First Reference company logo

First Reference Talks

News and Discussions on Payroll & Employment Law

decorative image

joint health and safety committee

Increased enforcement of occupational health and safety coming to an Ontario worksite near you

The safety of workers is governed by the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of that Act by employers in the province. The Ministry’s activities have increased dramatically in the last two years with the hiring of 42 new inspectors. This has resulted in…

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The fate of WSIB safety groups program and JHSC certification training following the passing of Bill 160

On April 1, 2012, certain provisions under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011 (formerly Bill 160) came into force, including the prevention mandate in Ontario and Joint Health and Safety Committee certification training. The responsibility for the prevention mandate and the JHSC certification training were transferred from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to the chief prevention officer at the Ministry of Labour.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sweeping occupational health and safety bill passes in Ontario – impact on employers

The Ontario Legislative Assembly passed Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011 by a vote of 79–0. Most provisions of the Bill will take effect when it receives royal assent sometime in June. However, some sections will take effect on either April 1, 2012, or a date set by the lieutenant-governor, whichever is earlier.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Slaw: Employer monitoring employees with GPS tracking

Safety is the expressed justification that’s driving the use of GPS in the workplace; however, from what was explained, most employers’ use goes beyond safety. Frankly, I was taken aback by the lengths to which employers are going to track the whereabouts and activities of their employees in the name of safety.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Independent contractors are regularly employed for purposes of OHSA

The Ontario Court of Appeal just rendered an interesting decision regarding whether independent contractors are to be counted when determining the need to establish and maintain a joint health and safety committee pursuant to subsection 9(2)(a)of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , ,