Our WorkSafe BC COVID-19 Safety Plan – Modo Yoga East Vancouver

 

Step 1: Assess the risks at your workplace

  1. We have consulted WorkSafe BC, frontline workers, supervisors.
  2. We have identified areas where people gather, such as our lounge area, front desk, and changerooms.
  3. We have identified job tasks and processes where workers are close to one another or members of the public.
  4. We have identified the tools, machinery, and equipment that workers share while working.
  5. We have identified surfaces that people touch often, such as doorknobs, faucets, and light switches.

Step 2: Implement protocols to reduce the risks

  1. We have reviewed industry-specific protocols on worksafebc.com to determine whether any are relevant to your industry.
  2. We have liaised with frontline workers, supervisors, and the joint health and safety committee (or worker representative).
  3. We have reviewed orders, guidance, and notices issued by the provincial health officer and relevant to your industry.
  4. We have reviewed our health and safety association or other professional and industry associations.

 

Reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission

1st level protection: Limit the number of people at the workplace and ensure physical distance whenever possible

Measures in place:

 

Occupancy Limit:

  1. Occupancy limited to no more than 14 people in a class (13 students and one teacher) and 3-4 people in a changeroom at a time.
  2. We’ve moved/removed furniture to give more area in our lounge and front desk space.
  3. 2-meter physical distancing reminders posted throughout our space.
  4.  2-meter physical distancing numbered markers in the yoga studio

 

Work Schedules:

  1. We’ve reduced the amount of classes we have on our schedule and length of classes. 
  2. Managers work from home whenever possible.
  3. All classes have a 45 min break between them so students can leave from one class, we can disinfect the whole space, and then students arrive for the next class. 

 

Changes to Tasks:

  1. Teachers do NOT leave their yoga mat during a class. 
  2. Breathing exercises that expel more droplets into the room are not being taught. Also any big exhales through the mouth are discouraged. 
  3. Desk staff assist volunteers with cleaning and are in charge of higher traffic areas like the front desk. 

 

Facility Changes:

  1. Lounge area and shoe area has been reorganized to give more space. Some furniture has been removed. 
  2. We’ve installed a touch-less water bottle filler. 
  3. Clients are encouraged to bring minimal belongings. 
  4. We’ve created an entrance and exit door to our studio so we have only one-way traffic into the room.
  5. Doors to the studio are propped open before and after class.
  6. Front door to outside is propped open if the weather permits and we also have hand sanitizer available outside the front door.
  7. We’ve lowered the temperature in our yoga studio to reduce respiratory rates.
  8. The use of fans and opening windows are only done between classes. 

 

Equipment:

  1. We switched over to paper towels in our changerooms
  2. We’ve removed items like hair dryers, hair elastics, etc from changerooms
  3. We stopped rentals of towels, mats, and yoga props
  4. We’ve installed a new touch-less water bottle filling station

 

2nd level protection: Barriers and partitions

Measures in place:

  1. A plexiglass barrier has been installed around the reception front desk area

 

3rd level protection: Rules and guidelines

Measures in place:

 

Client Rules and Guidelines

  1. Clients are instructed to arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to class and must leave within 15 min after class ends.
  2. Clients are asked to wait at the front door before they’re directed to enter.
  3. Clients are required to wear a mask within our space. Once they are on their yoga mat and safely distanced they have the option of removing it during class.
  4. Client are asked to self-access for COVID symptoms prior to coming to the studio.
  5. Clients are encouraged to purchase passes, etc. online for contactless payment.
  6. Clients are required to book classes online. We do not accept drop ins at this time.
  7. Clients are required to bring their own yoga mat, towel, and props. No rentals are available. 

 

Staff Rules and Guidelines

  1. Staff arrive prior to clients and perform hand hygiene and put on their mask.
  2. Staff will aid volunteers in disinfecting the studio throughout their shift.

 

4th level protection: Using masks

Measures in place:

 

Who will use PPE such as masks?

  1. All staff and clients are required to wear masks throughout the studio including during class.
  2. If required we have disposable masks for anyone that’s forgotten theirs.

 

Reduce the risk of surface transmission through effective cleaning and hygiene practices 

  1. We have reviewed the information on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. 
  2. Our workplace has enough handwashing facilities on site for all our workers. Handwashing locations are visible and easily accessed.
  3. We have signs that encourages good hand hygiene posted at handwashing locations. Frequent handwashing and good hygiene practices are essential to reduce the spread of the virus.
  4. We have implemented cleaning protocols for all common areas and surfaces.
  5. Workers who are cleaning have adequate training and materials.
  6. We have removed unnecessary tools and equipment to simplify the cleaning process – e.g., coffee makers and shared utensils and plates

 

Cleaning Protocols:

  1. After every class we disinfect with Benefect or Hydrogen Peroxide:
  • studio floor
  • faucets, door handles, toilets, sinks
  • cubbies and benches in lounge and changerooms 
  • front desk including chairs
  •  Classes are scheduled 45 min apart so everyone from one class leaves the building, we clean the whole space, and then we reopen for the next class

* Click here for our full cleaning protocols

 

Step 3: Develop policies 

  1. Our workplace policies ensure that workers and others showing symptoms of COVID-19 are prohibited from the workplace:
  2. Anyone who has had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 10 days. Symptoms include fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and new muscle aches or headache.
  3. Anyone directed by Public Health to self-isolate.
  4. Anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada or who has had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.
  5. Our policy addresses workers who may start to feel ill at work. It includes the following:
  6. Sick workers should report to first aid, even with mild symptoms.
  7. Sick workers should be asked to wash or sanitize their hands, provided with a mask, and isolated. Ask the worker to go straight home. [Consult the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool, or call 811 for further guidance related to testing and self-isolation.]
  8. If the worker is severely ill (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain), call 911.
  9. Clean and disinfect any surfaces that the ill worker has come into contact with.

 

Step 4: Develop communication plans and training 

  1. We have a training plan to ensure everyone is trained in workplace policies and procedures.
  2. All workers have received the policies for staying home when sick.
  3. We have posted signage at the workplace, including occupancy limits and effective hygiene practices.
  4. We have posted signage at the main entrance indicating who is restricted from entering the premises, including visitors and workers with symptoms.
  5. Supervisors have been trained on monitoring workers and the workplace to ensure policies and procedures are being followed.

 

Step 5: Monitor your workplace and update your plans as necessary 

  1. We have a plan in place to monitor risks. We make changes to our policies and procedures as necessary.
  2. Workers know who to go to with health and safety concerns.
  3. When resolving safety issues, we involve all staff.