You will see a lot of plexi glass and floor markings as Ontario opens up for business in the next few weeks.
The provincial government released guidelines for 61 different sectors on how to prepare for reopening.
Much of the advice is the same as what we’ve been hearing for the past six weeks, employees should frequently wash hands, keep six feet between themselves and the customers, limit the number of people at a workplace by staggering shifts and doing only critical work, limiting the number of suppliers coming through the store and laying out a plan for movement through the store or business, like grocery stores have by placing markings on the floor.
There is also specific guidelines on how to keep workplaces safe with intensive cleaning measures. The province is also suggesting each employer have health screening for workers. And it some industries, recommends giving employees their own hand sanitizers to use.
Labour Minister Monte McNaughton also says 58 more inspectors will be hired to keep workers safe.
The new inspectors will join the hundreds of existing provincial labour inspectors on the ground from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT), and communicate COVID-19 safety guidelines to essential workplaces or enforcing emergency measures, including physical distancing and the closure of non-essential businesses.
McNaughton told reporters the inspectors will be helping the sectors follow the rules but will eventually have the authority to fine people under the Workplace Health and Safety Act.
