Take a Layered Approach to Control COVID-19 in the Workplace

The best approach to control COVID-19 in the workplace is to layer public health measures with workplace health and safety measures. In this infographic, each slice of cheese (or barrier) acts as a layer of defense against the spread of COVID-19. Where one slice fails, the next slice may succeed in blocking the spread of COVID-19. With each added layer of control, the risk gets lower, helping to protect workers and prevent an outbreak.

Watch this video for more information on controlling COVID-19 in the workplace.

Take a Layered Approach to Control COVID-19 in the Workplace Infographic and its text description

Infographic: COVID-19 Controls

Description: Take a Layered Approach to Control COVID-19 in the Workplace

Take a Layered Approach to Control COVID-19 in the Workplace

No single control measure will be 100% effective on its own.

A layered approach that combines public health measures and workplace health and safety controls provides the strongest protection against exposure to COVID-19.

With each added layer of control, the risk of exposure gets lower.

The most effective measures control the virus at its source, followed by those along its path. The least effective measures protect at the worker level.

Workplace Health and Safety Control Measures: from most effective to least effective

Elimination and Substitution

  • Remote work
  • Virtual meetings
  • Limit travel

Engineering Controls

  • Physical barriers
  • Contactless pay
  • Motion-activated devices
  • Ventilation equipment
  • Furniture layout

Administrative Policies

  • Communication and training
  • Staff cohorts
  • Sick leave
  • Occupancy limits

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Respirators, gowns, and eye protection
  • Certified to meet regulatory standards

Public Health Measures:

Wear a Mask

  • Well-constructed, well-fitting, and worn properly

Personal Hygiene

  • Wash or sanitize hands often
  • Cover coughs and sneezes

Physical Distancing

  • As far away as possible (at least 2 metres)
  • Keep interactions few and brief
  • Avoid crowded spaces

Screening and Rapid Testing

  • Check for symptoms and exposures

Isolate/Quarantine

  • Self-isolate if sick
  • Quarantine if required

Clean and Disinfect

  • High-touch surfaces and shared objects

Optimize Ventilation

  • Reduce concentration of viruses in the air
  • Open windows and doors

Vaccinate

  • Reduce illness severity
  • Boost community immunity

Stay informed, be prepared and follow the advice of your local public health authority.

For further information on COVID-19, refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada

Document last updated on: 2021-09-14