Covid-19 Pandemic 2020

Exposure Control Plan

Prepared by Kevin Prevost
Safety coordinator, Redekop Development Corp
Updated 08/07/2020

1.0 Introduction

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered Coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don't develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

2.0 Scope & Purpose

This exposure control plan (ECP) has been prepared to identify and describe Redekop Development Corp’s staff and Sub-trades control measures to help protect workers from potential hazardous exposure of Covid- 19. The scope of work covered within this plan is varied by all workers on the construction site however the control measures should be applied by all workers on the site without modification unless absolutely necessary. If modification of any kind is required, please consult Redekop Development Corp’s Safety Coordinator for verification of acceptable and effective modifications. We are committed to make every effort to:

  • Keeping all our employees, their families, our contractors, clients and colleagues, safe, healthy, and informed.
  • Doing our part to slow community spread of the virus.
  • Continuing to serve our clients with the highest standards.

3.0 Responsibilities

3.1 Redekop development Corp (Safety Coordinator):
  • Providing adequate instruction to workers on how to implement social distancing and remind them to follow such protocols.
  • Maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance between yourself and others.
  • Ensuring effective means to cleanse hands on a regular basis throughout the workday are provided as well as training and other resources required to fully implement and maintain this exposure control plan (ECP) are readily available when and where they are required.
  • Providing any specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) that workers may require to protect themselves as well as others (gloves) in the event that they begin to present symptoms. If symptoms present, follow the instructions in section 7 .0.
  • Ongoing monitoring of all site personnel to ensure no worker with symptoms remains on the jobsite.
  • Any symptomatic workers shall be asked to go home and call 811 for further medical instructions.
  • A written and signed statement will be required to document the 811 phone call and diagnosis received as well as further recommendations given.
  • They may not be permitted to return to work for a minimum of 14 days.
  • Ensuring foreman and workers are educated and trained effectively on social distancing in regard to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Utilizing electronic means of contact for documents and discussion where practicable.
  • Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes.
  • Maintaining records of training, toolbox talks and inspections applicable to this ECP.
3.2 Subtrades Foreman are responsible for:
  • Providing adequate instruction to workers on how to implement social distancing and remind them to follow such protocols.
  • Maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance between yourself and others.
  • Monitor workers ongoing and hold them accountable to this protocol at all times.
  • Ensuring your employer has provided any specialized personal protective equipment that workers may require to protect themselves as well as others (gloves) in the event they begin to present symptoms.
  • Provide effective means for workers to cleanse hands on a regular basis throughout the workday. (Ex. handwash facility, hand sanitizer, jugs of water and soap are effective options to consider).
  • Remind workers not to spit on site.
  • Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes.
  • Report to site Supervisor any workers you suspect are ill, immediately.
  • Submitting their DHA's via email, no exceptions.
  • Holding toolbox meetings in open areas where social distancing can be effectively maintained.
  • Utilize electronic means of contact for documents and discussion where practicable.
3.3 Workers are responsible for:
  • Staying home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
  • If you have been in contact with anyone suspected or known to have Coronavirus, please self-isolate and notify your supervisor immediately.
  • Setting up your work in accordance with this ECP. Do not forsake safety at any time. Consult the Safety Coordinator if you need advice on conducting your task safely.
  • Maintaining social distancing at all times.
  • Maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance between yourself and others.
  • Washing or cleansing their hands frequently.
  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Not sharing cigarettes, food, pop cans, utensils, food or drink containers.
  • Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes.
  • Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Do not spit anywhere. Anyone seen spitting will be removed from site.
  • Practicing good respiratory hygiene. o Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately in an appropriate location.
  • Utilizing electronic means of contact for documents and discussion where practicable.
  • Reporting any illness of their own or suspected illness of other workers on the jobsite to site personnel immediately.

4.0 Risk Identification, Assessment and Control

Risk of Exposure to Covid-19 Low Risk Moderate Risk Moderate to High Risk High Risk
Workers who typically have no contact with people infected with COVID-19. Workers who may be exposed to infected people occasionally in relatively large, well ventilated workspaces. Workers who may be working within 2m of infected people occasionally. Workers who may have contact with infected patients or with infected people in small, poorly ventilated workspaces.
Recommended controls
Hand Hygiene Yes, washing with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds, or using hand wipes that contain effective disinfectant. Yes, washing with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds, or using hand wipes that contain effective disinfectant. Yes, washing with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds, or using hand wipes that contain effective disinfectant. Yes, washing with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds, or using hand wipes that contain effective disinfectant.
Physical Distancing Yes, must always keep a minimum distance of two (2) meters from any person. Yes, must always keep a minimum distance of two (2) meters from any person. Yes, must always keep a minimum distance of two (2) meters from any person. Yes, must always keep a minimum distance of two (2) meters from any person.
Eye Protection / Goggles or Face Shield Not required.
*Except for first-aid attendant performing first aid.
Yes, use face shields when working within 2m of someone exhibiting symptoms. Yes, when working in close proximity with COVID-19 patients. Yes, when working directly with COVID-19 patients.
Airway Protection / Respirators Not required.
*Except for first-aid attendant performing first aid.
Not required unless likely to be exposed to coughing and sneezing COVID-19 patients. Yes, when working in close proximity with coughing and sneezing COVID-19 patients. Yes (minimum N95 respirator or equivalent).
Cough / Sneeze Etiquette
Workers/clients are expected to follow cough/sneeze etiquette, which is a combination of measures that minimizes the transmission of COVID-19 via droplet or airborne routes. Cough/sneeze etiquette includes the following components:
  • Educate workers/clients in control measures, including hand washing.
  • Post signs at workplace entry points to instruct everyone about control measures.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a sleeve or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Use tissues to contain secretions, and dispose of them promptly in a waste container.
  • Turn your head away from others when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands immediately and regularly.
Hand Washing Procedure
Handwashing
Elimination
  • Self-isolate if you present any illness and seek medical attention if you have any symptoms of Covid-19. Report to your Supervisor immediately, and through electronic means whenever possible.
  • Engineering Controls (eliminate or reduce exposure to a chemical or physical hazard through the use or substitution of engineered machinery or equipment.)
  • Additional engineering controls are not recommended for workers in the lower exposure risk group. Employers should ensure that engineering controls, if any, used to protect workers from other job hazards continue to function as intended.
Administrative Controls
  • Monitor public health communications about Covid-19 recommendations and ensure that workers have access to that information. Frequently check the CDC Covid-19 website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

