The Ontario government has proclaimed that effective April 1, 2012, certain amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the “Act”) outlined in Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, will come into force. These include: amendments to s. 50 of the Act that allow an inspector to refer a…
Practice Area: Occupational Health
New Education Act Amendments Introduced Relating to Concussions
On March 6, 2012, the Ontario government introduced Bill 39, Education Amendment Act (Concussions), 2012, new legislation that would, if passed, amend Part XIII.1 of the Education Act, and empower the Minister of Education to set policies and guidelines respecting head injuries and concussions suffered by pupils. We highlight a few key proposed amendments below….
MOL Safety Blitz Targets High-Risk Construction Trades
The Ontario government has announced that effective March 1, 2012, Ministry of Labour inspectors are targeting high-risk construction trades in a month-long safety blitz intended to protect workers from preventable workplace injuries. Inspectors will visit construction projects employing workers in high-rise formwork, low-rise formwork and masonry, siding and built-up roofing work, and specifically check that:…
2012 Winter Edition
FOCUS ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Boundaries expanding on occupational health and safety LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS The challenges of accommodating environmental sensitivities in the workplace Ontario WSIB: Tackling unfunded liability issues PROFILE Touching all the bases Download PDF
Mandatory WSIB Coverage for Construction Industry To Commence January 1, 2013
Effective January 1, 2013, amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 outlined in Bill 119, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2008 will extend mandatory WSIB coverage to certain persons in the construction industry. These amendments will apply, with certain exceptions, to independent operators who carry on business in construction, and to…
2011 Fall Issue
FOCUS ON OTTAWA Deep roots:10 years in Ottawa LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS Training 101 PROFILE French Connection Download PDF
Alcohol and the Holiday Office Party
It is that time of year again when thoughts are turning to seasonal and holiday celebrations. Whether these celebrations are large or small, it is important that employers take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other celebrations. Over the years, a number of court decisions…
Bill 160 OHSA Amendments Receive Royal Assent
On June 1, 2011, Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, the Bill 160 amendments are intended to respond to the recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health and Safety and significantly amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Bill should…
Blue Mountain Required to Report Non-Worker Injury
A recent decision of the Divisional Court confirms that employers and contractors are required to report a critical injury or fatality suffered by a non-worker in the “workplace” to the Ministry of Labour, regardless of whether workers were present at the time of the occurrence. In this FTR Now we consider this decision and what…
Occupational Health and Safety Legislation Passes
On May 18, 2011, Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, passed at Third Reading, as amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy. It is expected to receive Royal Assent shortly. As previously reported, the proposed Bill 160 amendments are intended to respond to the recommendations provided by the…