The provincial government is launching a COVID-19 safety certificate program, called BSAFE, for workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors to increase consumer confidence as businesses start to return to more normal operations in accordance with BC’s Restart plan.

BSAFE stands for BC Safety Assured For Everyone.

A Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport media release says the province has allocated $640,000 to develop the program and provide the training for workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors. B.C. organizations participating in the training program will receive a decal to make it easy for visitors to identify that staff have taken BSAFE training.

“This program will empower employees, visitors and communities to have confidence a business is following health and safety best practices as we work to slowly reopen while following the rules and putting an end to COVID-19 restrictions in B.C.,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The program was a call to action from the Tourism Task Force to clearly demonstrate to visitors that B.C. is a safe place to travel. BSAFE supports our restart and recovery efforts as we look forward to exploring our province again very soon.”

“This program is well timed and will be beneficial for workers as we move forward carefully with our four-step BC’s Restart – a plan that focuses on ensuring the health and safety of British Columbians at every touchpoint,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “Restoring B.C.’s tourism and hospitality sectors is critical for our economy, and this program will help workers do that safely for everyone – now and in the future.”

The province worked with go2HR to develop and deliver the BSAFE program. Leaders in the tourism and hospitality sectors were engaged during the development stage to ensure the program is practical and effective for employees.

BSAFE course participants will be trained to:

* Understand COVID-19 primary modes of transmission, high risk areas/activities and the importance of consistent application of controls and measures;

* Be able to resolve conflict situations arising from non-compliance of safety protocols by guests, coworkers and employers;

* Identify where to access relevant public health information and best practices for their workplace and community;

* Communicate personal responsibilities in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining a safe environment;

* Identify employer and employee responsibilities in ensuring a safe work environment during the pandemic, as well as principles to carry forward into the post-pandemic environment;

* Explain the importance of empathy – the positive impact of respectful behaviour, tolerance and understanding toward others; and

* Demonstrate high-quality safety standards that show a venue is safe.

“Our industry really came together to collaboratively create a program than supports safety for all – workers, guests and communities – during the pandemic and beyond. Having consistent, foundational COVID-19 health and safety knowledge throughout B.C.’s tourism and hospitality industry will ultimately contribute to rebuilding the confidence to experience and visit again. BSAFE is a turn-key, accessible solution that businesses of all sizes and regions can easily integrate into their training activities, and go2HR is proud to offer our expertise in human resources, health and safety, and training in support of BC’s Restart plan,” stated Krista Bax, CEO of go2HR.

BSAFE is open to all businesses, but the program was specifically designed for the tourism and hospitality industry.

Upon completion of the course, participants are awarded a certificate that demonstrates their knowledge of and commitment to COVID-19 health and safety.

Early registration opened April 26, and the program launched May 27.

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