The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is making a number of relevant courses and publications available for free to help workplaces protect their employees during the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces thrust into unfamiliar circumstances and facing the challenges that come with managing a remote workforce are turning to CCOHS for guidance,” said Anne Tennier, president and CEO at CCOHS.
She added that in addition to having contingency plans in place, it’s important for workplaces to maintain close communication: “Reach out frequently to employees who become ill or are in quarantine. Have regular contact with those who are working from home to monitor their well-being, let them know you care, and help with any feelings of isolation they may have.”
Workplaces that are still in operation are reminded by CCOHS to promote healthy practices including frequent handwashing and physical distancing to prevent the spread of infection.
CCOHS stresses the importance of having plans in place for how workplaces will continue to function during, and/or after the pandemic. The following CCOHS courses and publications are currently available for free on the organization’s website:
Courses
- Pandemic Planning
- Mental Health: Health and Wellness Strategies
- Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms and Solutions
- Mental Health: Psychologically Healthy Workplaces
- Mental Health: Communication Strategies
- Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention
- Office Ergonomics
- Pandemic Awareness
- Mental Health: Awareness
- Musculoskeletal Disorders Awareness
Publications (PDF free download)
- Emergency Response Planning Guide
- Telework and Home Office Health and Safety Guide
- Flu and Infectious Disease Outbreaks Business Continuity Plan
- Pandemic (COVID-19) Tip Sheets
CCOHS has also established two resource portals for workplaces during COVID-19: a Flu and Infections Disease Outbreak website, and a Pandemics topic page.
“We hope that the courses and publications that we have made publicly available can help prevent ergonomic injuries and maintain positive mental health amongst those who are working through this unprecedented time in history,” Tennier said.
