Loading ...Ontario OHS Reform
The Dean Commission was created by the Ontario government in response to the Christmas Eve scaffolding tragedy. Its mandate: Take a no-holds barred look at the province’s OHS system. It issued its report in Dec. 2010. Since then, Bill 160 was passed to implement many of the report’s recommendations, including the appointment of George Gritziotis as Ontario’s first Chief Prevention Officer and creation of the Prevention Council. Work is underway on a new awareness training regulation and province-wide OHS strategy. Check this page for updates on the ongoing reform process as developments happen. And to make sure you know exactly what you need to know to comply with these new requirements as they’re enacted, go to our Ontario OHS Reform Compliance Centre.
The Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness in 5 Steps workbook and accompanying employer guide are now available for download in English and French. These materials are part of a suite of training programs developed by the MOL as part of its commitment to mandatory awareness …
The CPO George Gritziotis announced a few OHS reform initiatives that are underway:
The MOL is now administering JHSC member certification
Work has begun on developing training program standards, including one for working at heights
A Prevention Program Review Group is reviewing the prevention components and related outcomes …
A recent report on vulnerable workers in Ontario has recommendations that are useful for protecting such workers across Canada. Here’s what the report says.
This guide from Ontario’s MOL gives employers an overview of the health and safety awareness training they must provide for workers.
Take advantage of this opportunity to consult on Ontario’s first province-wide OHS strategy.
The MOL has begun consultations on the development of a provincial integrated OHS strategy that will focus on issues such as addressing the needs of vulnerable workers; supporting small businesses; high-hazard activities; and effective support for workplace parties. The consultations will cover everything from prevention …
CPO George Gritziotis named the members of two task forces that will consult and provide advice on vulnerable workers and safety in small businesses. Creation of the task forces was recommended in the Dean Report. Each group has 12 members, six worker and six employer …
The MOL proposed a regulation that would require employers to ensure that all workers and supervisors complete mandatory occupational health and safety awareness training. It would apply to everyone who meets the definitions of “worker” and “supervisor” under the OHS Act and to all workplaces …
The Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps workbook and employer guide went through a workplace pilot in the fall of 2012. As a result of the pilot program, the MOL improved the materials, which are now available for the public to use:
Workbook
Employer Guide.
About a year after George Gritziotis became Ontario’s first CPO, we spoke to him about what’s next for the OHS reform movement in the province.