This week we want to discuss a few pro tips on how to remain safe on a worksite! A typical worksite already has so many existing safety precautions in place, but it is important to have a set list of COVID-19 safety protocols as well.
Although health and safety should always be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, it is especially important now with the increased risk in contracting an illness through interaction. Any labour position on an active site involves a lot of, well, labour!
By using your hands and collaborating with your team throughout the day, it is crucial you follow safety protocols and procedures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect both yourself and your colleagues.
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Wear your mask
Plain and simple, make sure to bring your mask everywhere you go and wear it in all public environments (not just work). This will effectively limit the germs you spread, as well as protect yourself from others. Invest in one or two reusable masks that you are comfortable wearing for long durations and use them for work only. By doing so, you will be limiting work exposures to your home life, as well as remaining prepared for work and never without protection.
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Clean on-site practices
- Wash your hands before entering work, throughout work, and before you leave
- an extra precaution would be to carry a virus killing hand sanitizer to use as well
- Avoid high touch areas such as door handles, shared tools, and kitchen equipment
- now is a good time to splurge and invest in personal tools or reusable coffee mugs and lunch containers to avoid cross contamination
- Do not touch your face, as the virus can be easily transmitted though your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Do your research and determine how you can support a clean site
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Physical distancing
As outlined by health officials and vocalized frequently, physical distancing is one of the most effective ways to ensure your safety! Be sure to apply this to work practices when possible and wear your mask while doing so. To ensure physical distancing on site, you should:
- Remain 6 metres away from others where possible
- Avoid common areas such site offices, bathrooms, and smoking areas while others are using them
- Avoid confined common areas such as elevators, stairways, and trailers while others are using them
- Follow all signs and safety protocols in place to support your company in creating a safe environment
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Monitor and report all illnesses
COVID-19 portrays similar symptoms to our common flu. No matter how small your symptom, be kind to yourself and others and report it to your supervisors and follow medical instructions to self isolate and recover before re-entering your work environment. Symptoms can include (but are not limited to):
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Chest pain/pressure
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
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Report all concerns to your employers
Whether you are feeling slightly under the weather, are concerned about site safety protocols, or uncomfortable with other individuals’ actions that may be contributing to unsafe work practices, we encourage you to inform your management team as soon as possible.
A few places to go are:
- Site supervisors
- The joint health and safety committee
- The health and safety representative
- The human resources department
As an employee you have the right to refuse unsafe work and should never engage in work duties you know are a danger to yourself as well as others around you. Please reference the link below if you would like to familiarize yourself with this code of conduct.
We also want to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients and employees who have not stopped since March and continue to go to work, keep both themselves and their colleagues safe, and are working hard (often as essential workers) through this pandemic.
We truly appreciate all the work that goes into showing up onsite on time, in good health and ready to take on the added safety measures in place.
The entire Career Contacts team appreciate each and every one of our clients and employees.
