Like it did ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, WorkSafeBC says it will have an increased presence at workplaces across the province ahead of spring break and St. Patrick’s Day next week.

Al Johnson, WorkSafeBC’s head of Prevention Services says the goal is to remind businesses to keep up with public health measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

“With spring break and St. Patrick’s Day both taking place this month, we want to ensure employers and workers are again ready for a potential increase in people coming to their workplaces,” he said. “We’re reminding businesses to make sure they have an up-to-date COVID-19 safety plan in place, that it’s understood by all staff, and that it’s being implemented effectively.”

This month, Johnson says the focus will be on overnight and short-term accommodations, food and leisure services, amusement facilities, sports and entertainment facilities, ski hills, and golf courses.

“The vast majority of businesses in B.C. are taking COVID-19 safety very seriously and want to be in compliance,” Johnson added. “But we’ve also seen some employers let their safety plan become dated – where it no longer reflects the latest PHO orders or changing conditions – and this is an important focus area for our prevention officers.”

WorkSafeBC says it will also be launching an initiative focused on bars, pubs, and restaurants ahead of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.

Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry notes liquor sales at bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across the province will end at 8 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day similar to how it was on New Year’s Eve.

As of March 5, there have been 24,221 workplace inspections and 4,494 consultations related to COVID-19. WorkSafeBC says 2,232 orders had been issued for health and safety violations.