On October 25, 2021, the Ontario government tabled Bill 27, Working for Workers Act, 2021, omnibus legislation which, if passed, would make significant amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). These include requiring employers with 25 or more employees to have a policy on disconnecting from work, prohibiting employers and employees from entering into…
Tag: Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
Ontario Introduces Bill 13; Proposes Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Education Act
On October 7, 2021, the Ontario government introduced Bill 13, Supporting People and Businesses Act, 2021 (Bill 13) for first reading. Among other things, Bill 13 includes proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as to the Education Act. Occupational Health and Safety Proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety…
Ontario Consults on Proposed OHSA Regulatory Amendments for Mining Industry
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) has launched a consultation with respect to proposed amendments to regulatory requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) that apply to mines and mining plants. The proposed amendments aim to “increase flexibility, better reflect current technology, and reduce the regulatory burden” currently set out…
Ontario Launches Tower Crane Health and Safety Consultation
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) has launched a Consultation on Improving Health and Safety Requirements relating to Tower Cranes, which aims to update current legislative requirements for the operation of tower cranes. The consultation is focused on the requirements set out in the Construction Project Regulation, O. Reg. 213/91, and O….
Ontario Consults on OHSA Regulations Relating to Notice of Project and Head Protection Requirements
The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) is seeking input from interested parties in respect of regulatory proposals to modernize the Notice of Project and worker head protection requirements for workplaces in Ontario that fall under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Proposed Changes to Notice of Project Requirements The intention…
Amendments Made to Notice and Reporting Requirements under OHSA
On June 7, 2021, the Ontario government filed amendments to a number of regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Most of the amendments relate to the reporting of workplace accidents, which consolidate the notice of death or critical injury reporting requirements found in several regulations under the OHSA into one regulation—Ontario…
Ontario Court of Appeal Holds “Owner” of a Construction Project Can Be Considered an “Employer” Under OHSA
A recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal has significant implications under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) for owners and employers responsible for construction projects. In Ontario (Labour) v. Sudbury (City), the Court of Appeal held that an “owner” of a construction project can also be considered an “employer” with obligations to…
Ontario Commences Review of Working at Heights Training Standards
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) is seeking submissions as part of its review of the Working at Heights training program and provider standards. The intent of the review is to ensure the Working at Heights training standards established by Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) further to the Occupational Health and Safety…
Ontario Launches First Aid Modernization Consultation
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) has launched a “First Aid Modernization” consultation on transferring the responsibility for first aid from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) to the Ministry. Currently, the WSIB administers Regulation 1101, First Aid Requirements, made under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Regulation 1101 applies…
Ontario Government Launches Workplace Education and Enforcement Campaigns to Ensure COVID-19 Health and Safety Compliance
On November 19, 2020, the Ontario government announced that it is launching a series of education and enforcement campaigns (“inspection blitzes”) to ensure Ontario businesses are taking the necessary steps for the safety of employees, consumers and the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaigns have been developed in consultation with local health…