THE EMPLOYERS' EDGE
New Occupational Health and Safety Act Initiatives
There are two important updates on Occupational Health and Safety for this year:
1) Safety Blitz Schedule
Spring is in the air – and so is the Ministry of Labour’s new Safety Blitz schedule. Interestingly this year, these inspections will not only be under the Occupational Health and Safety Act but under the Employment Standards Act as well. Inspections will be starting in May 2013 and employers in Ontario should be ready.
2) Mandatory Health and Safety Training Program
It is anticipated that on or before July 1, 2013, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) will file a new Regulation on worker and supervisor awareness training programs that would come into effect on January 1, 2014.
How can you be ready for that Program? There are three steps that you can take now:
i) Ensure that you have the Mandatory awareness poster in your workplace. This poster was mandatory as of October 1, 2012 and can be downloaded from the MOL website;
ii) Review and train to the Worker Health and Safety Awareness Workbook and Employer Guide that is also available on the MOL website; and
iii) Review and train to the Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness Workbook and Employer Guide also available on the MOL.
As always, should employers need assistance on any of these initiatives the lawyers at CCP are available to assist you.
Please Note: This blog has been prepared as an informational service for our clients and other interested parties. It is not intended to constitute legal advice, a complete statement of the law or opinion on any subject. Although we endeavour to ensure the accuracy of the content, no one should act upon the information provided without a thorough examination of the law after the facts of a specific situation are fully considered.