Intent
This policy was developed to help respond to an incident of possible COVID-19 exposure in the workplace.
Guidelines
The West Egg Group Corp. will work to achieve a workplace that follows all precautionary measures identified by applicable governmental bodies and public health authorities to reduce the spread of the COVID-19.
Employee Responsibilities
If an employee identifies that they or another employee have developed symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, they are to immediately notify their immediate supervisor or manager and remove themselves from the workplace with the least possible amount of physical contact with workspaces or other employees.
For purposes of this policy, symptoms similar to COVID 19 can include, but are not limited to:
Once isolated, it is important that the employee cooperates with their immediate supervisor or manager to provide information regarding their exposure to the workspace, other employees, and third parties. This can include:
Supervisor/Lead Responsibilities
If an employee reports that they or another employee presents symptoms similar to COVID-19m it is important to take all reasonable measures to isolate the employee and make them feel at ease regarding the situation.
Placing the Employee at Ease
Do not presume when an employee feels unwell that they have COVID-19. Communicate to the employee that all necessary precautions are to be taken to ensure that any potential risk is mitigated.
Offer the employee any available resources to ensure they feel comfortable disclosing information required to properly assess the risk of possible exposure to others. Make the employee aware of their rights to privacy and that they are not required to disclose any medical or personal information not relevant to determining possible exposure to others.
Isolating the Employee
Request that the employee move to an area where they will have no or limited physical contact with others. Ensure that the area where the employee is isolated leaves enough space (at least two metres) between the manager, supervisor or lead and the employee. Where possible, use teleconferencing equipment or physical barriers when communicating with the employee.
Assessing Symptoms and Determining Possible Exposure
Once the employee is safely isolated, assess any symptoms the employee has experienced and determine when they first experienced such symptoms. Figure out how long the employee worked with the symptoms or whether there are any other additional factors which could explain the symptoms, such as failing to take chronic medication.
Make the employee aware of their rights to privacy and that their privacy will be protected as far as possible.
Have the employee provide as much information as available to determine the possible exposure to employees, customers, and other third parties, including:
Helping the Employee Leave Work
If the employee drives themselves to work, immediately instruct them to go home and self-isolate. If the employee took public transport, the manager or supervisor should contact either their emergency contact or the local public health authority or non-emergency services to ensure that the employee is safely returned home.
Employees are not to return to work until a public health authority advises it is safe to do so. The quarantine period will likely last a minimum of 14 days.
Additional Measures
If an employee or third party who has been in the workplace notifies The West Egg Group Corp. of a positive test for COVID-19, it is important to gather the same information as with suspected symptoms.
Where the person is an employee, they are to self-isolate and follow the guidelines provided by the relevant public health authorities and report to the company when they have been cleared for return to work.
Upon notification of a positive test for COVID-19, the employer will: