Responding to Respiratory Infectious Diseases (RIDs) in the Workplace

Employers are responsible for protecting the health and safety of their workers. That responsibility includes responding to respiratory infectious diseases in the workplace to prevent the spread of illness. Learn about responding to suspected and actual cases of respiratory infectious diseases in your workplace, providing support to workers, and planning a safe return to work.

Get additional guidance on respiratory infectious diseases for workplaces.

Description: Responding to Respiratory Infectious Diseases (RIDs) in the Workplace

Infographic: Responding to Respiratory Infectious Diseases (RIDs) in the Workplace

Description: Responding to Respiratory Infectious Diseases (RIDs) in the Workplace

Ask workers to stay home or leave the workplace if they:

  • Have symptoms (even if mild) of a respiratory infectious disease (e.g., coughing, sneezing)
  • Tested positive or were diagnosed with a respiratory infectious disease

If a worker has symptoms at work:

  • Call 911 if they need immediate medical attention (e.g., difficulty breathing) and notify their emergency contact
  • Ask that they wear a well-constructed, well-fitting mask and return home
  • Advise them to contact their health care provider and follow their instructions
  • Encourage other workers to self-monitor (passively screen) for symptoms

If a worker contracted a respiratory infectious disease from work, the employer may need to inform the:

  • Jurisdictional health and safety department and workers’ compensation board
  • Health and safety committee or representative
  • Worker’s union

Support workers who have a respiratory infectious disease

  • Let workers know about available company and government supports (e.g., sick leave, onsite medical care, employment insurance, etc.)
  • Comply with the requirements of the employment standards legislation in your jurisdiction. Consider having a sick leave policy that allows additional time off work for illness
  • Do not share any personal information or medical diagnosis

Returning to work

  • Follow the guidance of the worker’s health care provider and workers’ compensation board
  • Work together to identify any accommodation needs for a safe return to work
  • Review and improve health and safety measures as needed

Document last updated on: 2023-11-30