isolation. If the person is severely ill (ex. difficulty breathing, chest pain), call 9-1-1. Cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces that the ill person has come in contact with.
Be Prepared to Work from Home. All employees issued with corporate laptops that can work remotely from home and perform their regular duties, may be asked to work from home on an as-required basis, with manager approval. In the event an employee cannot return to work for 14 days, and are fit to work, communication with their manager will confirm whether they are eligible to work remotely from home.
4. Monitor Workplace and update plans as necessary:
Things may change as our business operates. If a new area of concern is identified, or it seems like something isn’t working, we will take steps to update our policies and procedures, involving employees in this process.
Employees to communicate health and safety concerns to their Manager and HR.
