The virus that causes COVID-19 and our understanding of conditions that spread it continue to evolve. As such, necessary precautions must evolve too.

Likely, the biggest game changer was the growing recognition of the potential for airborne transmission. Enhanced ventilation in indoor workplaces and public spaces became critical. Masks, particularly in indoor settings, became a critical line of defence too. Evidence and recommended protocols however changed over time on a host of factors.

With a second wave of COVID-19 upon us, now more than ever up-to-date precautions must be in place. Has your workplace kept pace?
 
To help you make this assessment, Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) has recently released a comprehensive revision of our COVID-19 training program. First developed in the spring, this revised version provides:

• important new insights into sources of COVID-19 transmission, including the evidence confirming airborne transmission
• discussion of occupations hardest hit with infections
• an expanded list of common symptoms 
• related legislation and amended public health directives
• improved, COVID-specific control measures for both the workplace and community (including schools and other public spaces as they too are workplaces) and including:
  • measures to ensure enhanced ventilation
  • safer choices for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
  • screening, testing and reporting requirements
  • selection, use and care for masks and respirators
  • how to make use of WHSC’s COVID-19 workplace inspection tool.

Meeting employer obligations

Over the past six months many workplaces have recognized quality COVID-19 training is a must to help safeguard their workforce. This training is equally critical for employers needing to achieve legal compliance, as they are required to provide information and instruction about a significant workplace hazard like COVID-19.
 
The COVID-19 crisis presented an unprecedented challenge in terms of providing access to the WHSC COVID-19 training and other essential and mandatory training programs. WHSC quickly determined we needed to retool our delivery model in a way we could still ensure the integrity of our training and safety of participants and instructors. This we achieved with our WHSC virtual classroom training.  

Register today

October dates for COVID-19 virtual classes are now available. Registrations are filled online on a first-come, first-served basis. More dates will be added with demand. Be sure to check back. 
 
For virtual training, all that is required by the participant is a high-speed internet connection and a computer with a functioning camera and audio. When registering be sure to supply the participant’s home address, as resource materials critical to successful participation will be shipped to this address.
 
Properly trained, certified joint health and safety committee members are also absolutely critical to workplace capacity for controlling COVID-19 exposures. For this reason, we have offered JHSC Certification training in safe, virtual classrooms throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so throughout this fall and winter. Be sure to also visit our online registration page for our complete virtual classroom training schedule and to register.  
 
Beyond scheduled classes we can work with you, where participant numbers warrant, to coordinate COVID-19 training, Certification training or almost any of our training courses in a virtual classroom for all of your workers, workplace representatives and supervisors.
 
Need more information still?
Call a WHSC training services representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: www.whsc.on.ca
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Additional related resources:
WHSC COVID-19 resources