“Under existing OHSA regulation, if a worker gets COVID-19 from an exposure at work, the employer has to report this as an occupational illness to the Ministry.
Under OHSA if an employer is advised by the worker or on behalf of the worker that a worker has an occupational illness or that a claim has been filed with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), the employer is required to notify the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in writing within four days. The employer must also advise the workplace joint health and safety committee or a health and safety representative and trade union, if any.
Occupational Illness is defined under the OHSA and includes conditions that result from exposure in a workplace to a physical, chemical or biological agent. This would apply to a COVID-19 infection acquired by a worker from workplace exposure.
No amendments/changes were made to OHSA accommodate COVID – 19 it is just highlighting the obligation that has always existed”.