AGSafe
For agricultural producers in British Columbia looking for COVID-19 related workplace health and safety resources, you will find them on the AgSafe BC website.
AgSafe BC recently launched a web page dedicated entirely to COVID-19 health and safety resources designed specifically for agricultural producers. New resources can be found in the Emergency Planning Resources section.
In-Language COVID-19 Resources
In preparation for the arrival of temporary foreign workers, many of the documents and signs have been translated into Spanish, Punjabi and French to help employers communicate COVID-19 related safety protocols and practices.
AgSafe BC has bilingual versions of hand washing and physical distancing signs in English-Punjabi and English-Spanish. A Safety Notice for Workers and a Site Access Health Questionnaire are available in all three languages.
The English version of AgSafe BC’s New Worker Orientation video has also been updated and the video has been translated into Spanish. This is a short video that can be included in your new and young worker orientations. Supporting booklets and checklists are available for download on the website.
For Employers
Employers can download a full library of Protocols and Procedures that include:
- Agricultural Site COVID-19 Prevention Procedures
- Enhanced Cleaning
- Exposure Control Plan
- Employer Protocol for Pandemic
AgSafe BC is actively working with other health and safety associations, industry and government to bring B.C. agricultural producers up-to-date information. Employers can get advice about best practices and how to handle worker infection or self-infection, as well as links to other government and industry websites.
Mental Health
There is no shortage of things that concern farmers and ranchers. The impact that the COVID-19 outbreak is having on the industry adds another layer of concern. All of this makes it difficult to manage stress levels, anxiety, mental health and overall well-being.
Looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health. AgSafe BC’s COVID-19 resources include links to local, provincial and national mental health organizations.
Safety Consultants & Advisors
AgSafe BC is the non-profit health and safety association for agricultural producers in the province. The association is monitoring the situation very closely, and working with farmers and ranchers to address workplace safety practices affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
If you are an agricultural employer in B.C. here is how you can access AgSafe BC health and safety services:
- Contact your regional AgSafe BC Safety Consultant or Advisor
- Call the AgSafe BC office at 1-877-533-1789 or email contact@AgSafeBC.ca
AgSafe BC’s COVID-19 resources, as well as other industry-specific agricultural workplace health and safety resources are available on their website www.AgSafeBC.ca.
Additional Resources
BC Ministry of Agriculture
- Response to COVID-19
- Temporary Foreign Farmworkers Must Self-Isolate
- Emergency Management for Agriculture
WorkSafeBC
Government of British Columbia
Revision of the Workers Compensation Act (April 2020)