WorkSafe BC inspectors ramp up checks of COVID-19 plans ahead of Super Bowl

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — WorkSafe BC inspectors will be out on Super Bowl Sunday making sure bars, restaurants, and pubs are sticking to their COVID-19 safety plans.

In the week leading up to the big game, inspectors stepped up enforcement efforts across the province, according to Al Johnson, the head of preventive services at WorkSafe BC.

“With Super Bowl coming, restaurants and bars might be busier, they might see more patrons, there might be more activity. So, we’re really out there to remind them to stay true to their plans, to stay vigilant to their plans,” he says.

“Our message continues to be; stay true to the plan, stay on top of the plan, make sure it’s being applied to the letter of the plan itself, and let’s keep everyone safe.”

Johnson says the vast majority of businesses are making and sticking to solid plans. As of Jan. 29, more than 22,000 inspections had been conducted, with 1,667 orders issued for non-compliance.

One area for concern is that safety plans can “fall down” in areas of businesses where customers are not allowed.

“We really want all employers, all businesses to be vigilant to their COVID safety plans. What we really need is them to stay true to those plans and apply them to all areas of their workplace, of their business,” he explains, noting break rooms and other staff-only areas as some examples.

A statement from WorkSafe BC issued Friday tells business owners to be prepared for the possibility of a visit from a prevention officer over the weekend.

“WorkSafeBC prevention officers will also be conducting inspections on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7,” it reads.

With a provincial health order set to expire two days before kickoff, there was some hope restrictions on gatherings would be lifted, along with some concern that more restrictions on the food and beverage sector would be announced at the last minute.

Instead, the province has opted to keep current restrictions in place “indefinitely” due to concern over more transmissible virus variants and delays in the province’s immunization efforts.

Dr. Bonnie Henry and health Minister Adrian Dix have repeated pleas for British Columbians to follow guidelines and not gather with anyone outside their immediate households so as not to make Super Bowl a “superspreading day.”

With files from CityNews 

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