Toronto teacher fined by Ministry of Labour for not wearing PPE
A Toronto teacher at a North York Catholic school has been fined by the Ministry of Labour for not wearing personal protective equipment.
The Ministry of Labour confirmed to Daily Hive that during a field visit to St. Charles Catholic School on October 23, a worker was charged with the offence.
“Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development health and safety inspectors conducted a field visit on October 23, 2020 at St. Charles Catholic School in the Toronto Catholic District School Board. No orders were issued to the employer,” said a representative of the Ministry.
“A Certificate of Offence, pursuant to Part I of the Provincial Offences Act, was issued charging a worker with an offence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”
The worker was charged with “failing to use or wear protective devices or clothing that the worker’s employer requires to be used or worn.”
The employee is set to make an appearance on February 2, 2021 at 9 am in court. Due to the nature of the charge, under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act, the maximum penalty the court is able to impose is up to $1,000, plus a victim fine surcharge.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board told Daily Hive in an email that the board takes “seriously the safety and well-being of all staff and students.”
“The TCDSB is conducting an investigation of this matter. The staff member is currently on a leave pending outcome of the investigation,” said a representative of the board.
On October 4, the TCDSB made an announcement on Twitter, confirming the closure of the school on October 5 to 9 due to a staff member testing positive for coronavirus.
At the time, the affected employee had also worked at St. Demetrius Catholic School, St. Mark Catholic School, St. Roch Catholic School, and St. Ursula Catholic School.
“Staff have been trained on best practices and protocols to ensure the safety of everyone in a school setting. Before coming to school, all staff and students are expected to conduct a self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms,” said the board.
“The Board of Trustees approved a motion requiring all students, staff, and visitors to wear masks while indoors.”
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