Following provincial inspections, the Town of Ajax has brought out an advisory on common mistakes businesses made in complying with required Covid-19 safety protocols.
Ontario ordered increased workplace inspections which have resulted in fines and closures.
Following is a list of common offenses that were uncovered, along with tips and resources to help ensure that your business is in compliance, said a town statement.
Lack of cleaning and disinfecting
Businesses must ensure that equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms and showers that are accessible to the public are cleaned and disinfected as frequently as is necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.
This applies to computers, electronics and other machines or devices (i.e. self check-out machines) that members of the public are permitted to operate.
Learn more about cleaning and disinfecting public spaces during Covid-19.
No Safety Plan
All business are required to have a safety plan in place that describes the measures and procedures which have been implemented or will be implemented in the business to reduce the transmission risk of Covid-19.
The plan should include protocols on the following:
- Screening
- Physical distancing
- Mask/face covering usage
- Cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects
- Usage requirements for personal protective equipment.
The plan must be in writing and posted in a conspicuous place where it is most likely to come to the attention of individuals working in or attending the business.
Review the Province’s Guide for Developing a Safety Plan.
Lack of Capacity Control Measures
All businesses must limit capacity so that every member of the public is able to maintain two metres of physical distancing from every other person.
For example, businesses that are permitted to open under a 25% capacity limit where in-person shopping is permitted, can be calculated as follows:
Taking the total square metres of floor area accessible to the public in the business or facility, not including shelving and store fixtures, dividing that number by 16 and rounding the result down to the nearest whole number.
A sign which specifies the maximum capacity which the business is permitted to operate under must be posted in a conspicuous location visible to the public.
Calculate your capacity limit using Retail Council of Canada’s Online Calculator.
Lack of physical distancing/Overcrowding
Businesses that are permitted to open to the public must enforce physical distancing among patrons, both inside and outside of the business or place, unless they are maintaining a physical distance of at least two metres from others and wearing a mask or face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin.