Are workplace refusal claims changing as a result of Coronavirus?

Why are workplace refusals being denied in high volume in Ontario?

Work refusal claims are on the rise provincially in Ontario but are not being granted.  Alex Lucifero, an Ottawa employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins CFRA’s Ottawa Now host Kristy Cameron to talk growing concerns Ontario residents are raising over returning to work due to COVID-19.

• Have workplace refusal laws not been designed to deal with a pandemic?
  Workplace refusals are a very specific term and process, initial complaints are often being turned to something different and are then resolved.
• In a situation in which an employee feels unsafe, what should their process be in order to raise concerns with the Ministry of Labour? i.e No social distancing within a small workplace.
• Will an employee be penalized if they file a workplace complaint and are denied?  Fear of repercussions has often prevented employees from speaking up but employees should remember they do have rights.
  
• Are more employees voicing their fear over workplace health and safety due to COVID-19? Due to the pandemic, there has been a rise in workplace refusals however most workplaces seem to be complying with the Ministry of Labour’s requirements.