Reopening and Safe Operation of Workplaces in a Pandemic

Getting Canadians back to work safely during the COVID-19 pandemic has been critical to our economy and the well-being of all Canadians. Workplaces are potentially important sites of transmission for infectious diseases and play a critical role in controlling their spread, yet few were prepared for this global health catastrophe. 

In March and April 2021, the Standards Council of Canada and CSA Group held a webinar and consultative workshop to develop clear standardized guidance to support employers as they reopen workplaces and better prepare for future pandemics. Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) Supercluster co-hosted the webinar and workshop after identifying the standardization need for ensuring safe return to work environments, particularly manufacturers who pivoted focus to support the fight against the novel coronovirus disease. Thought leaders from Canada’s Superclusters, government, industry, and academia participated in the initiative, helping to identify standardization needs and solutions to respond to the pandemic and similar future events. Check out the published report to learn more.