When you’re starting to drown between employee concerns, payroll duties and helping your CEO -- HR Insider is there to help get the logistical work out of the way.
Need a policy because of a recent regulatory change? We’ve got it for you. Need some quick training on a specific HR topic? We’ve got it for you. HR Insider provides the resources you need to craft, implement and monitor policies with confidence. Our team of experts (which includes lawyers, analysts and HR professionals) keep track of complex legislation, pending changes, new interpretations and evolving case law to provide you with the policies and procedures to keep you ahead of problems. FIND OUT MORE...
Ask The Expert: Can an Owner’s Relative Be the Workplace Health & Safety Representative?

QUESTION

In Ontario, is a person allowed to serve as workplace health and safety representative if he’s related to the owner of the company’

 

ANSWER

Yes under the letter of the law; no under the spirit.

 

EXPLANATION

In Ontario and most other jurisdictions, an individual is eligible to serve as a workplace health and safety representative if he/she:

  • Is a worker at the workplace;
  • Is chosen by the workers; and
  • Doesn’t exercise management functions.

Technically, being a relative of the owner wouldn’t automatically disqualify the person. But reading between the lines, the clear intent of the law is to ensure that the health and safety rep is a person that can be expected to act as an independent and effective advocate of the workers. So, I think it’s safe to say that making family members reps looks suspicious.