OHSA Quick-Reference Notes (Ontario)

Legal framework for healthy and safe workplaces in Ontario; part of the Green Book with additional regulations.
Establishes rights and responsibilities for Employees, Employers, Constructors; outlines procedures to address hazards; enforcement when not complied with.
Core concept: Internal Responsibility System (IRS) — everybody shares responsibility for health and safety.

IRS: all parties identify, report, and address hazards; cooperation across roles.
The 3 Rights of Workers:
- The Right To Know About workplace hazards
- The Right To Participate in identifying and solving health & safety problems (e.g., H&S Committee involvement)
- The Right To Refuse Unsafe Work if it endangers health or safety

Parts outline the Act and Regulations:
- Part 1 – Application
- Part 2 – Administration
- Part 2.1 – Prevention Council, Chief Prevention Officer and designated entities
- Part 3 – Duties of Employers and other persons
- Part 3.0.1 – Violence and Harassment
- Part 3.1 – Codes of Practice
- Part 4 – Toxic Substances
- Part 5 – Right to Refuse or Stop Work
- Part 6 – Reprisals Prohibited
- Part 7 – Notices
- Part 8 – Enforcement
- Part 9 – Offences and Penalties
- Part 10 – Regulations
Organization: each Part contains sections (e.g., Definitions S1, Part 1 S2–S4, Part 2 S4.1–S22.1, Part 2.1 S22.2–S22.9, Part 3 S23–S32, etc.).
Navigation tips: use Table of Contents, Publisher Index (may vary), page tabs to locate topics quickly.

Project/Construction: includes building, bridge, mining, roadwork, etc.; and moving a building or related works.
Construction: encompasses erection, alteration, repair, demolition, maintenance, earthworks, installation of machinery, etc.
Employer: a person who employs or contracts for workers; includes contractors or subcontractors.
Constructor: a person who undertakes a project for an owner (includes an owner who undertakes part of a project).
Worker: any person performing work for monetary compensation or under approved programs; excludes certain inmate/volunteer categories per definition.
Competent Person: qualified by knowledge, training, and experience; familiar with the Act and regulations; aware of hazards.
Supervisor: a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.
Workplace: location where a worker works.

Ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed by the Act and regulations are carried out on the project.
Ensure every employer and worker on the project complies with the Act and regulations.
Ensure the health and safety of workers on the project is protected.

Provide and maintain prescribed equipment, materials, and protective devices; ensure they’re used as prescribed.
Ensure procedures are carried out and the workplace is safe.
Ensure the workplace structure can support expected loads (in line with design/Code requirements or good engineering practice).
Provide information, instruction, and supervision to protect health and safety; appoint a competent supervisor; acquaint workers with hazards; co-operate with the health and safety committee/representatives; post the Act and explanatory material in English and other languages as appropriate.
Additional duties include age restrictions, general precautions, and ensuring compliance across the workforce.
Notable clause references: $25(1)$ , $25(2)$ (a)–(i).

Ensure workers work in the manner prescribed and use required protective devices and clothing.
Advise workers of any potential or actual danger; provide written instructions where required; take every reasonable precaution for protection.

Work in compliance with the Act and regulations; use PPE as required; report defects or hazards to the employer/supervisor.
Do not remove or make ineffective protective devices; do not operate equipment in a manner that endangers others; no pranks or rough conduct.

Mandatory selection of a health and safety representative where a committee is not required and there are >5 workers: Section $8(1)$ .
Joint health and safety committee required at workplaces with $20$ or more workers, or under certain conditions; or where regulations apply to designated substances: Section $9(2)$ .
Representatives perform monthly (or as regulated) workplace inspections; inspections scheduled by agreement between the constructor/employer and the representative.

Workers may refuse work if equipment or the workplace endangers health or safety; certain workers may be exempt in specific high-risk roles.
Upon refusal, the worker must promptly report to the employer/supervisor for investigation in the presence of a worker representative or inspector where applicable.
After investigation, if danger persists, the worker may continue to refuse; inspector notification is required in some cases.

Regardless of publisher, use Table of Contents and Index to locate topics quickly.
Expect differences in publisher indices; rely on Table of Contents for section headings (e.g., Duties of Employers).
For quick references, cite sections like $25(1)$ , $25(2)$ , $27(1)$ , $28(1)$ , $43(4)$ when answering practice questions.

If PPE (safety glasses) are required, the duty to provide and ensure use is under $25(1)$ (a).
A competent person must be appointed when appointing a supervisor: $25(2)$ (c).
Supervisors must ensure PPE is used: $27(1)$ (b).
A guard missing from a saw should be reported under $28(1)$ (c).
A worker who refuses work must report the circumstances to the employer/supervisor: $43(4)$ .
It is not permissible to engage in pranks or rough conduct: $28(2)$ (c).

It defines duties across constructors, employers, supervisors, and workers to prevent injury and illness.
It provides mechanisms for hazard reporting, employee participation, and safe work refusals.
It enables enforcement and penalties to ensure compliance.