New health & safety resource helps workers report COVID-19 exposure

Toronto – May 6, 2020 – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, UFCW Canada has released a new health and safety resource for workers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, as well as those who believe they may have contracted the virus while performing work duties.

Dubbed “Reporting COVID-19 Exposure,” the new resource features information on how to report COVID-19 exposure at work, lists the records and documentation needed to file a COVID-19 related workers’ compensation claim, and provides links to websites that explain the different reporting procedures and claims processes in each province.

“When an injury or illness happens on the job, the workers’ compensation system provides compensation like wage-loss benefits, medical coverage, and support to help you recover and get back to work,” says Joe Pereira, Chair of the UFCW Canada Workplace Rights Committee.

“Across Canada, workers’ compensation boards are adjudicating COVID-19 related claims on a case-by-case basis. We are encouraging members who have questions regarding workers’ compensation and COVID-19 to read our Reporting COVID-19 Exposure resource, and to contact their Local Union office,” he adds.

To access UFCW Canada’s Reporting COVID-19 Exposure resource, click here.

As Canada’s leading union, UFCW Canada believes that every worker deserves to come home safe and healthy at the end of their workday. Accordingly, our union provides members, allies, and health and safety advocates with the tools and resources needed to proactively identify, control, and eliminate hazardous working conditions. To learn more about our work on health and safety issues, visit UFCW Canada’s Health & Safety webpage.