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Labour & Employment Law Blog

Masks at the Workplace in Ontario during the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • 2 minute read
  • COVID-19
Arthur Zeilikman

Arthur Zeilikman

Masks at the Workplace in Ontario during the COVID-19 Pandemic

If you are interested to find out more about some of your responsibilities, as an employer, with respect to the wearing of masks at the workplace due to the COVID-19 pandemic you should visit the Ontario government’s website at the following link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/using-masks-workplace#section-3

Briefly, the Ontario government suggests that masks can be used in two ways at the workplace: as a source control (i.e. where the wearer is protecting others from him or herself) or as a personal protective equipment (i.e. where the wearer is being protected from others). It is suggested that not all masks are suitable for both purposes and particular types of masks have to be selected depending on the workplace.

In instances where a person is legally exempt from wearing a mask, such as due to reasons consistent with an employer’s obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, then the employer may seek to implement additional protective measures to comply with its legal requirements under Ontario law. Accommodating someone’s exemption should not result in a reduction of the safety of others and the employer must reasonably balance the interests of those involved.

Employers may likewise be required to implement training sessions where they are of the opinion that other personal protective equipment is needed in the workplace in addition to masks.

The government sets out that, among other things, a mask should securely cover the nose and mouth and fit closely to the face without gaps. Masks should not have tears and should be clean and dry. Importantly, a mask should not introduce new health or safety hazards into the workplace such as masks getting caught in machinery or restricting vision.

Finally, face shields may be acceptable as a personal protective equipment to protect the eyes. However, the degree to which a face shield provides with adequate protection may not be appropriate in all the circumstances. Face shields should not be used in place of masks.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

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Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.