How Does Canadian Law Define Sedentary Work?
Understanding the legal definition of sedentary work can help you navigate the complexities of workplace accommodations, employee benefits, and disability claims. When you encounter challenges related to sedentary work, trust Share Lawyers to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Wondering how Canadian law defines sedentary work? Share Lawyers’ experienced employment lawyers can help.
How Canadian Law Defines Sedentary Work
Generally, Canadian law characterizes sedentary work by the following:
- Minimal Physical Exertion: Sedentary work involves exerting minimal physical force. Specifically, it may include lifting, pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently.
- Occasionally: activities/conditions that exist up to 1/3 of the time.;
- Frequently: activities/conditions that occur between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
- Primarily Sitting: Sedentary jobs require the worker to be sitting most of the time, with infrequent or brief periods of walking or standing.
- Limited Walking & Standing: Walking and standing are required only occasionally in sedentary jobs. The work does not demand sustained periods of physical activity, focusing instead on tasks that can be completed while seated.
Legal Implications of Sedentary Work
Insurance companies use the legal definition of sedentary work to assess an individual’s ability to perform the duties of their job.
- Assessment of Disability: When filing for long term disability benefits, one of the key things they'll look at is whether you can do sedentary work. If you can still perform this type of work, even if you can't do more physically demanding jobs, you might not qualify for disability benefits after 2 years of being on claim.
- Challenges with “Invisible” Disabilities: Sedentary work is usually defined by physical activities like sitting, standing, and lifting. However, this definition often overlooks "invisible" disabilities, such as mental health issues or chronic pain. These conditions can make it difficult to concentrate or focus, even if the work isn’t physically demanding.
Unfortunately, many long term disability claims for these invisible disabilities are denied if the assessment doesn't fully consider these challenges.
- Workplace Accommodations: Employers are legally required to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. Understanding what sedentary work involves can help determine suitable accommodations: changing job duties, adjusting the workspace, or providing special equipment to help the employee do their job comfortably.
Sedentary Work FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sedentary Work | |
What is a Sedentary Worker? | A sedentary worker is someone whose job primarily involves sitting for most of the workday. This type of work typically includes tasks that require minimal physical exertion, such as desk jobs, administrative roles, and other office-based work. |
What is Sedentary Work? | Sedentary work is defined as work that involves sitting most of the time with occasional walking or standing. It generally requires minimal physical effort, such as lifting up to 10 pounds occasionally. |
What Kinds of Jobs Typically | Sedentary work is shared in but not limited to:
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What are Sedentary Work Restrictions? | Sedentary work restrictions limit physical activities due to a person's health condition. These may include avoiding heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or tasks requiring significant physical effort, focusing on reducing physical strain. |
What is “Less Than Sedentary Work”? | "Less than sedentary work" involves even less physical activity than typical sedentary jobs. It includes tasks that require little to no lifting, standing, or walking, with work mainly done while seated with minimal movement. |
| What Are Some Common Injuries and Illnesses Associated with Sedentary Work? | Sedentary work, while seemingly low-impact, can lead to or exacerbate various injuries and health issues, both physical and mental, that can prevent you from working, including but not limited to: |
Understanding how Canadian law defines sedentary work will help you with disability claims, employment disputes, or workplace accommodations. This definition provides a basic framework, but navigating the complexities can require professional legal assistance.
Share Lawyers is By Your Side
For over 35 years, Share Lawyers has been a trusted advocate for Canadians, specializing in both disability and employment law. We leverage our extensive experience to protect your rights, whether you’re facing issues with disability claims, workplace disputes, or challenges related to sedentary work.
Being a sedentary worker doesn’t diminish the impact an injury or illness can have on your life. You have rights, and we’re here to help you safeguard them.
Turn to Share Lawyers for exceptional support—we’ll be by your side every step of the way, ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
“Share lawyers are great to deal with. I had a denial of disability from Manulife after paying into the group insurance for 33 years; when I needed the LTD, I was refused. Share Lawyers helped me when I needed it. They are reliable, friendly, punctual, knowledgeable, and patient to deal with. I would recommend them 100%.”
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It all starts with a free consultation, and you’ll owe us nothing until your case is won.
Do you still have questions about the definition of sedentary work in Canada? A free conversation with one of our team members can help.
Contact Share Lawyers today and let our 35+ years of experience work for you. We can help you win your case againstCanada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies.Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis. There are no fees unless you win your case.
