New Mask Guidelines from the Ontario Government

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has provided some new material in the Guide to developing your COVID-19 workplace safety plan, (the “Safety Plan Guide”) originally released in June 2020. The guide provides a framework for managing workplace risks from COVID-19. It can be adapted to any situation and can be used to identify and implement control measures based on guidance from public health and OHS sources, including incorporating new evidence as it emerges and adapting to (local) changes in the pandemic situation. It is designed with a focus on implementation, to promote learning about OHS approaches and to build capacity and awareness.

 

The recent revisions include new or updated information about several evolving topics of particular importance for many employers:

 

• Active screening of workers
• Air flow/ventilation
• What to do if there is a case of COVID-19 in the workplace
• The use of masks as source control

 

In addition to this, new standalone guidance on using masks in the workplace has been released. This document provides an overview of the uses of masks in the workplace (for source control and/or as PPE) and some considerations about mask selection and use. It provides information to help employers determine what is right for their workplace as well as understand some of the evolving regulations and messages about masks and face coverings.

 

The existing guidance note for the Restaurant and Food Services sector has also been updated to integrate key content from the Safety Plan and to provide information about the different uses of masks in the workplace as well as clarity on the use of masks with eye protection as personal protective equipment