Human Resources Legislative Update

WSIB Publishes Draft Communicable Illnesses Policy for Consultation

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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