CPCA Bulletin: Essential Workplaces Updated by the Ontario Government

As provided to members after the announcement last Friday please be advised that Ontario continues to allow retail businesses to remain open in cases where ‘hardware products’ are provided, which includes retail outlets selling coatings and related hardware products, as noted per the attached formal list:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces

However, to prevent confusion, please note that there are specific requirements related to how those services are delivered and restricted to ‘alternative methods of sale’ per number 15 of the list of workplaces noted in the link above, as follows:

“Stores that sell any of the following items and provide them to the customer only through an alternative method of sale such as curbside pick-up or delivery, except in exceptional circumstances,” and “hardware products” is listed among those, which paint retail stores are captured.

The list also includes services related to paint and coatings products for ongoing maintenance as per number 20 and 23 on the list noted in the attached link, as follows:

“Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings.”

“Businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials, including businesses that manufacture inputs to other manufacturers.”

For the above delivery of services it is important to note the requirements for compliance related to those operations as noted in the link provided above is as follows:

Requirements that Apply to Businesses Compliance

1. The person responsible for a place of business that continues to operate shall ensure that the business operates in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations made under it.
2. The person responsible for a place of business that continues to operate shall operate the business in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting.

Restricting Access to Businesses and Providing Alternative Methods of Sale

1. Subject to subsection (2), the person responsible for a place of business that continues to operate and that engages in retail sales to the public, except for pharmacies and businesses that primarily sell food and beverages at retail, shall, to the fullest extent possible, restrict public access to the place of business by providing alternative methods of sale such as curb side pick-up or delivery.
2. The person responsible for a place of business described in paragraph 15 of Schedule 2 shall restrict public access to the place of business and shall provide all items to the public using an alternative method of sale such as curb side pick-up or delivery, except in exceptional circumstances.

Complying with the above alternative methods is important to remain active as an essential service related to retail operations as noted above.

It is also important to comply with established protocols provided by OHS organizations other government organizations during the current COVID-19 pandemic as our members are clearly doing.