• Home
  • Health and Safety
    • PPE
    • Workplace Hazards
    • Work Refusal
    • Mental Health Support
    • Vaccinations
  • Get Informed
    • DEL/Layoff
    • Income Supports
    • Workplace Accommodation
    • Legal Changes
    • Factsheets
  • Who to Contact
  • CUPE 905
  • More
    • Home
    • Health and Safety
      • PPE
      • Workplace Hazards
      • Work Refusal
      • Mental Health Support
      • Vaccinations
    • Get Informed
      • DEL/Layoff
      • Income Supports
      • Workplace Accommodation
      • Legal Changes
      • Factsheets
    • Who to Contact
    • CUPE 905
  • Home
  • Health and Safety
  • Get Informed
  • Who to Contact
  • CUPE 905

Workplace Hazards and Exposure to Hazards

1. What are member’s rights in the workplace?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act still applies and it states that members have the right to know about any potential hazards, the right to participate through Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees (JOHSC) and the right to refuse work they believe is likely to endanger their health and safety  or that of another worker.  


We encourage members to bring issues of concern to the immediate attention of their supervisor, JOHSC representative and the union. In the even of refusing unsafe work please contact your unit chair immediately for support.  

2. What should a member do if they feel they have been exposed to COVID-19 at work?

Contact your supervisor and union immediately. Fill out a WSIB Exposure form and submit it to WSIB along with any paperwork required by your employer.   

3. I’m worried that someone will bring COVID-19 into my workplace. Can I refuse work on this basis?

The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act provides a right to refuse unsafe work. But the Act impose a high threshold for risk, and a general fear of exposure to COVID-19 is unlikely to meet the threshold. Work may only be refused where it is “unsafe” or “dangerous”. 

4. What are the cleaning protocols that my employer should be following to help limit my exposure?

Cleaning protocols are dependent on the nature of your workplace. It would be reasonable to expect that your employer has: 

  • Increased the frequency of general cleaning of your workplace 
  • Provided you with materials, and training, in cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched areas in your workplace as well as equipment which is shared between co-workers 

5. What do I do if I have a Health & Safety concern?

Please fill out a Health & Safety form with your employer. By filling out the form the employer is obligated to follow-up and respond to the concerns within certain timelines.  


If your workplace does not have specific forms please inform your supervisor and worker JOHSC member in writing. Writing your concerns in an e-mail creates a record for future reference.   

6. Returning to Work

As many workplaces begin to open, we want to remind you, you are entitled to health and safety protocols including adequate personal protective equipment and improved facility cleanliness. Please contact your Joint Health and Safety Committee, and your unit stewards/executive, if you have any health and safety concerns.


Copyright © 2020 cupe905covid19support - All Rights Reserved.


Last updated: August 24, 2021

NEW CONTENT

We've added new content in: Income Supports!

Check it out!