On Friday September 25, 2020, the Ontario Government released an amendment to Ontario Regulation 364/20, the “Rules for Areas in Stage 3” under the Reopening Act, 2020. This amendment requires that all employers must screen employees and essential visitors prior to entry into their workplaces.

Employers may utilize the below Screening Tool for Workplaces (Businesses and Organizations)

https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/workplace_screening_tool_guidance.pdf 

Screening should take place prior to entering the workplace at the beginning of the employee’s day or shift or when an essential visitor (delivery, maintenance, contract worker) arrives at the workplace. Employers have some flexibility with regards to how to implement this screening procedure – for example, Temperature Checks are not a requirement, however, their screening protocols should at minimum incorporate the questions listed in the link above. Once an employee/essential visitor has passed the screening questions, they should be allowed to enter the workplace. Employers should ensure that they have mechanisms in place (including adhering to applicable privacy legislation) to track and record the information collected.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the above amendment, please reach out to us for assistance at [email protected]. or complete our contact form here.