B.C. will check on open businesses, ensure health orders followed: labour minister
Posted May 21, 2020 1:00 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Workplace inspections will be the new normal for reopening businesses.
Workplaces allowed to reopen in B.C. will be subject to random inspections to ensure physical distancing rules are being followed, according to the province’s labour minister.
Harry Bains warns the province will crackdown if it has to, but says that’s not the preference.
“As Dr. [Bonnie] Henry has already said, we don’t want to be in a position to start the businesses then have to shut them down again. That’s not good for the businesses [and] that’s not good for the economy.”
Bains explains the check-ups apply to all businesses allowed to open in B.C.’s second phase of its restart plan.
“It could happen anywhere. It’s a restaurant, or hair salon, or manufacturing, or service providers, they will be required to follow those instructions,” he explains.
RELATED: B.C. restaurants that show commitment to safety will win back staff, customers: union
The inspections, Bains says, are meant to minimize transmission of COVID-19 as much as possible.
He adds there are penalties for companies violating the rules, but Bains is hopeful business owners take the new health and safety standards seriously.
Some sectors were given the green light to reopen earlier this week, granted public health guidelines are being met.
For a full list of specific guidelines for each industry allowed to open up, click here.
