Safe working conditions & ongoing forest fires: Employment lawyer on CTV News

Interview Summary

Poor quality warnings across the province continue as a result of ongoing forest fires. For many employees who work outdoors, this can mean potentially unsafe working conditions. What rights do employees have to refuse work? Should employers be ready to accommodate potentially unsafe work environments?

Alex Lucifero, an Ottawa employment lawyer and Managing Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP spoke to Chris Holski on 580 CFRA to answer these questions and more.

Interview Notes

• Protections for employees during unsafe weather: Every employer in Ontario is legally obligated to provide a healthy and safe work environment for all of their staff. Employers cannot choose to opt out of health and safety measures. Safety issues, like poor air quality, should lead to reasonable precautions. Employees that had to work outdoors despite poor air quality should be provided with masks and equipment.
• Halt to work due to unsafe conditions: Employers might have the option of suspending work outdoors, particularly if indoor work is available. Employees have the right to voice their concerns. Employees that have pre-existing health conditions have more protections and can ask for medical accommodations from their employer.
• Employee rights if refused protections: Employees should first speak to their employer to try and resolve the situation. Employees that feel their safety has not been taken into consideration can contact the Ministry of Labour. In certain situations, such as workplace harassment, employees should contact an employment lawyer to determine their options.