The Workers’ Health & Safety Legal Clinic (WHSLC) is keeping Ontario workers informed on key questions about COVID-19 and their employment:
- What can I do if I think my workplace is not following appropriate health and safety protocols with respect to COVID-19?
- Can my employer punish me for refusing to do work that I think is unsafe due to COVID-19?
- What can I do if my employer punished me for raising concerns about COVID-19?
- Can my employer require me to come into work even though I am trying to social distance?
- What if I have COVID-19 symptoms or know I have been exposed, but I don’t want to tell my employer because I don’t want be sent home?
- Can I claim WSIB benefits if I become sick at work due to COVID-19?
- Can my employer fire me if I have to look after my children or a sick relative?
[Read the full FAQ and Answers – For further information, please contact the Workers’ Health and Safety Legal Clinic at 416-971-8832 ext. 201 (Local) or 1-877-832-6090 ext. 201 (Toll Free))
Read more:
- Workers’ Health & Safety Centre. COVID-19 Resources webpage (updated)
- Bogdan, Sawyer. 2020 Mar. 28. “Ontario Union Raises Safety Concerns for Construction Workers Amid COVID-19.” Global News (see also Ministry of Labour Mar. 29 update on new construction site safety measures)
- McMillan LLP. 2020 Mar. 27. Ontario Amends Employment Standards Legislation in Response to COVID-19. (overview of Bill 186, enacted Mar. 19, and including unpaid job-protected leave)
- Mojtahedzadeh, Sara. 2020 Mar. 26. “Ottawa to Issue New Guidelines to Keep Workers Safe During COVID-19 Crisis.” Toronto Star
- Emmanuel, Rachel. 2020 Mar. 24. “Advocates Urge Protection for Migrant Workers Travelling to Canada Amid COVID-19 Restrictions.” iPolitics
- Mojtahedzadeh, Sara. 2020 Mar. 19. “Work Refusals Spike as Fear of COVID-19 Exposure at Work on the Rise.” Toronto Star
- Ontario Human Rights Commission. 2020 Mar. 18. COVID-19 and Ontario’s Human Rights Code – Questions and Answers.