The CRC is confident in COVID-19 pandemic plan

March 18, 2020

The Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) is confident in its plan to keep the refinery safe and operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the pandemic, the CRC has implemented an infectious disease management program in consultation with health care professionals. This program includes extensive protocols, including a robust sanitization program, continuous access to medical professionals 24-7, and social distancing practices for the workplace. Employees currently have limited access to the refinery, with only those deemed essential to the physical operation of the facility allowed on site. The remainder of CRC employees are working from home or in secure locations.

The CRC’s on-site work camp will continue to ensure that the temporary operations personnel on site are isolated. These personnel will remain sequestered in the work camp and this protocol will ensure they are not travelling in and out of the refinery. The CRC has also worked with the camp provider to augment sanitization protocols. The camp provider has implemented its own pandemic plan that was reviewed by an external pandemic planning expert. In addition, as per the refinery’s March 17, 2020, announcement, the CRC has taken the necessary steps to defer its annual Turnaround, ensuring that additional workers will not arrive in the province or on site.

As well, the CRC has implemented strict travel restrictions. These restrictions include a request that those travelling to site daily, self-isolate with their families at home each night and that they do not engage in unnecessary travel outside of their homes. As always, anyone feeling ill at work is isolated and screened by medical professionals that are on site 24 hours per day.

The CRC has put a robust plan in place to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The refinery will continue to operate safely while ensuring the safety of its employees, the community, and the province’s fuel supply.