Prevention and staying well for City staff

Prevention and staying well

How can I reduce my chances of catching or spreading this virus?

Face coverings

Effective March 1, City employees are no longer required to wear a face covering at work. City employees are encouraged to wear a face covering when working in close proximity to other City staff and/or members of the public.

Wash your hands frequently

This is the single most effective way of preventing the spread of disease. Use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands with soap and warm water. Please inform your supervisor if you need additional supplies.

Catch your germs

When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose using the inside of your elbow or your shoulder.

Clean as you go

Wipe down work surfaces such as phones desktops, computer equipment, the steering wheel and door handles of City vehicles, levers on equipment, and tables.

Avoid touching your face

In between handwashing, keep your hands away from your eyes, ears, nose and mouth.

Physical distancing

Limit physical contact with one another by staying two metres apart or by altering your approach to work to reduce group sizes and avoid being in the same location all at once.

Don't shake hands

Adjust your greeting practices from a handshake to no-contact options like a wave to reduce the risk of spreading germs. ​

Shared vehicles

Clean your vehicles at the end of each day. Remove all trash and wipe down surfaces.

Practice healthy habits

Eat well, exercise daily and get enough rest to help support your immune system. Monitor your mental health and the stress of those around you. Contact your supervisor if support is needed.

Should I wear a face covering at work?

Effective March 1, City employees are no longer required to wear a face covering at work. City employees are encouraged to wear a face covering when working in close proximity to other City staff and/or members of the public.

Where do I get the supplies I need?

Some of my colleagues are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Do I also need PPE?

Your Safety Advisor will let you know if PPE is required for your job.

Where do I get more hygiene supplies like tissue and hand sanitizer?

Contact your supervisor if your supplies are running low.​

I find this time unsettling and worrisome. What can I do?

During this time of change and uncertainty, taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. Here are some resources that can help.

Staying connected

Social connections and strong personal relationships are so important for our mental health. Take time to reach out to your coworkers, your friends and family and ask how they are really doing. Take time to listen to what they say, and if someone asks how you are, resist the urge to reply “I’m fine” if it’s not the truth.

If you’re looking for ways to stay connected and active, check out At home activities from The City and our partners.

Managing stress

Check out the Employee Healthy Workplace Toolkit​ for information and tips to help you manage stress and support your family during this time.

If you need to talk to someone

Lifeworks (now TELUS Health) is our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider.

LifeWorks (now TELUS Health) offers a modern EFAP solution that supports your mental, social and financial well-being. It provides confidential, professional assistance and support to help you and your eligible family members with a wide range of problems and challenges, including:

Clinical counselling to help support:

  • personal/emotional issues
  • family
  • couples/relationships
  • retirement
  • work-related issues
  • addiction-related issues

Work-Health-Life supports for:

  • nutrition
  • health concerns
  • sleep
  • family support services (child and elder care)

Contact LifeWorks (now TELUS Health)

First time logging in? See the how-to document for accessing LifeWorks' (now TELUS Health's) online platform.

For immediate needs, contact the Distress Centre at 403-266-HELP (4357) (24 hours).

My job requires that I interact with citizens in person. How can I ensure I am not at risk?

When interacting with people outside, wear your face covering, please keep an appropriate physical distance (2 metres) while having conversations and avoid shaking hands. ​

Employees Accessing Customer Homes/Business for Sewer Backup (for Water staff)

The hazard assessment checklist is to be completed in addition to the Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA). Please refer to Standard Operating Guideline (SOG-003) for information about exposure risk levels, and any actions and additional PPE required to minimize exposure and protect employees based on the risk to The City and requirements to maintain service.

Always verify the self-screening questions with the occupant before entering.

The hazard assessment form is to be completed prior to each service call where entering a business or customer home is required. ​​​​

Bathroom access

It may be harder than normal to find an open bathroom you can use while you are in between work spaces. Facilities Management has developed a list of bathrooms you can use that are exclusively for City employees​. You will need your City-ID to access these bathrooms.​​​

How do I stay safe while traveling on City business?

Keeping City vehicles clean

Keeping work areas clean helps promote a healthy environment. This includes vehicles. If you share a work vehicle with others, you should sanitize the high-touch areas every time you take over the vehicle, especially during the pandemic and flu season. Follow these easy steps:

  1. Use a disposable disinfectant cloth to wipe down the following:
  1. Carefully dispose of the cloth immediately after use.
  2.  
    • Steering wheel
    • Seatbelt clasp
    • Door handles
    • Other areas that are commonly touched.

​​​​​ Additional vehicle disinfecting resources can be found here​.​

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