Construction Open During Gray Zone Lockdowns

Last Friday, Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott announced that Toronto Public Health and Peel Public Health would enter lockdown (grey zone), forcing the closure of all non-essential workplaces. Public health measures have been increased in all regions, but workers can travel to and from work across different zones so long as they respect the rules of each region.

Despite the lockdown, construction will remain open because the industry has effectively controlled the spread of COVID-19. As of November 23, the WSIB has only recorded 35 claims, less than half of 1% of all claims. Construction employees are safer at work than they are in the community.

Businesses and organizations in “lockdown” regions that are permitted to open must have a COVID-19 workplace safety plan, including business specific restrictions. The plan must be available on site for a Ministry inspection. You can find a template COVID-19 workplace safety plan here.

At a minimum, a safety plan should address the following:

1. How will you ensure all workers know and are able to keep themselves safe from exposure to COVID-19? How will you keep current with the law, health and safety requirements and communicate to workers and guest?
2. How will you screen for COVID-19?
3. How will you control the risk of transmission in your workplace? What are your practices and protocols, both physical and administrative?
4. What will you do if there is a potential case or exposure to COVID-19 at your workplace?
5. How will you manage new risks caused by changes to your business operation?
6. How will you assure your plan is working? How often will you review your plan? Who is responsible for the plan? How will you communicate changes?

Chief Prevention Officer Ron Kelusky will shortly release a construction-specific direction to help contractors stay safe. We will forward this as soon as it is released. Ron will also present the new direction at a League of Champions Webinar titled "Tools for Managing the Second Wave” on December 1 at 2 p.m. Register for the webinar now.

The increasing case rate and high levels of community transmission will continue putting extreme pressure on contractors to maintain safety protocols, monitor active sites and respond quickly when workers test positive. It is imperative that contractors double down to stop the spread.

The challenge going forward will be to keep our industry open during restrictions that are likely to be extended beyond the required 28-day period. We will continue working closely with Minister Monte McNaughton, who has been a tireless advocate for keeping the industry open during the pandemic.

For the latest information on the COVID-19 Lockdown visit: www.ogca.ca/posts/covid19-2/