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

Hicks Morley Named in 2012 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide

Hicks Morley is pleased to announce it has been ranked as the leading law firm in the Labor Relations and Pensions category according to the 2012 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. Practice groups included in this category are Employment Law, Labour Relations (Construction Sector),  Occupational Health & Safety, Pensions &…

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…

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…