Ottawa employment lawyer on lifting mask mandates at work

Interview Summary

Masks mandates in Ontario for most settings are set to lift on March 21st, 2022. For many businesses, the lifting of this last restriction will mean a shift to hopefully pre-pandemic life. What will the removal of masks mean for health and safety in the workplace? Can employers choose to keep masks in the workplace despite no public health restrictions?

Alex Lucifero, an Ottawa employment lawyer and managing Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins CTV Morning Live in Ottawa to answer these questions and more.

Interview Notes

Can an employer make an employee keep their masks on in the workplace?

It ultimately will depend on the workplace setting and employers are within their rights to keep mask mandates in place. Employers could keep masks mandates as part of their own workplace policy depending on the potential health and safety risk in their own work environment.

Can an employer ask an employee to remove their masks at work in order not to scare away clientele?

No matter the industry there are always disagreements and disputes between employers and employees and both parties should work together to find a solution. Employees who have a legitimate reason to keep a mask on should be permitted by their employer to do so.

What steps should employees who are unsure of wearing a mask at work take?

Employers should be communicating their workplace stance on masks once restrictions officially lift regarding masking. Employees who are unsure of their workplace policy regarding masks once restrictions lift should first speak to their employer about their concerns and determine what is reasonable. Employees who are being untreated unfairly or have been penalized for voicing their rights should speak to an employment lawyer.