Info for skippers/employers - BC's step 3 COVID-19 Restart

With the reduced risk of COVID-19 largely due to strong vaccine uptake, July 1st marked the beginning of BC’s phase 3 COVID-19 restart plan and with it, introduced significant changes for employers and workers.

Fish Safe has updated its website to reflect these changes – find the updates here.

Highlights of phase 3 changes include the following, briefly:

• Skippers (employers) are to transition from COVID-19 Safety Plans to Communicable disease prevention:

  • COVID-19 Safety Plans no longer need to be posted in the vessel

  • Consider keeping existing controls that reduce disease transmission risk without significant impact to your operations

  • Communicable disease plans do not have to be in writing nor posted

  • WorkSafeBC Prevention Officers may ask a skipper to demonstrate they have practices in place to prevent communicable disease transmission on their vessel – i.e. supporting employees in receiving vaccinations, hand washing practices, proper ventilation, sick crew policies, etc. – useful posters and information have been provided on the Fish Safe website

• Indoor mask wear is no longer mandatory, although recommended for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated – ‘fully vaccinated’ means 14 days after receiving your second dose.

  • No proof of vaccination is required

  • Employers may choose to implement mask policies for workers and/or members of the public that exceed the requirements of Public Health.

Much more is provided on our website and in the links provided, including valuable FAQs that may answer important questions you might have, including ‘Can I require a worker to be vaccinated as a condition of employment?”