Image Credit: PEXELS
May 17, 2021 - 10:37 AM
With summer fast approaching and COVID-19 protocols still in place, WorkSafeBC will be conducting pre-season inspections to assist Interior wineries, cideries and craft breweries with safety plans as they open for the tastings.
For the next three weeks, WorkSafeBC inspectors will be on a consultative tour of Interior wineries, cideries and craft breweries prior to the tourist season to ensure COVID-19 safety plans are in place and controls are implemented to protect workers from COVID-19 transmission, according to a WorkSafeBC media release issued, May 14.
"With warmer weather here and summer fast approaching, these businesses will likely see increased activity in all three areas of their operations: agriculture, manufacturing, and customer visits. As the number of workers increases, manufacturing ramps up, and tasting rooms attract more visitors over the summer, we need to ensure these employers have updated and effective COVID-19 Safety Plans in place to protect their diverse workforces,” head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC Al Johnson said in the release.
WorkSafeBC is planning to conduct 40 field inspections and 35 consultations in the sector over the next three weeks.
Inspectors have been targeting specific industries since the beginning of 2021 to ensure measures are in place to protect customers and employees from COVID-19 transmission, WorkSafeBC said. The inspectional initiatives target specific industries based on risk assessments, COVID-19 claim numbers, seasonal and temporal factors.
"We want to ensure we are working with B.C. wineries, cideries and brew pubs in order to help these businesses prepare for a safe and successful summer,” Johnson said.
The inspections will look at all three areas of business during the tours, including agriculture, manufacturing and retail/tasting rooms.
WorkSafeBC has developed this resource to help out employers: Reviewing and updating your COVID-19 safety plan: A guide for employers.
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