The recent Blue Mountain Resorts decision of the Court of Appeal for Ontario has clarified the circumstances in which employers are required to report a critical injury or fatality suffered by a non-worker under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”). This FTR Now reviews the decision and its implications for employers. BACKGROUND On December…
Practice Area: Occupational Health
Finding that Non-Worker Injury Reportable Under OHSA Overturned by Court of Appeal
Today, the Court of Appeal for Ontario rendered its long anticipated decision in Blue Mountain Resorts Limited v. Ontario (Labour). It overturned a finding of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, upheld on judicial review by the Divisional Court, that the drowning of a Blue Mountain hotel guest in the hotel’s swimming pool was reportable under…
Proportionate Approach Necessary to Determine Whether Just Cause Exists
The Court of Appeal for Ontario recently confirmed that a proportionate approach must be taken in determining whether a single incident of misconduct by a long-serving employee with a relatively unblemished work record should result in dismissal for cause. In Plester v. PolyOne Canada, the plaintiff failed to lock out a machine prior to working…
Ministry of Labour to Target Industrial/Construction Workplaces for Safety Inspections
The Ministry of Labour (“MOL”) has announced a safety blitz in the months of February and March which will target industrial and construction workplaces. MOL inspectors will conduct inspections relating to slip, trip and fall hazards. In this FTR Now, we review some steps you can take to ensure your workplace is compliant with its…
Ministry of Labour to Target Health Care Workplaces for Safety Inspections
The Ministry of Labour (“MOL”) has announced a safety blitz targeting health care workplaces in the months of February and March. MOL inspectors will conduct inspections to check on issues related to workplace violence and harassment. In this FTR Now, we review some steps you can take to ensure your workplace is compliant with its…
Ontario Court Provides Useful Guidance to Employers on Supervision and Training Obligations
The Ontario Court of Justice recently overturned a trial decision which convicted an employer of various infractions under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, finding that numerous errors of law had been made. Of interest for employers is the Court’s conclusion an employer is not obligated to provide training to a worker regarding a specific…
Safety Blitzes Announced for Ontario Workplaces
The Ontario Ministry of Labour (“MOL”) has announced that three workplace enforcement blitzes targeting workplace hazards will be conducted by MOL Inspectors this winter: January/February: underground mines will be inspected to check hazards that may affect air quality; February/March: industrial and construction workplaces will be checked for slips, trips and fall hazards; and February/March: health…
New Mandatory Health and Safety Training Regulation Proposed under OHSA
The Ontario government has proposed a new regulation to be made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”), further to the recommendation of the Expert Advisory Panel in 2010 that programs for mandatory health and safety awareness training be developed for Ontario workplaces. The proposed regulation would apply to all workplaces currently covered by…
Hicks Morley Named in 2013 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide
Hicks Morley is pleased to announce it has been ranked as the leading law firm in the Labour Relations and Pensions category according to the 2013 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. Practice groups included in this category are Employment Law, Labour Relations, Occupational Health & Safety, Pensions & Employee Benefits…
Hicks Morley Welcomes Two New Partners
Hicks Morley recently welcomed three new partners, Henry Dinsdale and Michael Smyth, to the firm. Henry, Jeffrey and Michael are based in the firm’s Toronto office. Recognized as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in the field of labour and employment law by The Best Lawyers in Canada and by Martindale Hubbell, Henry Dinsdale was called…