To: All Seaspan Shipyards employees
March 23, 2020
As COVID-19 developments continue to unfold, I will aim to provide daily updates, even if brief, to let you know of new regulations and guidance we are receiving and reacting to, changes we are making at our yards, and plans we are putting in place. Here are the updates as of close of business today:
- On Sunday, the Government of BC provided new guidelines for construction organizations in the province with a detailed list of COVID-19 protocols and processes to follow. I am pleased to report that we have already implemented or are in the process of implementing all of them, including daily assessments of our operations at all three sites.
- Late last week we contracted an industrial hygienist to visit VSY to ensure we are doing all we can with respect to COVID-19 precautions, to measure our response and to provide suggestions for additional improvements. We are waiting for the full report but have already taken steps to enhance our procedures based on their verbal feedback. We look forward to the full report and to evaluating recommended control measures across all Seaspan Shipyards.
- Efforts continue to further enhance and enforce social distancing, including limiting the number of people in the yards at any one time. VSL added a third shift to one vessel and is working on adding shifts to the others. VDC reduced employee numbers and increased duration for projects to allow for greater social distancing. VSY is balancing resources to enhance social distancing in the yard and on OFSV3.
- WorkSafeBC (WSBC) toured VSY today to assess our operations for compliance with COVID-19 social distancing requirements. The WSBC assessment team reviewed heat maps of work underway and evaluated Operations signage to ensure clear directional information and procedures are in place to support social distancing. WSBC recommendations were made to consider staggering breaks and that coveralls be left on site. We are now assessing these recommendations for action. Overall, WSBC had a positive assessment of our operations.
- Following the guidance of public health authorities, we have procedures and protocols in place at Seaspan should there be an employee who tests positive for COVID-19. I want to be very clear that, as far as we are aware, no Seaspan employee has tested positive for COVID-19. I know there are rumours to the contrary. Be assured all employees will be advised if an employee tests positive. Those who work in immediate proximity will be notified directly.
- Starting on March 24, 2020, all shuttle services will be suspended. For those that use the shuttle for parking at the Kinder Morgan and the W site, please note this service will no longer be available. However, additional parking is still available at the Fibreco lot next to the Pemberton campus.
A reminder to everyone:
- Social distancing is the responsibility of all of us. If you see a situation where the two-metre social distancing is not possible or where colleagues may be working too closely together, say something either to your team or to your manager.
- If you don’t have to be at our facilities, please don’t come in.
- If you are sick, please stay home.
- If you are concerned that you have or may have been exposed to COVID-19, please self-isolate and call 8-1-1. Medical resources are available to help through our Wellness department at [email protected].
- If you have specific questions or ideas, send them to [email protected].
- And, importantly, no one who is concerned about their health and safety will be required to work or will be disciplined for not working. Vacation, banked overtime or leaves without pay may be taken in this circumstance.
Clearly, there is a lot going on as we continue to take every possible action to keep the yards safe, and my sincere thanks for all you are doing to keep yourself, your work area and those around you safe as well.
Mark