5.0 Risk & Mitigation

Mitigate risks from exposure to high-touch surfaces (i.e., frequently touched by others).

  • Increase frequency of environmental cleaning, especially of high touch surfaces or equipment (e.g., shared photocopier, elevator buttons, door knobs, washrooms, tools).
  • Reduce the number of common surfaces that need to be touched (e.g., prop doors open, no-touch waste containers).
  • Restrict access to non-essential shared equipment.
  • Clean and disinfect essential shared equipment before and after use.
  • Offer contactless payment methods (i.e., minimize use of cash), if possible.

Mitigate risks from exposure to high-touch surfaces (i.e., frequently touched by others).

  • Provide equitable workplace accommodations (e.g., role/task reassignment), if possible, for employees who have risk factors for severe disease.
  • Provide special accommodations for clients from vulnerable groups (e.g., dedicated shopping hours for seniors).

6.0 Housekeeping Procedures

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • Wear disposable gloves, glasses and N95 respirator when required to work within 2 meters (6 feet) of other workers.
  • Throw any tissues or materials that could contain contaminants into a garbage bin or other appropriate location immediately after use.

7.0 Education and Training

  • ALL personnel on site are to be informed about the contents of this ECP.
  • The hazards associated with exposure to Covid-19
  • The risks of exposure to health, signs and symptoms.
  • Safe protocols to follow as stated in this ECP.
  • Control measures and correct use of those control measures.
  • Personal health and cleanliness.
  • How to seek first aid and locations of emergency equipment on site.
  • How to report safety issues such as exposure or suspected exposure to any workers showing symptoms of the illness.

8.0 Personal Hygiene & First Aid Procedures

Workers who are showing symptoms on site are expected to:

  • Put on an N95 or surgical mask if immediately available.
  • Put on gloves.
  • Proceed to the First Aid room. DO NOT ENTER ROOM. Call the first aid attendant from outside the room or by cell phone if available.
  • Keep 2 meters away from the first aid attendant and tell them you're showing symptoms. Cover your mouth when speaking if you don't have a mask.
  • First aid attendant to don their N95 mask.
  • First aid attendant to write First Aid Report recording the workers symptoms.
  • First aid attendant to inform site management of the case.
  • Worker is to stay away from work for 14 days, or as per a written letter from their physician.

9.0 Health Monitoring

Self-monitor - You should self-monitor if you:
  • Have no symptoms and
  • May have been exposed to Covid-19 in the last 14 days or
  • You are in close contact with older adults or people who are medically vulnerable or
  • You have been asked to do so by the local public health authority.
Self-monitoring means to:
  • Monitor yourself for symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
  • Avoid crowded places and increase your personal space from others when possible.
Self-isolate - You should self-isolate if you:
  • Have no symptoms and
  • May have been exposed to Covid-19 as a result of: o Travelling outside of Canada within the last 14 days or o Coming in close contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19.
Self-isolation means to:
  • Stay at home.
  • Monitor yourself for 14 days.
  • Avoid contact with others.
If there are others in your home, this means to:
  • Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible.
  • Keep at least 2 meters between yourself and people.
  • Keep interactions brief and wear a mask.
  • Do not share personal items, such as toothbrushes, towels, bed linen, utensils or electronic devices.
  • At least once daily, disinfect surfaces that you touch often, like toilets, bedside tables, doorknobs, phones and television remotes.
  • Avoid contact with individuals with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults.
  • Avoid contact with pets if you live with other people that may be touching them.

10.0 Reporting

If any worker has become exposed to a person confirmed to have Covid-19 or suspected to have Covid- 19, they must report this to the site safety officer on site.

If any worker has travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days they must report this to Site safety officer or safety coordinator immediately and will be required to remain away from the jobsite for a minimum of 14 days.

11.0 Review

This ECP will be reviewed daily by the Safety coordinator or Safety officer throughout the pandemic. The reviews will be recorded on the table below and a brief summery on any changes will be noted.

If any worker has travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days they must report this to Site safety officer or safety coordinator immediately and will be required to remain away from the jobsite for a minimum of 14 days.

Date: Reviewed By: Summary of Changes: