Health and Safety

Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

COVID-19 Health and Safety Information for Workers

The following provides workplace health and safety information for Island workers during COVID-19. Please check here frequently for updated information.

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) urges all workers to follow the recommendations of the PEI Chief Public Health Office during the COVID-19 crisis.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms, and may not realize they have been infected, as the symptoms resemble those from a cold or flu. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19 and may include:

Fever
Cough
Difficulty Breathing

What should I do if I develop symptoms?

Employers and workers experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or difficulty breathing), should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing. Do not go to the workplace. Visit the Chief Public Health Office website for up to date information.

PEI Public Health – Self Assessment
PEI Public Health – When Should I Call 811?

As a worker, what can I do to protect myself from getting COVID-19 if I have to go to work?

As a worker, you have responsibilities to protect yourself as well as others. Workers should:

Monitor and follow the recommendations of the Chief Public Health Office.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer if hand washing is not possible.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Adopt physical distancing techniques.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Workers providing essential services, including health care, must use the appropriate personal protective equipment and protocols and take steps to minimize exposure to COVID-19 while away from work.

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands.
Know when to stay home. Workers should follow the Chief Public Health Office recommendations for self- isolation.
Comply with the employer’s instructions around minimizing exposure to COVID-19.

As a worker, can I refuse work due to a COVID-19 concern?

When addressing a work refusal related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to recognize that every refusal is assessed based on circumstances specific to the worker and their workplace. A worker can refuse work if a reasonable assessment of the risk suggests there is an immediate or imminent threat to their safety. A pandemic alone is not enough reason to refuse work. Further information on Refusal to Work can be found here.

June 01, 2020

Workplace Harassment Regulations Come Into Effect July 1

With new workplace harassment regulations coming into effect on July 1, 2020, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island wants to ensure that employers are prepared for the upcoming changes. Since announcing the new regulations in October 2019, the WCB has developed many resources to support employers and workers through the transition, including a Guide to Workplace Harassment Regulations, templates that employers can adapt for their own organization, and Frequently Asked Questions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, WCB was also offering free educations workshops for employers and workers across the province on the regulation changes. While the WCB was unable to continue in-person workshops, they have developed a new educational video that employers, supervisors and workers can access wherever they are working. The video provides an overview of the new Regulations and will provide employers with the information they need to ensure that they are in compliance. “With a heightened awareness around the importance of workplace safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we know that Island employers are doing everything they can to protect their workers,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island. “The new regulations are just one more tool that employers can use to promote a positive and respectful workplace, in order to keep their workplace safe.” For more information on the workplace harassment regulations or to access the new video, please visit www.wcb.pe.ca/WH. If employers want additional information or would like to discuss virtual workshop options, related to the workplace harassment regulations, please call 902-368-5697.

May 14, 2020

Employer assessment due dates deferred until September 30

In an effort to support employers and workers, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is announcing a further deferral of assessment due dates related to 2020 employer payrolls until September 30, 2020.This means that covered employers will not have to pay WCB premiums until September 30, and will not be charged interest or penalties during this time. "We know that Island Businesses are at the early stages of a phased approach to reopening through Renew PEI, Together, and we want to offer our support during this transition," said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board of PEI. Employers are asked to submit any revisions to their 2020 payroll estimates to the WCB before August 15th to ensure that it is reflected on their September statement of assessment amounts due. Employers can easily resubmit their payroll estimates electronically anytime using WCB Online Services or by completing the Payroll Revision Form on the WCB website and submitting it by email, mail, or fax. For more information related to COVID-19, including occupational health and safety resources for employers, workers and service providers can visit the COVID-19 section of the WCB website at www.wcb.pe.ca/COVID19.

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