As COVID-19 Public Health measures and restrictions gradually ease, employers continue to have a duty to protect their workers. During this time, organizations should consider the measures and hazard controls that will remain in the workplace in order to support workplace safety and business continuity. Below are resources to assist you during this time of transition.
If you think you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has, use Ontario’s self-assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek further care. For the latest information on how to protect yourself, visit covid-19.ontario.ca and Public Health Ontario.
Infection Prevention & Control at Work
Infectious hazards may exist in any type of workplace. It is everyone’s responsibility (e.g., employer, supervisor and worker) to recognize and control these hazards with the same diligence as other workplace health and safety hazards.
Relevant for all Ontario workers across all sectors, this free, 30-minute eLearning program will equip workers with knowledge in how infections spread and what action can be taken to protect themselves and others from infectious hazards in the workplace.
Job Guidance for Employers
The following COVID-19 job guidance information sheets have been created for essential occupations to support Healthcare, Public Safety and Municipal employers.
Health & Community Care
- Acute Care
- Allied Health
- Community Laboratory And Specimen Collection Centres
- Dental Offices
- Home Care and Community Services
- Long Term Care
- Office Settings
- Pharmacies
- Physician and Primary Care Provider
- Social & Community Services (Group Homes)
Public Safety
Municipalities & Government
- Childcare Centres
- Conservation & Fisheries
- Entertainment, Museum and Gallery
- Office Settings
- Library
- Parks & Recreation
- Social & Community Services (Group Homes)
- Transit
Education & Culture
Job Guidance for Workers
The following COVID-19 job guidance information sheets have been created for essential occupations to support workers in Healthcare, Public Safety and Municipal workplaces.
Health & Community Care
- Administration in Healthcare
- Allied Health Workers
- Foodservice Workers In Healthcare
- Housekeeping and Laundry in Healthcare
- Laboratory Technicians or Medical Technologists
- Nurses
- Optometrists
- Personal Support Workers, Home and Care Providers
- Pharmacists or Pharmacy Assistants
- Recreational Workers in Healthcare
- Social & Community Services
Public Safety
Public Health Measures
COVID-19 Vaccination
Ontario’s vaccine program
Learn about Ontario’s vaccination program to help protect us against COVID 19.
COVID-19 vaccines and workplace health and safety
Learn how COVID-19 vaccines help protect you and make your workplace safer.
Screening
COVID-19 worker and employee screening
Take this self-assessment to screen before going to work each day, if you were exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.
Screening for COVID-19: guidance for employers
Learn about workplace screening for COVID-19 to help protect workers and how rapid antigen (point-of-care) tests can fit into your screening program.
Masking and PPE
Face coverings and masks
Learn about face coverings or masks and how to properly wear, fit, remove and clean your mask to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 HCW Donning and Doffing Posters and Checklists
These resources are designed to assist healthcare workers (HCWs) and paramedics on the correct donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Public Health Ontario Donning and Doffing Full PPE Videos
Step-by-step demonstrations of how to properly put on and take off full personal protective equipment for droplet/contact precautions.
Cleaning and Disinfection
COVID-19 cleaning and disinfection
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces to lower the chance of COVID-19 spreading in your home, workplace and public spaces.
Cleaning and disinfection for public spaces
Guidance on cleaning and disinfection of public settings, including schools, transit, colleges/universities, retail locations and others.
Workplace Safety Planning
Preparedness, thoughtful planning and coordination will be fundamental for organizations to navigate through the pandemic safely and sustainably. The following tools and resources can support employers and workplaces as they respond to meet the occupational health and safety needs of their communities.
MLITSD workplace safety plan builder
All employers are encouraged to develop a COVID-19 workplace safety plan and to review and update it regularly.
General Infectious Disease Risk Assessment Tool
The following tools and appendices have been developed for broader public organizations to help them identify and assess infectious disease risks, develop controls and an action plan to protect workers or others in the workplace.
Infectious Disease Threats Risk Assessment Tool for Acute Care
This tool follows a six-step risk management process and is divided into two worksheets: Risk Identification and Analysis Worksheet; and Risk Assessment and Management Worksheet.
Return to the Workplace Readiness Assessment
A self-administered questionnaire to help businesses assess how prepared they are for returning to the workplace following COVID-19.
COVID-19 Prevention & Response Policy
This sample policy is designed to be part of a workplace emergency preparedness and response plan.
COVID-19 Inspection Checklist for JHSCs
The sample COVID-19 Inspection Checklist is designed to assist JHSCs in assessing various aspects of the workplace and determine whether or not corrective action is necessary.
OHS Considerations for Reopening & Operating During the Pandemic
This CSA Report reviews and summarizes occupational health and safety practices that can support safer reopening and ongoing operation of workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ontario Together: Help Fight Coronavirus
Get free rapid tests for your organization, sell supplies to government, search for PPE suppliers and testing services or apply for funding.
Custom COVID-19 Consulting Services
PSHSA has the expertise and resources to support your organization through the recovery phase of the pandemic.
Ministry of Health Guidance
Ministry of Health Guidance for the Healthcare Sector
Guidance documents on COVID-19 have been produced for a number of health and other sectors.
Ministry of Health Directives
Orders, Directives, Memorandums and Other Resources from the Ministry of Health.
Supporting Healthy Businesses and Workers
The following resources provide tips and guidance to help workers find balance and stay healthy and safe both at work and at home during this unprecedented time.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan – Support for Businesses
Learn about federal programs and benefits to find the support you need for your business.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan – Support for Individuals
Learn about federal programs, benefits and supports that are available to you.
COVID-19: Help for Businesses in Ontario
Learn about changes to government programs and available supports as your business recovers from COVID-19.
COVID-19: Support for Ontarians
Learn what financial, mental health and other supports are available during COVID-19 from the Ontario Government.
Mental Health and COVID-19
Join the conversation with Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief of Research, Workplace Productivity at the Conference Board of Canada.
Reexperience Our Virtual Conference Sessions
PSHSA hosted two recent virtual conferences exploring the impacts of COVID-19 and supporting workplaces in keeping their employees, customers and communities safe. Tune into these recorded sessions for insights and guidance from thought leaders and health and safety experts spanning a range of industries across Canada.