GROWMARK has released additional guidelines to the FS Ontario members in an effort to keep our staff and customers safe during COVID-19 pandemic. Some highlights are shared below.

As an essential service business, it is important to ensure the proper protocols are in place to protect the health and safety of our employees and communities. 

The sanitization of the workplace 

• Signage on proper hand wash techniques should be posted at all sink areas. Soap and disposable towels to be provided by all sink areas. Handless garbage cans and dispensers should be used. 
• Hand sanitizer stations to be set up by entrance/exit areas to buildings, and in other popular areas such as near photocopiers. 
• High touch areas and surfaces, such as door handles, counter tops, payment machines, are to be cleaned daily.  
• Where possible, improve and increase building and vehicle fresh air intake. 

How to ensure physical distancing 

• Signage should be displayed to remind employees and visitors about the physical distancing guidelines. 
• Employees that can perform their work duties remotely, should create a workspace in their home and work from there.  
• Workstations must be at least 2 metres from the neighbouring workstation. If this is not possible, a barrier, such as a plexiglass, should be installed. 
• Visiting other work locations should be kept to an absolute minimum and performed only on a necessary basis. 
• Office doors are to be locked to visitors and customers. Arrangements for drop offs or pickups shall be made in advance of arrival. 
• Gas station attendants will request that customers use cards for payment methods, preferably tap options. Store items should be brought to the customer’s vehicle. Physical distancing can be maintained with vehicles by passing the payment terminal by way of container, basket, or stick. 
• If physical distancing between people (2 metres) is not possible personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used. Employees must wear all PPE correctly to be effective. PPE training should include the fit, use, care, putting on and taking off, maintenance, cleaning and limitations of the PPE. 
• Personal protective equipment, such as face masks and disposable gloves, and cleaning supplies are provided to all locations for use. 

If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact your local branch.