Can You Require Your Employees To Self-Isolate Due To COVID-19?

As a result of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian health authorities over the past week have requested that individuals exercise social distancing, and in certain circumstances self-isolation, to stymie the spread of the virus. Many employers are in the difficult position of determining how they can implement these public health measures in their workplace.

Duty to Provide a Safe Work Environment

Employers have an obligation to ensure the safety of their workers under occupational health and safety legislation. That obligation includes taking every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of their workers, even in the situation of a pandemic. They are expected to put the necessary measures in place to protect workers from infectious diseases, and inform, instruct and supervise workers in order to protect their health and safety.