On April 20, 2009, the Ontario Government introduced amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act) to address workplace violence and harassment. If passed, Bill 168, the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace), 2009, would require employers to develop policies to address workplace violence and harassment and to…
Practice Area: Occupational Health
Accident Investigations
As the number of prosecutions under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) continue to rise, clients need to be effectively managing accident investigations. We have summarized some of the key OHSA issues that arise in any accident: 1. Know the Reporting Requirements The OHSA sets out different reporting requirements depending on the type of…
2009 Winter issue
FOCUS ON WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY Use WSIB experience rating to achieve positive outcomes for your organization LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS Investigations in the workplace: proceed, but with care Responding to difficult economic times PROFILE Safety first Download PDF
Enjoying a Safe Holiday Season
The holiday season is once again upon us. While some employers may be scaling back on festivities this year, 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 have…
Ministry of Labour Blitz of Industrial Workplaces for Electrical Hazards
The Ministry of Labour is currently conducting a blitz of workplaces, where the regulation for Industrial Establishments applies, to ensure compliance with the electrical hazard provisions of the regulation. Inspectors will take a “zero tolerance” approach to any contraventions. “Since 1998 there have been 69 workers killed, 263 critically injured and 844 workers who received…
Preventing Workplace Violence: Ontario Looks at Amending the Occupational Health and Safety Act
On September 17, 2008, the Ontario Ministry of Labour released a Consultation Paper on Workplace Violence Prevention. The Consultation Paper seeks input from workplace parties on whether and how Ontario should address workplace violence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”). The Consultation Paper asks for input on whether OHSA should be amended to…
The Kajouji Case: A Recent Tragedy Focuses Renewed Attention on Managing Students at Risk
The tragic recent events involving 18-year old Carleton University student Nadia Kajouji have once again called attention to universities’ responsibilities when managing students who are at risk of harming themselves or others. As is now well known from media reports, Ms. Kajouji’s body was recovered from the Rideau River in Ottawa in late April, and…
2008 Winter issue
FOCUS ON PENSION AND BENEFITS DC Plans – Enjoy the simplicity but manage the risks PROFILE Nos services en français Waterloo Calling LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS Workplace Harassment Preventing Workplace Violence Download PDF
Students at Risk – Maintaining Balance After Virginia Tech
IN THIS ISSUE: What would the reasonable administrator do? When there is imminent risk of serious harm Managing non-imminent risks is challenging but possible Conclusion – Schools should assert their right to information