Legal considerations during pandemic
On July 15, 2020, Workplace Safety North hosted a webinar, “COVID-19 Conversations: Returning to the Workplace - Legal Considerations for Employers,” as part of the free monthly Feed Your Brain lunch and learn webinar series to discuss the most pressing issues we are all facing. The webinar features Brad Smith, a lawyer and partner at Weilers Law who practices labour relations and employment law. Smith is a status member of the Cree Nation and has a special interest in serving Aboriginal clients. He also served as Weilers’s Gender Diversity Officer. The webinar is hosted by Angele Poitras, WSN Community Engagement Specialist and Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor.YouTube video: COVID-19 Conversations: Returning to the Workplace - Legal Considerations for Employers https://youtu.be/mjNn-QSp4Ac
Discussion topics
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General considerations for businesses re-opening
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Legal considerations around health and safety precautions, absenteeism, and work refusals
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Employer and employee responsibilities
Resources
General:
COVID-19 Public Resources – Public Health Ontario
Right to refuse or stop work where health and safety in danger – Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)
Ontario employer legal responsibilities under Ontario law, employers have the duty to keep workers and workplaces safe – Ontario MLTSD
Infectious disease emergency leave - Ontario
Labour Program and federally regulated workplaces – COVID-19 - Canada
Mental health and wellness:
Workplace Mental Health Resources – Workplace Safety North
COVID-19 and Mental Health @ Work – Government of Canada
COVID-19 Resources – Mental Health Commission of Canada
Wellness Together e-mental health supports and access to virtual counselling services to everyone in Canada – Government of Canada