As businesses begin to open up over the next few weeks, they
will be calling on their employees to return to work. Many
employees, concerned about the 13,000 active cases, may be
reluctant to leave the safety of their homes to work in customer
facing jobs.
Right to Refuse to Work
Employees in Ontario have the right to refuse to work when they
have "reason to believe" that their health could be
compromised by going to work on performing a task in the course of
their work.
When is this right exercised?
First, the employee exercising the right must immediately notify
the employer and explain their reasons for the refusal.
Next, the employer must investigate the refusal immediately and
cannot compel the employee to carry out the work activities until
it is proven that a danger does not exist. If the employer
determines that a danger exists, they should implement proper
safety controls to mitigate risks, provide personal protective
equipment, and take any
