Has COVID-19 changed workplace safety policies permanently?

As the pandemic continues and more businesses are set to open, employees are voicing their concerns over returning to work. Employment lawyer Alex Lucifero joins Ottawa at Work host Graham Richardson to discuss the rights of both employees and employers despite COVID-19.

What They Discussed:

• If an employee feels unsafe returning to work, do they have any right to refuse?
  Employers have an obligation to make their place of employment as safe as possible for employees.
• Are employees having problems with job sites and safety and health concerns as more places are open for business?
  There has been a rise in complaints and it is important to bring these concerns to an immediate manager and supervisor so that they can be remedied.
• If an employer does not fix the safety concern at the workplace, what should an employee do?
  If an employee feels their concerns are not being heard, they should file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour.
• Has COVID-19 changed the tone in how seriously employers take workplace safety and health?
  There has been a shift in how employers conduct business, there are however more considerations having to be made for high-risk employees.
• What are the consequences if an employee shows up to work sick?
  It is up to an employer to investigate and take active steps to intervene.