Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

Integrating the psychological health and safety standard into existing organizational policies and processes

March 4, 2013 Michele Glassford Accessibility Standards, Employee Relations, Employment/Labour Standards, Health and Safety, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Human Rights, Payroll, Pensions and Benefits, Recruiting and Hiring, Standard for Employment, Training and Development, Union Relations, Wages and Compensation

On January 16, 2013, the Standards Council of Canada (CSA) published a new national standard dealing with psychological health and safety in the workplace. Although not a mandatory standard at this time, it is foreseeable that legislators, health and safety officers and inspectors, adjudicators and tribunals will be influenced by the standard when dealing with psychological and mental health issues in the workplace. In addition, such standards may be absorbed into the employer’s general duty to protect workers from harm in the workplace, which exists in all jurisdictions in Canada. Employers should also scrutinize their workplace operations, policies, procedures and processes under the auspices of the psychological health and safety system recommended in the standard.

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An education campaign about courtesy/priority seating signs on transportation vehicles

September 14, 2012 Suzanne Cohen Share Accessibility Standards, Human Resources, Human Rights, Standard for Transportation

In the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, there is the Standard for Transportation. Under this standard there is a section about courtesy seating in vehicles, specifically…

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Proposed AODA Built Environment Standard for public spaces released for public consultation and review

September 10, 2012 Stringer LLP Accessibility Standards, Human Resources, Human Rights, Standard for the Built Environment

The AODA Built Environment Standard (the “Standard”) for public spaces has been released by the Ontario Government for public review and consultation. Human resources professionals will likely be asked to take the lead on compliance in their workplaces. Although the standard is still in draft form, it is expected that much of this now thoroughly-reviewed draft will survive to the final version.

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Why website accessibility matters

June 20, 2012 Suzanne Cohen Share Accessibility Standards, Human Resources, Human Rights, Integrated Accessibility Regulation, Standard for Customer Service, Standard for Information and Communications

The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld a legally blind woman’s 2010 legal victory over the federal government, ordering the government to make its websites accessible to blind persons. It may not be a case under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, but it does show us how website accessibility matters and has an impact on promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities.

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AODA administrative monetary penalties scheme – three strikes you’re out!

August 24, 2011 Suzanne Cohen Share Accessibility Standards, Integrated Accessibility Regulation

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) allows for severe maximum monetary penalties for any violation to the Act. Details on how these administrative penalties work are found in the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, which came into force July 1, 2011.

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