COVID-19 Updates | Weekly Workplace Recap from January 8 to January 14, 2021
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Below are the key announcements from the Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and BC governments that touch on workplace issues from January 8 to January 14, 2021.
Ontario
Announces Work from Home Requirements for Employers
Employers should be aware that, effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. (EST) per Ontario Regulation 10/21 that:
“each person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall now ensure that any person who performs work for the business or organization conducts their work remotely, unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace.”
Employers permitted to open need to consider whether the nature of their employees’ work is such that it requires them to be on-site at the workplace in order to maintain compliance with these new measures.
Employers who fail to follow these new measures may be subject to fines and/or prosecution under the EMCPA and Reopening Ontario Act.
More information about the provincewide shutdown can be found here.
Manitoba
Extends Manitoba Bridge Grant Program for Small Businesses
The Manitoba government has extended public health orders from January 8 until January 22, 2021. To reflect this extension and to ensure small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profits and charities get the support they need, the province is extending the Manitoba Bridge Grant application deadline until January 31, 2021. The government is also expanding eligibility to offer financial support and protection for more small businesses.
The Manitoba Bridge Grant provides a $10,000 grant to eligible Manitoba businesses and organizations that are required to fully close their premises to the public as a result of Manitoba COVID-19 Prevention Orders.
More information about the program is available online.
Alberta
Publishes Best Practices to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 Exposure in Workplace Common Areas
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety incident monitoring shows an increase in COVID-19 exposure with the failure of controls in workplace common areas.
This bulletin discusses the increased risk, hazard assessment and control, best practices to reduce the risk and rapid response plans for employers.
British Columbia
Increases COVID-19 Inspections & Consultations at Workplaces
WorkSafeBC is conducting enhanced COVID-19 inspections and consultations at workplaces in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.
WorkSafeBC is urging employers to stay vigilant and update COVID-19 safety plans as conditions change and learn what to expect when WorkSafeBC conducts an inspection or consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, visit WorkSafeBC.
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Sarah Visca is the Operations Manager at ConnectsUs HR, a company that provides tools & resources to quickly set up a Human Resources department.
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