Page 10 - D13014 - LBMAO - Mar-Apr 2018 - Reporter - web

Insurance UPDATE

Provided by
morneau shepell

MARIJUANA AND THE WORKPLACE

ith legalization of marijuana use areas, but most employers do not have clear
Waround the corner, many employers are guidelines specific to marijuana use.
concerned about how an anticipated increase in Unlike alcohol, there are no specific limits on
consumption on a recreational level will affect marijuana consumption as workplace impairment
workplace safety. Notwithstanding, how will and we are waiting for government to establish a
employers establish protocol on definition of “legal” impairment.
"Currently, most their duty to accommodate those At minimum, employers should review their
who have been prescribed cannabis current policies or established policies for all
benefits programs for medical purposes; or how will substances that could endanger the wellbeing of
do not offer this they test for impairment, will employees themselves and fellow workers.
insurance companies cover medical
coverage and marijuana as any prescribed drug? Employers’ duty to accommodate
less than 4% are These topics are currently being Building on the above definition of
highly debated. “impairment”, a policy on usage should also
including coverage In the following, we are pleased include medical cannabis. Employers are required
according to a to provide some guidance in view of to accommodate employees with a disability
the challenges faced in developing and in those cases where the needs can be
leading insurer." appropriate workplace policy. accommodated.
Employers should not hastily assume that the
Safety in the workplace consumption of medical marijuana will impair
The foremost concern of employers is how the ability of the employee to perform the duties
the use of marijuana will impact safety in the of his/her job. Rather it would be reasonable
workplace. Employers are governed by legislation
to ensure the safety of all staff in work-sensitive continued on page 19...
10 LBMAO Reporter - March-April 2018 www.lbmao.on.ca