Can I refuse to work due to COVID-19?

Ottawa Employment Lawyer Alex Lucifero discusses an employee’s right to walk off the job or refuse to work due to COVID-19 fears in the workplace.

Days ago, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that “if the workplace, the construction site, is not safe, you can walk off the job.” Lucifero addressed the validity of Ford’s comment with host Leslie Roberts on CTV Morning Live in Ottawa.

0:23 – Can an employee walk off the job if they feel their workplace isn’t safe due to COVID-19? Can I walk off the job due to COVID-19?

1:24 – What rights do employees have in an unsafe workplace? Can I refuse to work due to COVID-19?

2:48 – Can an employee refuse potentially unsafe work if they have to care for children or elderly family members?

4:01 – Are healthcare workers required to work during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Learn more about your rights during the coronavirus pandemic through our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Knowledge Centre, where you can find resources about your employment rights during COVID-19.

Contact us today to speak to an Ottawa employment lawyer about your rights.