Practicing Social Distancing to Prevent Infections
The Problem
Infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, spread easily through close contact, making workplaces and crowded areas high-risk environments. While complete isolation may eliminate this risk, it’s not practical for most people. Physical distancing provides a practical alternative to reduce exposure and protect yourself and those around you. Today, we’ll identify the risks of close contact and discuss how to apply physical distancing effectively both at work and in daily life.
Identify the Hazards
- Airborne Transmission: Infectious particles from sneezing, coughing, or even speaking can travel more than two metres.
- Crowded Areas: Shared spaces like break rooms, workstations, and meeting rooms increase the risk of exposure.
- Asymptomatic Carriers: People without visible symptoms can unknowingly spread infectious diseases, making consistent prevention practices like distancing essential.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Understand Physical Distancing:
- Maintain at least two metres of distance from others whenever possible.
- Avoid physical contact such as handshakes, hugs, or standing close during conversations.
Physical Distancing in Daily Life:
- Avoid crowded places such as shopping centres, public events, or indoor dining.
- Use delivery services or click-and-collect where possible.
- Replace face-to-face contact with phone or video calls where appropriate.
Physical Distancing in the Workplace:
- Reconfigure workstations to be at least two metres apart.
- Install screens or barriers where distancing isn’t possible.
- Stagger break times and shift changes to limit crowding.
- Limit the number of people in elevators, meeting rooms, and enclosed spaces.
Self-Isolation When Symptoms Appear:
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell with symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, or fatigue.
- Isolate yourself from others in your household if possible.
- Seek medical advice and follow guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada or local health authorities before returning to work.
Combine Distancing with Other Measures:
- Wear face masks where distancing is not possible, particularly in indoor spaces.
- Wash or sanitise hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
Last year, a workplace outbreak occurred when an asymptomatic worker attended an in-person meeting in a crowded room without observing physical distancing or wearing a mask. The virus spread to multiple staff, causing significant disruption and putting their health at risk. This could have been avoided with proper distancing and use of face coverings.
Employee Responsibilities
- Maintain a minimum of two metres distance in all shared areas.
- Use digital communication tools instead of in-person meetings.
- Self-isolate and notify your manager if you develop any symptoms.
- Follow all workplace protocols, including mask use where required.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide training and resources to support physical distancing in the workplace.
- Reorganize work areas to enable distancing.
- Support remote working and flexible rosters where appropriate.
- Encourage sick leave without penalty for those needing to isolate.
Discussion & Questions
- What challenges have you faced when trying to maintain distancing on-site?
- Are there any improvements we could make to our current distancing practices?
Open the floor for suggestions, concerns, and shared experiences.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to maintaining physical distancing throughout the day, both in the workplace and outside of it. From today onward, ensure you are keeping two metres apart and encourage your workmates to do the same to protect everyone’s wellbeing.
Wrap-Up
Thank you for your attention and ongoing commitment to health and safety. Practising physical distancing protects not only you but also your family, colleagues, and the wider community. Let’s continue to work together to reduce the risk of infection and maintain a safe work environment.
Standards Overview
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends implementing physical distancing as part of risk management for infectious diseases. Employers should:
- Assess health risks and apply control measures in accordance with Canadian occupational health and safety legislation.
- Reconfigure workspaces and minimize physical contact.
- Support public health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada and provincial health authorities.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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