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COVID-19 Safety Plan

Fraser Valley Regional Library recognizes the importance of worker safety as we (FVRL) continue safe operations following 2020's COVID-19 related work interruptions. The following safe operations guide will provide employees with information and resources to assist them in ensuring the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is minimized at their workplace. For the purpose of this COVID-19 specific exposure plan, FVRL considers the following symptoms as defined by the BCCDC applicable for the workplace:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Cough or worsening chronic cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
     

Assessment

Assessment and identification associated with the risk of COVID-19 transmission encompasses Phase 3+ operations and restoration of services. Phase 3+ operations are defined as limited, bookable, public access to Internet and computers, socially distanced in-library browsing access to physical collections, access to limited physically distanced seating and access to Wi-Fi, touchless self serve checkout, maximum building occupancy limits detailing allowable numbers of staff and public library access, designated greeting and waiting areas, which support physical distancing safety measures. Phase 3+ continues to support previous operations defined as virtual programming, limited service hours and the following contactless library services:

  • Express Hold pick up
  • Material returns
  • Telephone service

Risk Reduction Measures

COVID-19 spreads in several ways, including through droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, or from touching a contaminated surface before touching the face.

FVRL has implemented the following risk reduction measures to support Phase 3 operations:

  • Prohibit staff with COVID-19 symptoms from reporting to work
  • Prohibit staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 from reporting to work
  • Prohibit staff exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case from reporting to work
  • Physical distancing measures, (maintain a 2-meter distance from others)
  • COVID-19 specific signage and instruction that supports safe work practices
  • Mandate frequent and thorough hand washing
  • Cough/sneeze hygiene etiquette 
  • Remote work assignments that are operationally feasible
  • Additional cleaning and disinfecting of workplace
  • Installation of physical barriers as a means to further protect staff and visitors
  • Establish building occupancy limits which aid physical distancing measures
  • Signage and digital displays to administer and direct library users
  • Customer directed communication emphasizing the recognition of COVID-19 symptoms
  • Mandatory mask policy for workers and customers  
  • Internal COVID-19 screening of FVRL workers
  • External COVID-19 screening of workers visiting FVRL locations
  • Deny visitation when COVID-19 like symptoms are present
  • Directional signage supporting physical distancing measures in the library
  • Provide accessories which support the use of disinfectants and cleaners in the workplace
     

Policy

FVRL has made amendments to the COVID-19 Responsibilities and Absences from Work Operational Policy as follows:

Procedures

Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. All staff are required to follow safe work procedures, specific to COVID-19, instituted by FVRL. FVRL has developed COVID-19 safe work practices designed to protect workers who are not working under the COVID-19 Temporary Remote Working Arrangement Operational Policy. Protective measures and procedures specific to COVID-19 in the workplace include:

  • Staff with COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms must not report to a library or shared workplace
  • Workers who share a household with or have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case as advised by public health must not report to a library or shared workplace
  • Workers must report to their manager absences related to COVID-19 in an effort to determine if alternate tasks or duties can be assigned
  • Adhere to physical distancing measures, this means maintaining a 2-meter distance from others
  • Follow signage or other posted instruction that supports safe work practices
  • Frequent and thorough hand washing
  • Practice hygiene etiquette (Sneezing into your elbow, disposing of tissue)
  • Perform additional cleaning and disinfecting of workplace surfaces deemed appropriate by their manager
  • Perform tasks and duties behind protective barriers where required
  • Remote work assignments that are operationally feasible
  • Participate in education and training associated with COVID-19 safe work practices
     

In the event of an accidental COVID-19 workplace exposure, FVRL will immediately institute Library closure procedures and perform the following actions:

  • Initiate Library Closure procedures
  • Instruct staff to get tested for COVID-19
  • Have appropriate additional cleaning measures undertaken before the library re-opens
     

Training

FVRL is committed to ensuring that everyone entering the workplace knows how to keep themselves safe while working with COVID-19 risk mitigating measures in place. FVRL will train employees on the measures and the policies around staying home when sick, reporting to work, posted signage, occupancy limits, effective hygiene practice, physical distancing, and other safe work procedures. FVRL will ensure workers are adequately supervised to ensure they know what to do.

Evaluation

As library service delivery evolves, FVRL, in cooperation with the JHSC, will continue to monitor the workplace and update plans as operations resume and expand. FVRL will, in conjunction with our workers and stakeholders, consistently evaluate and assess risks associated with re-establishing service delivery and expanded library operations.

(LAST UPDATED JUNE 22, 2021)

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Official Rules

 


Copyright 2020 Fraser Valley Regional Library