PEI OHS Act: Updated Orders for Physical Distancing
General Duties
Per the Act, employers must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect the health and safety of persons at or near the workplace.
Per the PEI COVID-19 FAQs, if an employer determines that someone is posing an undue risk to the health and safety of individuals in the workplace, they are obligated to address the risk. This could involve refusing to provide services to a person engaged in the risky behaviour or providing adequate protection to their workers.
Orders re Physical Distancing
Where proof of vaccination is not required, physical distancing must be maintained. At organized gatherings, cohorts must be formed of participants up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors, and there must be physical distancing between cohorts.
Physical Distancing Strategies
Per the PEI COVID-19 Prevention and Self-Isolation Order and COVID-19 Operational Plan Template, owners/operators should take steps ensure minimal interaction of people and 2 metres separation. They can maintain physical distancing by:
- enforcing capacity limits;
- as applicable, following limits on gatherings;
- assigning employees to workstations that are separated by 2m;
- placing directional signs on the floor;
- placing barriers between employees and clients.
Employers should also consider permitting employees to work from home and limiting face-to-face meetings with employees and clients to those that are essential.
Source: Occupational Health and Safety Act, RSPEI 1988, c O-1.01, <https://canlii.ca/t/54c66> retrieved on 2021-11-10. Section 12.