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.
Preventing injury and deaths of the scaffolding workers
Last August, I told you about the horrific scaffolding accident where five workers fell 13 storeys from an apartment building on Christmas Eve 2009. Four died and one suffered serious leg and spinal injuries. At this point, we must learn from this accident in order to ensure it never happens again.
Employment standards update – Learn the latest
Historically, Ontario’s employment standards laws have been reviewed and updated frequently to address changes in the workplace. As expected, the provincial government has adopted various changes to employment standards in the last year or so. Understanding and following the Employment Standards Act requires that those affected by changes make the time to read about them and ask questions if something is unclear. In addition, it is your responsibility…
Organization fined for violating OHSA after a worker was injured
The Ontario Ministry of Labour recently emailed their latest Court Bulletin indicating that a company that makes plastic auto parts received a hefty fine of $50,000 for violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.
Impact on employers of the Open for Business Act: Employment standards complaints
The oddly named Open for Business Act 2010 received royal assent on October 21, 2010. The purpose of this Ontario statute, as its name implies, is to promote Ontario as being “open for business”. It amends and simplifies procedures within a number of government ministries, including the Ministry of Labour.
Occupational health and safety panel recommendations: mandatory training and enhanced enforcement
On December 10, 2010, the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety submitted its report to the Ontario government, containing several significant recommendations that will help improve workplace health and safety. The panel believes that…
Fifth worker involved in scaffolding incident sues for damages
Last week, I wrote about the incident in which five migrant workers fell 13 storeys when a platform collapsed on Christmas Eve, 2009. Four died instantly, but one survived. This fifth worker, who suffered grave injuries, has now launched a civil suit for damages.
Can I wear my flip-flops to the worksite?
Self-employment runs in my family. My sister’s 17-year-old is spending her summer days working in the family cabinet-making business. She reluctantly changed into more suitable footwear before heading out the door this morning.
The ‘Ministry’ will investigate complaints of harassment… Really??!!
As a human rights advisor and educator I was encouraged to overhear this educational conversation about harassment at Tim Hortons. I was concerned however that part of the message this group was hearing was incorrect and misleading.
Canada Day – What employers need to know
This year, Canada Day (July 1) falls on a Thursday. Unlike some public holidays, which shift dates in order to provide a long weekend, Canada Day is to be celebrated on the day it falls. This year, there has been much discussion of the fact that it creates a situation in which many people have Thursday off, and are then expected to return to work for one day before enjoying their weekend.
The case of ‘hazing’ and ‘horseplay’ in the workplace continued
In my previous post on hazing and horseplay in the workplace, I referred to a recent incident where photos and videos revealed some very questionable events involving management and employees of the City of Mississauga. Since the acts were potentially criminal, the police became involved and started an investigation. Although some have said that the employees consented to the horseplay and hazing, one may wonder if that was really the case.
Upcoming health and safety inspection blitzes
Ontario workplace inspection blitzes under the Safe at Work initiative are announced in advance and results are reported after they are completed. The government’s schedule for upcoming blitzes include:
Health and safety inspection blitz: Protecting industrial workers from falls
The Ontario government’s occupational health and safety inspectors will target industrial workplaces this month to protect workers from hazards that can cause slips, trips and falls. This is the third Safe Ontario inspection blitz focused on fall hazards in industrial workplaces.
Bill 168: Ministry of Labour releases violence and harassment guide and toolbox
On May 3, 2010, the Ontario Ministry of Labour released new resource tools to help prevent violence and address harassment in the workplace in light of the new requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act that come into effect on June 15, 2010. The MOL workplace violence tool kit and accompanying guide are additional resources that assist employers in complying with these new requirements by helping them to:
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Recent Comments
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Can employers in Canada refuse to hire smokers?
I believe smoking (i.e., nicotine) is recognized as an addiction, as Simon mentions, which would engage the question of discrimination. – Jun 18, 9:40 PM
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Can employers in Canada refuse to hire smokers?
Even though as a non-smoking employer I support the actions of Momentous Corp, I am surprised they have even attempted to take this position, given... – Jun 17, 5:46 PM
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Can employers in Canada refuse to hire smokers?
Where in Human Rights does it say that smokers are now protected under one of the grounds and if so which ground are they protected... – Jun 17, 3:28 PM
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