​Ambitious changes to Ontario labour laws

The minimum wage increase is just one of many big changes that the Ontario Liberal government is rolling out for 2018. Ontario is also enhancing protection for workers by increasing maximum fines for individuals and businesses that do not meet the requirements set by workplace health and safety laws. As of December 14, 2017 the maximum fines for an offence under the OHSA increased to:

• $100,000 for an individual or unincorporated business
• $1,500,000 for corporations.

The time limit for prosecution has also increased from one year from the date of the offence to one year from the date an inspector becomes aware of an alleged offence.
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Workplace health and safety should be a priority for all businesses, whether you are a small business employing a handful of part-time or casual employees or a large firm with 100s of employees. MidSouthWest recommends that all workplaces conduct a health and safety training audit at the start of the year to ensure that workers and managers have completed all mandatory training requirement and review certification expiry dates.

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How to comply

Employers need to do more than just train workers and managers to comply with MOL regulations.

• Review and understand safety legislation on a regular basis
• Ensure employees are properly trained and training certificates are up-to-date 
• Monitor and evaluate workplace health and safety, including safe equipment operation and handling of dangerous substances
• Develop clear guidelines for reporting and responding to workplace injuries and safety violations
• Incorporate progressive discipline measures for safety offences
• Request a professional workplace safety audit if you are not sure which laws apply to your workplace

Mandatory health and safety training courses in Ontario

1. Health and Safety Awareness for Workers or Supervisory Competency and Supervisor Safety Awareness Training
2. Workplace Violence and Harassment
3. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities

In addition, the following courses are required in certain workplaces.

• WHIMS 2015 training for workers exposed to hazardous products
• Joint Health and Safety Committee training for workplaces with 20 or more employees

MidSouthWest also recommends that  managers and JHSC members complete a due diligence training class to understand how to read the OHSA and how Ontario’s new regulations affect your workplace.

Not sure where to start? Contact us today to schedule a workplace health and safety training audit.

​Last updated January 17, 2018