Ideas from Retail Makeover - Helping Retailers Reopen Safely

Today we are posting what Ontario has to share regarding : Guidance on Health and Safety for Retail Sector during COVID-19 . In the coming days as information becomes available we will post info from other provinces and states.

Ontario Overview

This is not a legal document and employers are advised to seek legal advice. Employers and constructors have obligations to protect workers from hazards in the workplace as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and the directives coming from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Workers should raise any concerns to their:•supervisor•joint health and safety committee•health and safety representativeThis will help ensure the employer has taken all reasonable precautions.Ontario is currently in the midst of a global pandemic. While the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, the legislation and regulations used to govern Ontario’s workplaces are not.  Under Ontario law, employers have the duty to keep workers and work sites safe and free of hazards. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work.If health and safety concerns are not resolved internally, a worker can seek enforcement by filing a complaint with the ministry’s Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008. Failure of the employer or constructor to comply with the OHSA and its regulations could result in a stop-work order upon inspection by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Best Practices

A new type of virus, known as COVID-19, is causing an outbreak of respiratory (lung) disease. The severity of this illness can vary from person to person. There are steps you can take to prevent the spread of infection. This document provides information to help you while working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recognize and Assess

COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. These symptoms can appear in a few days or up to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. For some people, the symptoms are like having a cold; for others they may be severe or life-threatening. The virus is transmitted via droplets during close, unprotected contact with an infected person, or by touching an infected surface and then the mouth, nose, or eyes.  Keeping safe at work involves understanding how people could come into contact with COVID-19 as they perform their jobs, and then taking steps to minimize contact.  People working as cashiers, office administrators, stock associates, shippers/receivers, customer service representatives, and maintenance staff are just some of those in the retail sector who need to consider how they can work safely and prevent the spread. The symptoms of COVID-19 are like many other illnesses, including the cold and flu. At this time, it is recommended that any worker who has any symptoms related to cold, flu or COVID-19 should be sent home.In addition, employers should advise these workers to complete the online self-assessment or call either:• Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000• their primary care provider (for example, family physician).

Read more about Controls: LINK: https://www.wsps.ca/WSPS/media/Site/Resources/Downloads/covid-19-retail-health-and-safety-guidance.pdf?ext=.pdf 

Tomorrow we will share with you how to arrange your floor plan to insure the utmost social distancing safety.

If you have any questions, please let us know. Love to hear from you and how this is working.

Remember Steve and I are here to help you get through COVID-19 and how it has impacted your business? In light of the recent events we have put together a detailed COVID-19 Retail Emergency Strategy Survival Plan. Our survival plan is focused on what you must know and do if you want your Retail Business to survive through these uncertain times. For more information please write or call us to set up an appointment. At this time more than ever you want our winning approach to one-on-one business analysis and strategic emergency planning designed just for you and your business.

Barb & Steve