There are a number of legislative training requirements that you, as an employer in Ontario, should be aware of prior to having your employee start their on-the-job training. We recommend that you build these four mandatory programs into your employee orientation process.
Additional training may also be required depending on the industry sector your business falls within and the legislation that applies to your business. For further information on additional training that may be required for your employees, or for information on training specific to provinces outside of Ontario, please contact us – we’d be happy to help!
Health and Safety Orientation (Basic Health and Safety Awareness Training)
Reg. 297/13: Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training requires employers to provide basic health and safety awareness training to all employees and supervisors. In addition to basic health and safety training requirements, employers are also required to train all employees on policies and procedures specific to their workplace.
What are the benefits of this training?
- Prevent injuries and accidents:
- Health and safety awareness training educates employees on how to identify and eliminate hazards in their workplace and on their duties and responsibilities in the workplace as it relates to health and safety.
- Reduced absenteeism:
- By reducing the number of accidents and incidents in the workplace, employee absenteeism will remain low and ultimately reduces short-term and long-term leaves as a result of a workplace injury or illness.
- Cost savings:
- Health and safety training minimizes the costs associated with workplace injuries and accidents, such as medical expenses and compensation claims.
- Boosts employee morale:
- Health and Safety training demonstrates that the employer is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for their employees creating a workplace culture that promotes safety and increases employee morale.
To train your employees on basic health and safety awareness, click here: Introduction to Health and Safety (Employees)
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System – WHMIS (2015)
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 860: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requires employers to educate all employees who work with or who may be exposed to a hazardous product in their workplace on the general requirements under WHMIS as well as training on the hazardous products specific to their workplace.
What are the benefits of this training?
- Worker safety:
- The purpose of WHMIS training is to educate employees on the safe handling of the hazardous products they may come into contact with in their workplace. It also educates employees on the first aid requirements and emergency procedures associated with these hazardous products.
- Improved productivity:
- By providing employees with the skills and knowledge needed to work safely with hazardous materials, employees are better prepared to work in a safe and productive manner while mitigating the risks associated with working with these materials.
- Reduced absenteeism:
- Similar to health and safety training, by educating employees on how to safely work with hazardous products in their workplace, this will reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses that could lead to an increase in employee absenteeism.
- Cost savings
- Similar to health and safety training, WHMIS training minimizes the costs associated with workplace injuries and accidents, such as medical expenses and compensation claims.
For general WHMIS 2015 training, click here: Introduction to WHMIS 2015 and GHS
Respect in the Workplace (Harassment and Violence in the Workplace)
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers are required to prepare and maintain a Violence and Harassment Prevention Program in their workplace and train their employees on their program.
What are the benefits of this training?
- Creates a safe and inclusive work environment:
- By educating employees on their rights and responsibilities as it relates to workplace harassment, discrimination, and violence, and what constitutes a respectful workplace, you are encouraging a workplace culture of mutual respect.
- Cost savings:
- Similar to health and safety and WHMIS training, Respect in the Workplace training minimizes the costs associated with workplace injuries and accidents, such as employee absenteeism and compensation claims.
To train both your supervisors and your employees on respect in the workplace, click here: Respect in the Workplace
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)
Employers are required to train their employees on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and on what they are doing to comply with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation(IASR). The IASR outlines the requirements for employers and service providers to provide their goods, services, and facilities to persons with disabilities. In addition to general AODA training requirements, employers are also required to provide their employees with training on the Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to Persons with Disabilities.
Why is this training important?
- Creates an inclusive and diverse workplace:
- AODA teaches employees on how to interact with persons with various types of disabilities. This
- helps create a more inclusive and diverse space.
- Increases accessibility:
- AODA training helps make Ontario an accessible province for all individuals by ensuring that all workers and employers are aware of the Human Rights Code and the AODA.
- Strengthens customer service:
- As employees are trained on accessibility standards and how to interact with persons with disabilities, they can provide better customer service to all individuals.
To train your employees on the AODA and the OHRC, click here: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities and the Ontario Human Rights Code
Still have questions about training requirements? Reach out to a member of our team for further information or check out our suite of E-Learning On-Demand programs.