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…
Practice Area: Occupational Health
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…
Ontario Bar Association Publishes Article by Thomas Agnew
An article by Hicks Morley’s Thomas Agnew was published in the Labour and Employment Law section of the OBA’s June 2011 newsletter. In an article entitled, “Expanding the Definition of Employment Under Health and Safety Legislation” Thomas discusses the Ontario Court of Appeal’s recent decision to encompass independent contractors within the definition of “employment” under…
Nadine Zacks Quoted in Law Times
Hicks Morley’s Nadine Zacks was quoted in the June 13, 2011 edition of Law Times in an article entitled “Safety Ruling Turns Heads.” In the article, Nadine comments on the Divisional Court’s recent decision that will require employers to report a critical injury or fatality suffered by a non-worker in the “workplace” to the Ministry…
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…
Occupational Health and Safety Legislation Ordered for Third Reading
On May 4, 2011, Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, was reported with amendments by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and ordered for Third Reading. As previously reported, the proposed Bill 160 amendments are intended to respond to the recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health…
FTR Quarterly – 2011 Spring Issue
FOCUS ON PAY EQUITY Avoiding the pay equity shock GREAT MOVES Movin’ on up LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS Redefining “employee” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act Social media harms PROFILE Hospitality plus Download PDF