THE EMPLOYERS' EDGE
Implementation of Bill 160 Set for April 1, 2012
On May 19, 2011, CCP reported on the passing of The Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, (“Bill 160”) which was passed on June 1, 2011. A number of the sections outlined in Bill 160 will come into force on April 1, 2012. On March 7, 2012, the provincial government announced that sections 13, 14, 16, 17(1) and 18(4) will be in force effective April 1, 2012, and will formally amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”).
Most relevant to employers, section 13 of Bill 160 amends the reprisal provisions of the OHSA (section 50). Ministry of Labour Inspectors will now have the authority to refer a worker’s reprisal complaint directly to the OLRB, with the consent of the worker. The matter may be referred if the worker has not had the matter dealt with by final and binding settlement by arbitration under a collective agreement or filed a complaint with the Board.
Sections 14, 15, 16, 17(1) and 18(4) deal with the specific functions of the Offices of the Worker Advisor and the Employer Advisor who will now be responsible for overseeing the province’s health and safety and workplace safety and insurance programs.
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