Resources
COVID-19 Coronavirus
The SCSA has been working closely with our partner safety associations in the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations, other Saskatchewan safety associations, public agencies, and industry associations to assemble this resource
Webinars
Residential Construction Webinar. - Hosted By the SCSA and Presented with RRHBA and SRHBA
Virtual Town Hall: On-Site Safety For Non-Residential Construction
COVID-19 Self-Assessment
Risk of COVID-19 remains low in Saskatchewan. To self assess for COVID please refer to the Government of Saskatchewan COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool
When workers should not be at work
Workers who are ill and believe to have been at high risk of contracting COVID-19 after travel abroad; or are immunocompromised, should alert their manager or supervisor and contact the Saskatchewan Health Line to seek medical advice. Dial 811 or 1-877- 800-0002 to connect with a licensed health-care professional. (Source: WCB Saskatchewan)
Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
Even though some businesses/endeavors have been deemed essential services, the employers must maintain still follow OHS legislation and workers still have a right to refuse a task or series of tasks that they feel are unusually dangerous. More Information.
General Tips for Protection
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, including between fingers, under fingernails and wrists; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes using a tissue or into the elbow or sleeve, being sure to cover the mouth, putting used tissue in the garbage and washing hands after or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Do not go to work while ill
At the Worksite
Source: BCCSA
To prevent a disease or virus from spreading on site, take the following steps:
- Emphasize hand hygiene etiquette by all employees at toolbox talks and orientations – lead by example,
- put up posters of proper hand washing techniques.
- Ensure that hand washing stations and alcohol base hand sanitizers are on site and available for all workers.
- All offices and non-porous tools are sanitized and cleaned regularly.
- Actively encourage sick employees to stay home.
- Do not permit anyone to enter a worksite if;
- They or a member of their household have travelled outside the country within the past 14 days
- They or a member of their household have exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Symptoms include: (Fever, Cough, Difficulty Breathing, Sore throat, sneezing)
- Perform environmental routine cleanings.
- Plan to minimize exposure between employees and the public – follow social distancing procedures.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Do not share cups, glasses, dishes or cutlery.
- Place informative posters telling people what to do if they get sick
At the Office
- Sanitize hands upon entering a building.
- Wash hands regularly; scrub for 20 seconds with soap and water, use a one use paper towel or hand dryer.
- Disinfect desk/work area daily.
- Clean commonly touched areas twice daily; commonly touched areas include light switches, door knobs, taps, hand rails, counter tops, toys, touch screens/mobile devices, keyboards.
- Practice social distancing in general, keep a distance from other people
- Avoid shaking hands
COVID-19 Best Practices for Business Owners
Acknowledging that the SCSA serves a large and diverse member base, here are a few key recommendations:
- Put people first: The health and well-being of your employees is a top concern.. Establish a strategy to allow staff to work without putting themselves at risk, whether that’s working from home, establishing a new cleaning/sterilizing process or rotating limited staff in shifts.
- Communicate: People need transparency right now more than ever. Communicate clearly and often with employees, vendors, customers and other key stakeholders. Use information from credible and reliable news sources, such as the federal and provincial governments, Public Health Agency of Canada and World Health Organization.
- Prioritize key business functions: Assess your business to identify potential service disruptions and the critical products/services your company provides. Determine processes to prioritize those areas that are critical to the business and customers.
Additional Best Practices
- Follow the Advice of Health Authorities: Government of Saskatchewan
- Review contracts: For information please consult Goodman's Update: Force Majeure on Construction Projects
- Communicate with Clients
- Stay Informed about Government Measures to help businesses: Government of Canada
Business Continuity Planning
CCOHS - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Gallup - Strategies and Policies from the World's Largest Companies
KPMG - Leading Successfully in Turbulent Times.
SCSA Downloads
Construction Site COVID Prevention
Exposure Control Plan Template PDF
Exposure Control Plan Template Word
Employer Protocol for Pandemic
Covid-19 Pre-Screening for Service Calls
When Social Distancing is Not Possible
CCOHS Free Pandemic Product and Services
Guides and Manuals
Standardized Protocols for Saskatchewan
Regina and Region Home Builders' Assocation: Safety Protocol Manual
Mental Health and Fitness
WorkSafe Saskatchewan E-Learning Courses – These free online learning courses related to Psychological Health and Safety in the workplace where developed by the Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and are being delivered in partnership with WorkSafe Saskatchewan.
Useful Links
Alberta Construction Assoication COVID-19 Coronavirus
Canadian Construction Association - Standardized Protocols for Canadian Construction Sites
COVID 19 and Completing an ROE https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/covid-19-coronavirus-business
COVID 19 and Supply Chain Implications Webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=p8G551IGaWU&feature=emb_logo
COVID 19 and Force Majeure in Contracts https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/government/2020/03/legal-notes-could-covid-19-trigger-force-majeure-in-contracts
Government of Saskatchewan Support for Workers (COVID-19)
Lumeca - Health Consultation Tool
Miller Thomson COVID-19 Resources
Regina and Region Homebuilders' Assocation COVID-19 Resource Page
Saskatchewan Construction Association: COVID-19 Resource Page
Sask WCB COVID-19 and the workplace