The Importance of Workplace Health & Safety
It can be easy to dismiss workplace accidents or incidents as rare or something that couldn’t happen to your workplace. However, failure to comply with health and safety legislation can be catastrophic. May 4th marks the start of Safety and Health Week. This is a reminder for employers of all sizes to review their health and safety policies and procedures, ensuring the requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations are met.
In January 2022, six employees lost their lives from what CBC news reported as one of the deadliest workplace incidences in Ottawa. The disaster was a direct result of the company neglecting to provide safe handling information, instruction, and supervision to its employees. After pleading guilty in 2024, the company and its owner were ordered to pay a sum of $600,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge. This is the highest corporate fine ever issued against a company of its size. Last year, the owner of the company was charged with criminal negligence. The impact of the incident is a tragic reminder to all employers of the importance of following health and safety legislation and regulations.
Additionally, in October 2023, the maximum corporate fine for a single OHSA violation increased from $1.5 million to $2 million, making it the highest financial penalty in Canada for a single offense.
Who is responsible for Workplace Health and Safety?
Everyone in the workplace has a duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the workplace. In Ontario, the OHSA sets the duties of all workplace parties and helps employers establish an internal responsibility system (IRS).
Employers hold the greatest responsibility. They must provide a safe and well-maintained working environment by taking all reasonable precautions from a health and safety standpoint. This includes providing employees with information, training, procedures, and supervision of any hazards specific to your workplace.
Health & Safety Training
To start, employers are legally required to ensure workers are trained on workplace hazards, including hazardous products, before they use them. Without proper training, employees may not recognize or understand hazards associated with the products they are handling, or the job duties they are performing, which can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Even on an employee’s first day, without adequate training, an accident or injury can take place. The employer may be held liable for not providing the necessary training to the employee, leading to potential lawsuits and increased insurance premiums. All employees must receive WHMIS and Health and Safety training promptly to maintain health and safety compliance in the workplace.
Joint Health & Safety Committees
In Ontario, employers with 6 to 19 employees must also appoint a Health and Safety Representative, or for 20 or more employees, a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). These individuals act as health and safety advisors for employees in the workplace. Click here to learn more about employer duties outlined by the Act.
Promoting the Culture of Health & Safety
For employees, all workers must report any risk or health and safety hazards to their employer or supervisor. They are also required to follow all procedures set by the employer and to not engage in behaviour that endangers others in the workplace. Click here to learn more about the duties of workers outlined by the Act.
It is critical for all employers to keep health and safety standards integrated in all aspects of their business. It is the collective responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to maintain the health and safety of the workplace.
Integrating Workplace Health and Safety Standards
Are you an employer concerned about Health and Safety compliance for your business? Check out our library of E-Learning programs, designed for all participants in your workplace.
At HR Performance & Results, we partner with our clients by prioritizing health and safety standards for their organization. We develop integrated systems and facilitate processes to integrate health and safety into all aspects of our clients’ businesses. Click here to learn more and contact us today.