The government of Alberta identified oilsands industries in its list of essential services.
Karim Zariffa, Executive Director of the Oil Sands Community Alliance (OSCA) said member companies took active steps to reduce the impact and exposure of COVID-19.
He added one-third of the total net generation of electricity to Alberta homes comes from oilsands producers.
“Oil sands facilities are limited to site-critical staff only and are changing schedules/rotations. This has reduced the workforce on-site by up to 60 per cent and the frequency of staff rotations. In addition, the oil sands industry is utilizing on-site resources, professionals, medical clinics and supplies to support AHS and minimize the burden on the local health system.”
Zariffa said all non-essential staff work remotely from their homes.
Alberta Health Services also updated its guideline on pandemic response procedures at work camps.
The document covers screening protocols, physical distancing, sanitation, transportation, and food handling measures.
Zariffa said health officials screen all workers who enter worksites.
To assist with physical distancing, OSCA postponed scheduled turnarounds and provided pre-packaged meals for workers at staggered meal times.
They closed large open areas for congregation such as lobbies, gyms, and other recreation spaces.
Member companies implement advanced cleaning protocols with some using tape to show two-metre separation distances.
Transportation initiatives by OSCA include more flights at reduced capacity, passenger limits on buses, and safe busing to major hubs.
As of publication, there are 968 cases of COVID-19 in Alberta, including 13 deaths.
