Duties & Responsibilities

Summary

In Ontario, workplace health and safety is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, promoting a shared responsibility system among employers, supervisors, and workers. Employers must establish safety programs, train workers, and manage hazards. Supervisors enforce safety rules and train workers on safe job performance. Workers are expected to follow procedures, use safety equipment, and report hazards. They also have rights to know, participate, and refuse unsafe work without repercussions. A well-functioning internal responsibility system is crucial for preventing injuries, reducing insurance costs, and avoiding legal penalties.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) in Ontario governs workplace safety and is colloquially known as the 'green book'.
• 🤝 The Internal Responsibility System (IRS) is a shared duty among employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure a safe workplace.
• 👷‍♂️ Employers are responsible for establishing health and safety programs, including rules, training, and providing proper tools and equipment.
• 👨‍🏫 Supervisors must train workers on safe job practices, enforce safety rules, and take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents.
• 👷 Workers are expected to follow safety procedures, use safety equipment correctly, and report hazards and injuries to supervisors.
• 🤔 Workers have three key rights: to know about job hazards, to participate in health and safety, and to refuse unsafe work.
• 🚫 Workers cannot be threatened or punished for exercising their rights under the OHSA, such as reporting hazards or refusing unsafe work.
• 💸 A poorly managed IRS can lead to increased costs, including higher WSIB insurance premiums and potential fines from the Ministry of Labour.
• 🚨 Workplace injuries and illnesses can result in legal consequences, including jail time for employers, supervisors, or workers.
• 🛠️ To support the IRS, understand and communicate specific duties and responsibilities, and engage in dialogue with workers to ensure understanding and compliance.
• 🔧 Resources and tools for health and safety programs can be found at the WSPS small business center.

Q & A

What is the Occupational Health and Safety Act commonly referred to as in Ontario?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act is commonly referred to as the OHS Act or simply the Act.

What is the Internal Responsibility System (IRS)?

The Internal Responsibility System (IRS) is the underlying principle of the OHS Act, which means maintaining a healthy and safe workplace is a shared responsibility among the employer, supervisor, and workers.

Who is considered a worker under the OHS Act?

A worker is generally any person who gets paid to perform work or supply services, including co-op students, interns, and apprentices.

What are the key responsibilities of an employer under the OHS Act?

An employer is responsible for establishing the health and safety program, determining safe work rules, training workers, providing and maintaining the right tools and equipment, managing hazards, and appointing competent supervisors.

What duties does a supervisor have regarding workplace safety?

A supervisor is responsible for training workers on safe job performance, enforcing safety rules and equipment use, and taking every reasonable precaution to ensure safety.

What are the responsibilities of workers in the internal responsibility system?

Workers are responsible for following safe work procedures and rules, using safety equipment properly, and reporting hazards and injuries to their supervisors.

What are the three rights of workers under the OHS Act?

Workers have the right to know about potential job hazards, the right to participate in workplace health and safety, and the right to refuse unsafe work.

What are the potential consequences for a business with a dysfunctional internal responsibility system?

A dysfunctional internal responsibility system can lead to workplace injuries and illnesses, higher insurance costs, Ministry of Labour work orders, tickets, fines, and potential jail sentences for non-compliance.

What should a worker do if they believe work is unsafe?

If a worker believes work is unsafe, they should report the hazard, refuse to perform the unsafe work, and cooperate with the Ministry of Labour during inspections or investigations without fear of punishment.

How can a business support its internal responsibility system?

A business can support its internal responsibility system by understanding and documenting specific duties and responsibilities, communicating this information to all relevant parties, and engaging in dialogue with workers to ensure understanding and compliance.

Where can businesses find tools and resources to support their health and safety program?

Businesses can find tools and resources to support their health and safety program by visiting the WSPS small business center at WSPS.CA.