Can an employee be required to stay on work premises during breaks?
By Howard Levitt | September 5, 2011
Colleen asked:
Is an employee required to stay on work premises during their 15 min breaks? The breaks are paid for by the employer. Or is this up to the employer to decide? Also does WSIB in anyway affect the decision that is made?
Howard Levitt answered:
WSIB has nothing to do with this unless a particular employee has mobility restrictions that would be aggravated by doing the walking to leave.
The employer can not permit mid-shift breaks outside of lunch. If it permits the breaks, it can impose the condition of staying on premises.