New preventive measures to be taken in the workplace according to CNESST requirements

Par Hugo Lapointe Di Giacomo Le 2021-06-04

Since December 2019, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 has wreaked havoc around the world. On the Canadian side, new prevention and control measures for those who go to work were applied from April 8, 2021. While teleworking is sufficient for certain trades, others have no choice and must respect the protective measures. So, what are the requirements of the CNESST (Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work) in this area?

The key points of the new COVID-19 control measures

The CNESST is the Quebec government body empowered to publish health measures with immediate or deferred effect. Since the beginning of April 2021, the new section “Guide to health standards in the workplace – COVID-19” has been in effect. It has two main sections: additional control measures and exclusions. Since the emergence of the new variants known to be more contagious than the original coronavirus, prevention measures have been stepped up.

Enhanced control devices in work environments with the emergence of variants

The CNESST requires that medical masks be worn continuously in the current context of the emergence of variants of the coronavirus (COVID-19). You should always wear quality masks that meet WHO requirements when in a work environment. Protective measures are maintained, with physical distance between employees being at least two meters. In addition, the use of disinfectant gel as well as frequent hand washing are strongly recommended.

The quality of ventilation in the workplace should be checked, and the ventilation in closed rooms is also to be taken into consideration. These measures decrease the risk of accumulating infectious particles in the office. The best way to ventilate the room is to open all the shutters wide when you leave your office. Wearing a mask continuously is compulsory as soon as you enter a workplace.

Exclusions – Wearing a permanent mask in schools

First, it should be noted that the requirement to continuously wear a mask may be relaxed in work environments in certain sectors and under certain conditions. However, in schools this is compulsory. Teachers are required to wear a medical mask at all times during lessons.

Before the appearance of the more contagious variants, health measures did not require the wearing of a mask when it interferes with communication, especially in schools. It is important to understand that the mutant strains of the virus are tougher. Severe symptoms can be seen in the respiratory tract and the risk of death for the patient is increased.

The CNESST is therefore proposing new measures to ensure optimal management of health and safety in the workplace. Also note that it is important to choose a good supplier of medical masks, such as Health Impact, to ensure a healthier and safer work environment for everyone.

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