Author: Geoff Higginson

March 21, 2020…update to Lafarge Shutdown Cautionary Notice. Below is an excerpt from an email statement delivered to Thorcan Management by Lafarge. We understand that a Thorcan higher up was in the same room as the COVID19 positive Lafarge higher up for a short period of time and at a safe distance. The hazard from this contact is relatively low. Please continue to practice self monitoring of your health and contact your health care professional if you begin to show any symptoms. It is important that you practise very careful social distancing, hand washing and take all precautions at home with those you live with. Please take care and again, if you know of older or retired members please contact them to check in and let them know they are not alone. The hall is still operating and we are available to help you navigate these troubling times.

“Dear Contractors/Vendors,

Lafarge Canada received notification from Vancouver Coastal Health March 19^th, 2020 regarding our employee who was diagnosed with COVID-19. The VCH-Richmond Public Health has completed a subsequent risk assessment of potential exposure to the employees and clients and have identified a very small group of individuals who have a low risk of exposure.

We have confirmed with Richmond Public Health that it is safe for individuals to return to the workplace so long as they are in good health. We have contacted our employees to advise them of this recent communication and are taking the necessary steps to return them to active service at the plant.

Out of an abundance of caution, Vancouver Coastal Health is asking anyone who might have been in contact with the infected individual to:

·  Monitor your health for fever, cough, malaise, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (until March 27th); and

·  Avoid crowded public spaces and places where you cannot easily separate yourself from others if you become ill.

Prevention is the safest way to manage this outbreak. We are encouraging employees to continue to adhere to handwashing, social distancing, and hygiene protocols as recommended by both Health Canada and the World Health Organization.”

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This is a caution to all members who have been working at Lafarge Cement Plant Shutdown in Richmond.

According to Local 97, Ironworkers working for RKM have been potentially exposed to the COVID19 Virus through their Supervisory personnel who were in contact with a COVID19 Positive Lafarge manager/executive.

**Anyone working at Lafarge on this recent shut down should self-isolate for 14 days.** +++The latest information on the possible exposure at Lafarge, see top of this post, unless you have symptoms of illness, self isolation is not necessary. If you are on the job make sure all proper precautions are being taken; washing down and disinfection of tables, door handles, tools; safe distances are observed between people, frequent handwashing, try keep your hands from touching your face. +++

Take care to protect your loved ones from possible infection. If you have any symptoms especially fever, dry cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing contact your health care provider. See the information below from the Health Link BC website. Take care, be safe and contact us if you have any questions.

If you know of or are related to a retired member please check in with them from time to time to ensure they are doing well. Take care not to come in close contact but please do keep an eye out for them.

Geoff Higginson

Self-Isolation

Self-isolation means staying home and limiting your contact with others for 14 days. This helps to lower the chance of spreading the disease because symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. During this 14 day incubation period, there is a small chance you can spread germs even though you don’t feel sick. This is why it is important for people at risk of having been exposed to the illness are asked to self-isolate.

To limit contact with others, you should

• Stay home
• Avoid those who have chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults
• Avoid having visitors to your home
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing

For more information on self-isolation see:

• Public Health Agency of Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How to isolate at home when you have COVID-19 (PDF 344KB)

Plan ahead and prepare for what you will do if you or a family member becomes sick and needs care.

For more information on being prepared see:

• Public Health Agency of Canada: Be prepared (COVID-19) (PDF 344KB)