90o01_e

Français Occupational Health and Safety Act

R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER O.1

  • Consolidation Period: From October 28, 2024 to the e-Laws currency date.

  • Last Amendment: 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4.

  • Legislative History: Includes a series of amendments from 1992 to 2024.

Contents Overview

  1. Definitions

  2. Application

    • Crown and other Acts

    • Private residences, farming, teaching

    • Self-employed persons

  3. Administration

    • Administration of Act

    • Delegation of powers

    • Appointment of inspectors and Directors

  4. Duties of Employers and Other Persons

    • Constructor, licensees, employers, supervisors, workers, owners, suppliers, directors, and officers

    • Additional duties particularly concerning harassment and violence

  5. Codes of Practice and Toxic Substances

  6. Right to Refuse or Stop Work When Safety is in Danger

  7. Reprisals by Employers Prohibited

  8. Notices and Reporting Requirements

    • Notice of death/injury, accident notifications.

  9. Enforcement Powers

    • Powers of inspectors, orders, compliance requirements

  10. Offences and Penalties

  11. Regulations

Key Sections and Provisions

Definitions

  • Crown: This Act binds the Crown and applies to employees in the Crown's service.

  • Employer: A person who employs one or more workers and includes contractors.

  • Worker: Includes those compensated for work, certain students, and others as prescribed.

  • Workplace: Any location where a worker works.

Application

  • Crown and Other Acts: This Act has comprehensive applicability in Ontario workplaces.

  • Private Residences: Generally excludes work done by owner or occupant unless telework is involved.

Administration

  • Minister's Role: Responsible for promoting occupational health and safety, implementing training standards, and overseeing compliance.

  • Appointment of Inspectors: Inspectors tasked with enforcing health and safety regulations.

  • Delegation of Powers: Ministers can delegate powers to staff for effective administration.

Duties of Employers and Other Persons

  • Constructor: Must ensure compliance with health and safety measures on projects.

  • Employers: Required to maintain safe workplaces, provide necessary equipment, and comply with established standards.

  • Workplace Harassment and Violence Policies: Mandatory for employers to have clear written policies regarding workplace harassment and violence.

  • Washroom Facilities: Specific duties regarding the maintenance of clean facilities.

Right to Refuse Work

  • Workers can refuse dangerous work conditions and must report to a supervisor; investigations must be conducted promptly.

Enforcement

  • Inspectors hold significant powers to enforce compliance, including entering workplaces and issuing directives.

Penalties and Offences

  • Defined penalties for violations with potential fines up to $500,000 or imprisonment for non-compliance.

Conclusion

  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act highlights the duty of care owed by employers to ensure a safe working environment and outlines significant rights and responsibilities for workers.