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The Government of Alberta recently announced Alberta's Relaunch Strategy. This staged COVID-19 recovery plan is designed to gradually re-open business and get people back to work.  There will be many stages to this process.  Employers must be prepared to relaunch their business, working to new conditions while remaining flexible enough to adapt to ongoing changes. The information provided here has been created to support businesses as they prepare to re-open their doors.  This toolkit outlines some of the steps and resources to help in the planning process.

1. Develop a back-to-work task force

This task force of cross-functional stakeholders will need to address human resources, legal obligations, facilities, and operations.

  • This task force should be small in number (3-5 people) depending on the size of your organization.

  • Senior managers as well as online staff should have representation.

  • The Task Force must have authority to implement quick and effective decisions as required.

  • Responsibility includes development and communication of COVID-19 prevention strategy to staff.

  • Should consult with and advise on any human rights or legal requirements.

  • Implement the guidelines and best practice procedures and policies, ensuring they are followed by the staff and customers/clients.

  • Assess the current workspace and make recommendation on any necessary changes to comply with current restrictions.

  • Implement flexible work policies identifying who an work remotely and who needs to return to primary workplace.

  • Identify critical resources and perform a risk assessment.

  • Meet regularly to assess status and make revisions to policies and procedures as required.

  • Create staff policies to protect the safety and wellness of employees.

  • Create policies for meetings and gatherings, internally and externally.

  • Stay up to date with changing guidelines and policies from federal, provincial and municipal governments.

  • Make plans to deal with potential second wave of COVID-19.

 

RESOURCES:

2. Prepare your workspace

The safety of staff and customers are the top priority in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

  • Define the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your workplace and follow any provincial guidelines.

  • Develop a screening protocol for your employees to take before every shift.

  • Perform a deep clean of your workplace.  Follow the guidelines set out by Alberta Health Services for cleaning of public spaces.  If possible, hire a professional company to perform this task.

  • Implement and monitor procedures for increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas and high touch points especially in common areas, such as but not limited to: kitchens, staff rooms, meeting rooms, washrooms, door handles and light switches.

  • Provide hand sanitizers for both staff and customers.

  • Assess shared equipment and establish procedures for safe usage.

  • Create a proper physical distancing set up, establishing rules and reposition your workspace accordingly.  Provide signage with expectations clearly stated.

  • Post external signs indicating COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, along with floor markings where service is provide or lines form.

  • Ensure entry into and exit out of the business, including lines are regulated to prevent congestion.

  • Abide by current rules regarding maximum numbers of people permitted in gatherings.

  • Stay up to date with changing guidelines and policies from federal, provincial and municipal governments.

  • Make plans to deal with potential second wave of COVID-19.

 

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3. Prepare your employees

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Staff need to be well informed before and after a relaunch.  Regular communication is paramount as it will ensure everyone is aware of your company's commitment to everyone's well being and safety.

  • Establish policies and guidelines enforcing social distancing, cleaning procedures, shared touch points protocols.

  • Provide information and training on all changes to policies and procedures.

  • Educate employees on physical distancing, proper hygiene, and correct PPE usage.

  • Provide PPE for all employees including (but not limited to) hand sanitizers, masks, gloves and, if necessary, face shields.  Ensure staff are trained on proper use of gloves and masks.

  • Provide reliable cleaning products so employees can keep their workspaces clean and disinfected.

  • Screen employees as per established protocol before every shift to ensure they are healthy and have not been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.  Employees that are showing any signs of illness MUST stay home and follow quarantine guidelines.

  • Reduce the number of employees on site through alternating workdays or shifts.

  • Keep teams consistent and in small numbers to prevent spreading of COVID-19 throughout the organization.

  • Check the mental health of employees and provide resources and options so they can get the help they need to take care of themselves.

  • Encourage staff to download the Alberta Trace Together App to be aware of possible contact with COVID-19.

  • Keep the lines of communication open and adapt/refine your plan as needed.

  • Stay up to date with changing guidelines and policies from federal, provincial and municipal governments.

  • Make plans to deal with potential second wave of COVID-19.

 

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3. Prepare to do business

Prepare your business space and educate your customers so everything is ready once you open your doors.

  • Update your website and social media, clearly identifying any new operational changes.

  • Inform the Chamber of the changes to your operational hours so that your listing on the Chamber website and/or the support St. Albert page is updated.

  • Post signage at the entrance of your business outlining the changes and expectations of your customers.

  • Require customers to use hand sanitizer upon entering.

  • Post signage inside your business identifying areas, procedures or policies that are new.

  • Post a "Commitment to our Customers" notice giving them reassurance that you are looking after their best interests.

  • Limit the number of people in your business to current guidelines.

  • Ensure traffic flow in your business is clearly marked through signage or tape on floors and allows for social distancing of 6 feet / 2 meters.

  • Install screens between staff and customers if feasible.

  • Ensure check out counters are at least six feet apart and there is sufficient space for customers to line up and social distance.

  • Encourage customers to use electronic payments and tap functions whenever possible, avoiding the use of cash.

  • Offer to email receipts rather than providing paper receipts.

  • Disinfect the transaction area after each purchase, including payment machines, counter, bagging area, carts etc.

  • Routinely clean and disinfect all surfaces.

  • Establish procedures for "returned" merchandise, serviced items etc. that pertain to your specific business.

  • Consider curbside pick-ups, delivery, take-out or drive-through options.

  • Provide garbage cans near entrances to safely contain disposables.

  • Stay up to date with changing guidelines and policies from federal, provincial and municipal governments.

  • Make plans to deal with potential second wave of COVID-19.

 

RESOURCES:

RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA - COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR RETAILERS
Alberta Biz-Connect - General Guidance and Resources by Industry
Restaurants Canada - COVID-19 Resources for foodservice and operators
Dentons Return to Work Employer Toolkit - Alberta
NAIT CADEM Post - COVID-19 Facility Re-entry Guide
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