Effective April 3, 2021, all regions in Ontario were placed into the Shutdown Zone of the Rules for Areas in Stage 1. The government announced that it anticipates the shutdown to be in place for at least four weeks. The Shutdown Zone rules were amended on March 26, 2021 (see our recent Human Resources and…
Practice Area: Occupational Health
Further Amendments to Ontario’s Reopening Rules
On March 26, 2021, the Ontario government announced changes to the Rules for Areas in Stages 1, 2 and 3. Numerous amendments have been made to the Shutdown Zone of the Rules for Areas in Stage 1 (note that no public health units are currently in this Zone). These include, but are not limited to:…
Ontario Announces Changes To Indoor and Outdoor Dining Rules
On March 19, 2021, the Ontario government filed a number of regulatory amendments to the Rules for Areas in Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 with respect to indoor and outdoor dining. The Rules for Areas in Stage 1, as they apply to the Grey Zone, have been amended to permit restaurants, bars, food…
Private On-Site Rapid Testing for COVID-19 Expanded
On March 17, 2021, the Ontario government announced that: it has removed certain regulatory restrictions to make it easier to administer private, on-site testing for asymptomatic employees who wish to self-swab for a rapid antigen test on a voluntary basis (and under the supervision of a trained individual) a guide for organizations and individuals who…
Ontario Commences Review of Working at Heights Training Standards
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) is seeking submissions as part of its review of the Working at Heights training program and provider standards. The intent of the review is to ensure the Working at Heights training standards established by Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) further to the Occupational Health and Safety…
Ontario Launches First Aid Modernization Consultation
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) has launched a “First Aid Modernization” consultation on transferring the responsibility for first aid from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) to the Ministry. Currently, the WSIB administers Regulation 1101, First Aid Requirements, made under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Regulation 1101 applies…
Ontario Government Launches Workplace Education and Enforcement Campaigns to Ensure COVID-19 Health and Safety Compliance
On November 19, 2020, the Ontario government announced that it is launching a series of education and enforcement campaigns (“inspection blitzes”) to ensure Ontario businesses are taking the necessary steps for the safety of employees, consumers and the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaigns have been developed in consultation with local health…
COVID-19 Leave in Canada Labour Code to be Extended
Early on September 30, 2020, the federal House of Commons passed Bill C-4, COVID-19 Response Measures Act. It amends the Leave Related to COVID-19 provisions of the Canada Labour Code to extend the leave to September 25, 2021. It also enacts the Canada Recovery Benefits Act which establishes certain benefits as a result of COVID-19….
Canada Labour Code COVID-19 Leave Extended by an Additional 4 Weeks
The COVID-19 leave available under the Canada Labour Code has been extended an additional 4 weeks, from 24 weeks to 28 weeks, effective September 4, 2020. This change is to align the leave with the recent increase to the number of weeks an employee can receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
Ontario (Again) Updates Its COVID-19 Self-Assessment
Ontario employers who are planning for an eventual return to work have been keeping a close eye on the province’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool (Tool). The Tool directs Ontarians to self-isolate in certain circumstances. This is important because it relates to employers’ Occupational Health and Safety Act duties and their duty to provide statutorily-protected leaves under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.