Human Resources Legislative Update
WSIB Publishes Draft Communicable Illnesses Policy for Consultation
Date: February 17, 2023
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has published a Draft Communicable Illnesses Policy (Draft Policy) for consultation.
As stated by the WSIB, the WSIB has adjudicated tens of thousands of COVID-19 claims since the onset of the pandemic. Drawing from its history of adjudicating communicable diseases and the recent COVID-19 claims’ experience, the WSIB has developed the Draft Policy. The WSIB states that the Draft Policy:
- reflects the WSIB’s current practice, as the policy is not a change in direction, but rather provides detailed and clear guidance about how entitlement in communicable illness claims has been and will continue to be adjudicated
- provides examples of the types of employment settings and employment activities that may have increased risk (e.g., hospitals, patient care)
- reflects feedback and questions from stakeholders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., immunization status)
The WSIB is seeking feedback on the Draft Policy by March 28, 2023. Feedback may be emailed to consultation_secretariat@wsib.on.ca. All stakeholder submissions will be posted on the WSIB’s website.
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