Earlier this week, our lawyers hosted one of Kent Employment Law’s regular Employer Forums. The early risers started off with a coffee, some muffins and friendly chit chat, and then engaged with a room full of employers on the trending topic of cannabis in the workplace.
Trevor Thomas canvassed the new Cannabis Act which will come into effect on October 17, 2018, and talked about the provisions in the Workers Compensation Act and Human Rights Code which are important for employers to keep in mind when dealing with issues involving cannabis use in the workplace.
Erin Brandt and I shared our insights on steps employers can take to detect impairment among their employees and how they can start a conversation with those workers who may be under the influence on the job.
Of course, Simon Kent provided comedic relief and shared his own concerns about impairment at work, as a small business owner himself.
The moral of the story? The Cannabis Act does not change employers’ obligations to ensure a safe workplace. It also does not change an employee’s obligation to abide by his or her boss’ drug and alcohol policies.
Thank you to all the business owners and human resource professionals who attended today. We had a diverse crowd with much to share of their own experiences and existing practices concerning cannabis in the workplace.
