What workers should do

Workers should know and understand their workplace health and safety responsibilities — and those of others. If you're a worker, you also have four key rights:

the right to know about hazards in the workplace,
the right to participate in health and safety activities in the workplace,
the right to refuse dangerous work, and
the right to work without being subject to reprisal.

Know when not to come to work

Depending on the public health situation, you may be opening or limiting your public access, or your workplace may be welcoming workers back. Manitoba Health has developed a resource with several scenarios that apply across workplaces. Information on the role of the worker, supervisor and employer can be found here: Key Responsibilities of Employees, Managers and Employers.

Workers who have been exposed to anyone confirmed to have COVID-19, or to anyone with possible symptoms of COVID-19, should review the Manitoba Health website for up-to-date information, or contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) to determine the necessary next steps.

Workers must take other preventative measures while at work

If entering the workplace, workers should:

be aware of current information from Manitoba Health with respect to public health recommendations and complete a personal risk assessment
wash hands frequently, and/or use hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 per cent alcohol.
continue to practice hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
wear a properly-fitted face mask if required by your workplace. However, you may choose to wear a face mask in other areas or workplaces.
complete the vaccination series as soon as possible once you're eligible. COVID-19 vaccinations are proven to significantly protect against getting COVID-19, and protect against severe disease, hospitalization or death if you do get COVID-19.

This Tip Card offers tips to stay healthy and safe at work, and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace.

Right to refuse work

Under The Workplace Safety and Health Act, workers have the right to refuse work that they reasonably believe constitutes a danger to their safety and health, or that of another person should they perform the task. There is a legal process that work refusals must follow. This Government of Manitoba PDF offers a summary of the standard process. However, workplaces with collective agreements in place may have additional steps or requirements.

For more information, visit Manitoba Health.

Vaccine information

To help protect Manitobans from COVID-19, the Government of Manitoba has embarked on the largest immunization campaign in our province's history. The vaccine not only benefits you, but it protects your family, friends and co-workers. In particular, it helps protect the most vulnerable who are not yet eligible to receive a vaccine. The vaccine is available to all Manitobans over the age of five who want to get it. To access vaccine information, including the dashboard, FAQs, information sheets and more, click here.

Protecting mental health

Workers in the workplace may also be affected by the anxiety and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic and return to operations. It's important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and to take measures to support mental well-being. Here are some resources that can assist with maintaining mental health in the workplace during this time:

Manitoba Health has provided a number of resources and information.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak (World Health Organization) – These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO's Department of Mental Health and Substance Use as messages targeting different groups to support for mental and psychosocial well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19: Managing Stress & Anxiety (Canadian Mental Health Association, Manitoba & Winnipeg) – Tips and information on how to reduce and manage anxiety in the workplace due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Need more information?

For more COVID-19 information and resources, check out our toolkit.

For information and assistance with health and safety issues in the workplace, including COVID-19, please contact us by email at information@safeworkmanitoba.ca, chat with us online at safemanitoba.com or call us at 204-957-SAFE (7233) in Winnipeg or 1-855-957-SAFE (7233) outside Winnipeg.