Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) has compiled an update to the rules, regulations and best practices that employers should follow in dealing with COVID-19.
The information is in a blog by RESCON vice president Andrew Pariser and policy and programs analyst Ahd AlAshry.
“Omicron is less lethal but has proven to be a more prevalent variant,” says Pariser.
“The situation has resulted in more demand for testing kits and made rapid antigen tests one of the most sought-after goods in 2022, as supply has simply not kept pace. The lack of tests and PCR test kits has therefore resulted in changes to the rules, regulations and best practices that affect employers.”
Changes include:
Ministry of Labour (MOL)
- Employers are no longer required to confirm a suspected workplace COVID-19 case with a PCR test. The MOL will use other tools if a case is suspected to originate from the workplace. Employers are advised to continue to use all screening tools available and keep meticulous records of who is working and where. If there is an investigation, the ability of employers to document their actions will be important.
WSIB
- A positive PCR test will no longer be required to make a WSIB claim. This opens the door to rapid tests, doctor’s notes, and other verification forms. Again, employers are advised to continue to use all screening tools available and keep meticulous records of who is working and where.
Public Health
- Public health is prioritizing the most severe cases and outbreaks due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. Once again, employers are advised to continue to use all screening tools available and keep meticulous records of who is working and where. Public health agencies have autonomy, though, so rules and practices vary depending on the organization.
RESCON advises employers to consider the “reasonableness” when considering mandatory vaccine policies, as discussed by lawyer Michael Sherrard during a recent webinar sponsored by RESCON.
Sherrard said a mandatory vaccine policy must pass the reasonableness test, include joint health and safety committees in the process, incorporate any language from an employer’s collective agreement if applicable, and comply with public health guidelines and all health and safety regulations.
For more information, review RESCON’s vaccine policy template developed by RESCON and the latest COVID-19 webinar.