From point A to Z of COVID-19 workplace safety measures, the Exposure Control Planning guide (ECP) is a tool that will help you create a plan for keeping your workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will walk you through each step of creating your organization's plan, and prompt you to ask the right questions for each step.

• Considerations of planning for the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace;
• Responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers;
• Guidance on filling out the risk assessment tools;
• Hazard controls (measures that you put in place to prevent exposure to COVID-19);
• Continued monitoring of the controls you put in place; and,
• A list of additional resources.

You can also check out our one page Exposure Control Methods info sheet for an overview of different exposure control methods you can take.

Be prepared . NWT employers must work through your exposure control planning and implement hazard controls before your business re-opens. Even if your business is not yet permitted to open, you can start working through the Exposure Control Plan now, so you are prepared to re-open as soon as you are permitted.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of exposure can be difficult to access during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly masks and face coverings. In addition to difficulty sourcing PPE and masks, there can also be confusion about what people need to stay safe. The Respiratory Protection Safety Bulletin provides a clear explanation on the type of PPE or mask you need for the level of risk in your industry.

Remember that PPE is only a part of exposure control planning and often the last line of defense for protecting your workers. Your Exposure Control Plan and Risk Assessments will ensure that you fully evaluate your workplace safety needs and identify if PPE is needed to protect your employees and clients.  In many cases, a combination of safety measures is necessary to control a risk.Other hazard controls may offer more effective protection, such as staggering shifts, physical distancing, barriers or screens, good cleaning practices and hand washing.

If you identify that PPE, including homemade masks and face coverings, is required equipment for your workers, it becomes your responsibility to train employees on how to properly use and care for it. Improperly worn or managed face coverings can increase the risk of exposure. As an employer, it is your duty to provide training to your workers on the hazard controls in your workplace.

With warm weather comes construction season. While employers need to ensure that workplaces are safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember that workplace safety goes beyond exposure control. All hazards in your workplace must be addressed. Construction season bring new risks and hazards to the workplace.

• Remind your employees to obey all traffic laws while on the roads. Traffic control personal depend on people driving safely.
  • If you employ Traffic Control Personal, check out WSCC's Safety Bulletin with tips and an outline of worker and employer responsibilities.
• If you have renovations or construction happening around your working environment, make sure your workers are aware of any new hazards in their workplace. Provide them with the training on how to recognize hazards, as well as informing them of the safety measures you have put in place to keep your workers safe.

• Notify the Chief Safety Inspector of any high hazard work that your company is doing. The notification must be made a reasonable amount of time before the work begins. Notification can be made by calling 1 (800) 661-0792, or by emailing: noticetocso@wscc.nt.ca
• Be aware: Asbestos may be present in the construction project you are taking on. WSCC has a Code of Practice and a Safety Bulletin outlining information and safety regulations for working while exposed to this substance. It is important that employers and workers know the risk level and fully understand the hazard of asbestos.
• Remember that your workers are entitled to training and education. For every new project, supervisors should thoroughly review every hazard in the workplace. Regular safety meetings will help you to identify any new hazards in the workplace. Getting your employees involved in this process is an important part of maintaining a solid safety program.  Workplace safety is everyone's responsibility.

WSCC's Yellowknife Office is closed for Indigenous People's Day on Monday, June 22nd, and will reopen on Tuesday, June 23rd at 8:30 AM.

To report a serious workplace injury or incident, call 1-800-661-0792.

To report unsafe work, use our Report Unsafe Work service on WSCC Connect.

If you have questions about safety at the worksite during COVID-19 or exposure control planning, please email Covid-19@wscc.nt.ca.