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.