Bill 168 – Assessing Students as Risks

The new provisions incorporated into the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) by Bill 168 came into force on June 15, 2010. These provisions make clear that colleges must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect their workers from workplace violence. In this bulletin, we focus on the college duty to manage the…

Occupational Health And Safety Act Regulations Amended

On June 28, 2010, the Ontario government published O. Reg. 259/10 (Designated Substances) under the Occupational Health And Safety Act. In part, the regulation revokes and substitutes Table 1 of O. Reg. 490/09, which sets out exposure limits. The regulation comes into force July 1, 2010.

New Workplace Violence Amendments to Ontario’s Occupational Health And Safety Act Take Effect

On June 15, 2010, Bill 168, the Occupational ­Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace), 2009, came into effect. As reported in our FTR Now of December 10, 2009, Bill 168 requires employers to develop policies and programs to address workplace violence and­ harassment a­nd to assess the risk of violence…

Hicks Morley Introduces Legislative Update Blog

Hicks Morley is pleased to announce the launch of Human Resources Legislative Update, a blog designed to provide human resources professionals with timely information about developments in a range of employment-related areas. In this FTR Now, we highlight the features of this new service. To access the blog click here. BACKGROUND Since 1997, Hicks Morley…

Are You Ready for Bill 168? Preventing Workplace Violence and Bill 168 – A Guide for Employers

Bill 168, the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace), 2009 will come into effect on June 15, 2010. Bill 168 requires employers to develop policies and programs to address workplace violence and harassment and to assess the risk of violence in its workplace. Hicks Morley has prepared Preventing Workplace…

MOL Enforcement Blitz Targets Construction Sites

On May 13, the Ontario government announced plans to increase enforcement of violations and enhance awareness of safety measures to protect workers on construction sites. The initiative follows a 90-day provincial enforcement campaign to ensure that workplace parties are complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) and its regulations. An expert panel will make…

Ontario Introduces New Healthcare Accountability Legislation for Hospitals

On May 3, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 46, the Excellent Care for All Act, 2010 (the “Act”). The Act would, if passed, make healthcare providers and executives accountable for improving patient care and enhancing the patient experience. Although aimed at the hospital sector specifically, the government has indicated that following an assessment of…

Alcohol and the Office Party

With the holiday season approaching, employers are once again planning their holiday festivities. Whether the festivity is large or small, it remains as important as ever 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…