WCB: Documenting exposure to patients who are positive for Covid-19

In order for ease of process if a WCB claim is pursued, MNU is advising all members to document any and all direct interactions with patients that have been confirmed to be positive for Covid-19.
If you are confirmed to be positive for Covid-19, and believe you have been exposed in the course of your work as a nurse; and require time off from work or medical attention due to illness, you must report this to your employer and contact the WCB.

The WCB will need to confirm that you had direct contact with a patient that is/was positive for Covid-19, in the course of your work as a nurse. Therefore, documenting exposure will assist in the adjudication of the claim with the WCB. We encourage nurses to consider these guidelines where they may come into contact with COVID-19 patients, in order to ensure ease of process if a WCB claim pursued:

Wear personal protective equipment provided by the employer. However, if you feel necessary on reasonable basis, that the equipment is insufficient and poses a safety hazard, notify the employer immediately. If the situation is not resolved by the employer, workers may wish to consider exercising their rights under the workplace safety and health act. A link for additional information for unsafe work refusal can be found at the following link: https://www.safemanitoba.com/topics/Pages/Right-to-Refuse.aspx

If you make direct contact with a patient who tests positive for Covid-19, report to your manager, complete a RL6, and include the following details:

  • document the date of direct exposure
  • the department that you work in
  • the care you were providing to the patient
  • the personal protective equipment you were utilizing

If you miss time from work or seek medical attention, report to your manager and contact WCB to report the claim.

We hope this information is of assistance during this difficult time. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as an employee, please contact your MNU Labour Relations Officer or Union Representative for assistance.

/by