As an employee, your employer has a duty of care to maintain a safe work environment. With respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, these obligations also require employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace, including promoting social distancing, hygiene, and additional cleaning. This also includes a response plan to any possible transmission and the ongoing compliance with government health orders.
As an employee, you are obligated to cooperate and ensure the work environment remains safe.
If you do become infected at work, do not panic.
There are a few options to assist you during your unpaid leave:
- Apply for Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit – applications can be done online
- As of April 29, 2021, the Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit came into effect and the Employment Standards Act, 2000 was amended. Employers are now required to provide eligible employees with up to three days of paid infectious disease emergency leave because of certain reasons related to COVID-19.
- If you require short-term assistance because you are on unpaid leave due to being infected, you can apply for emergency assistance through Ontario Works for monetary assistance for food and shelter for up to 48 days – you are ineligible if already receiving Ontario Works or ODSP.
Please stay safe during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
If you or a loved one have been infected with COVID-19 while at work, you may be entitled to receive the help you deserve. Contact us at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP by calling (844) 342-5575 or filling out an online form, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.