COVID-19 pandemic: Canadian government publishes tip sheets for essential and high-risk workers

Hamilton, Ontario — A series of free guidance documents from the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety is intended to help workers and employers in essential or high-risk occupations and industries reduce their exposure to COVID-19 and curb the spread of infection.

As of May 26, CCOHS had published recommendations for 16 industries, including construction, mining, manufacturing, emergency and patient intake, and transportation. The agency also offers tips for supporting individuals in quarantine or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, as well as ways to cope with social isolation, stress and stigma associated with the pandemic. Among them:

• Maintain regular contact with someone with COVID-19 symptoms or in quarantine, and offer support.
• Talk to your employer or supervisor, a mental health professional, or a trusted friend about emotional difficulties you are experiencing as a result of the pandemic.
• Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in crisis.

CCOHS notes that the guidance provided in each document encompasses “just some of the adjustments organizations can make during a pandemic,” and encourages organizations to establish their own good practices and policies to meet specific needs.

The resources are available in English and French.