If a worker who has been exposed to H1N1 at work becomes ill, does Workers’ Compensation cover their time off work?
Many people mayl be exposed to someone with flu-like symptoms while at work. They will also be exposed to the virus at other times (such as at a grocery store, talking to an acquaintance on the street, etc). It is also likely that they may be exposed through contact with people who are carrying the virus but are not showing any symptoms.
For this reason, it would be virtually impossible to demonstrate adequately that getting the flu was truly a result of work-related duties, which is a requirement before any claim can be approved.
Health Care workers who are directly caring for patients with H1N1 have a higher likelihood of establishing a claim that their work-related duties was a direct cause of becoming ill.
However, Health Care workers are provided with training and equipment to protect themselves from the flu and, if they follow correct procedures, are not likely to be unduly exposed at work.
The YWCHSB adjudicates all claims based on the individual circumstances and merits of each case.
Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board
