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Protecting seasonal workers during COVID-19 By Kristina Vassilieva, HR Writer, Peninsula Canada
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t is unclear how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last, and with the potential for more waves of the virus in the future, seasonal industries may also be affected. Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their workers, and this includes protecting them from infectious diseases. It is therefore the responsibility of business owners and employers to make changes to their workplaces’ procedures and practices in order to ensure the health and safety of their workers. There is little data available to suggest that COVID-19 cases will rise during winter, however, other respiratory viruses such as influenza experience an increase in cases during colder months of the year. This correlates with the increased amount of time people spend in indoor public places SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca
when it is cold outside. Increased social interactions in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation further peoples’ chances of contracting viruses. In preparation, employers can remind employees to practice social distancing, spend more time outdoors, and avoid enclosed public spaces when possible.
Risk assessments With seasonal work, employers must consider the unique working circumstances of their employees and respond by eliminating or reducing any hazards they may find. Prior to starting the season, employers must conduct a risk assessment to determine what potential dangers employees are exposed to when working. In the context of COVID-19, this means assessing when workers
are likely to interact with coworkers or the public and how these interactions can be reduced or prevented entirely to minimize their exposure to others.
Controlling risks in the workplace If risks associated with performing a certain task at work cannot be eliminated, it may be necessary to remove the task altogether or to heighten safety measures when it is being carried out. For example, if an employee has to enter an enclosed space such as an office, indoor parking garage, storage space or a break room, the employer must follow government guidelines in ensuring that all necessary COVID-19 health and safety measures are in place. Measures may include distancing markers, one-way flow in narrow 5
