The province is keeping closer tabs on farming operations and ag workers as the pandemic drags on.
Inspections of farms, greenhouses, and other agricultural operations are being expanded to ensure COVID health and safety measures are being followed.
Labour Minister Monte McNaughton says the inspections will focus on locations that employ temporary foreign workers to ensure they are properly protected; checking on compliance with workplace health and safety laws, including putting protocols in place to ensure hand hygiene, masking, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, and proper physical distancing; and enhancing protection for temporary foreign agricultural workers living and working on farming and agricultural operations.
“Our government is taking action to protect essential temporary foreign workers who may be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 during the upcoming growing season,” McNaughton says. “We rely on these workers to ensure our grocery store shelves remain stocked and families have food on the table. These inspections will help stop the spread of COVID-19 on farms, and in our communities.”
Inspectors will also check on engineering controls, movement of workers, and whether a workplace safety plan is in place.
“Our farmers, agri-food workers, greenhouse operators and food processors are working hard to keep their operations safe while continuing to provide us with a steady and reliable food supply,” Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, says. “Since last spring, we have taken several measures to support them, including reinforcing public health protocols, making investments to increase operational capacity and helping to address labour challenges. Agri-food workplace inspections are part of our continued efforts to raise awareness, and prevent and control COVID-19 outbreaks.”
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the maximum penalty upon conviction for individuals can reach $100,000, or up to $1.5 million for corporations.
