With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in the Peel Region despite the lockdown, stricter restrictions have been implemented and are now being enforced through work site inspections. Employers in the Peel Region who fail to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace may face fines of up to $5,000 per day.
Peel Public Health issued a Class Order under section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (the “Class Order”) which took effect November 16, 2020. This Class Order will help ensure that all workplaces follow the measures required to protect employees.
Under the Class Order, employers must deny access to the workplace to any person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, has symptoms of COVID-19, or is a close contact to someone who might have COVID-19. These individuals are required to self-isolate unless they require emergency medical attention.
If two or more cases of COVID-19 are identified in connection with the workplace premises, the employer must immediately notify Peel Public Health and cooperate with them to provide information for contact tracing and implement additional measures as necessary.
Employers that fail to comply with the Class Order could be liable for fines of up to $5,000 for each day that the non-compliant behaviour occurs or continues.
Further information about the Class Order and other COVID-19 measures for the Peel Region is available on the Peel Public Health website. Individuals can report non-compliant businesses by calling Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or in Caledon at 905-584-2216.
Employers are strongly advised to ensure compliance to avoid fines and maintain a safe workplace.
Co-Author: Maria Tassou, Lawyer
The authors would like to thank Allan Tung, Articling Student, for his assistance with this article.