February 15, 2013
The Ministry of Labour has revised the supervisor health and safety awareness workbook, as part of new requirements that will force employers to ensure that all workers and supervisors complete occupational health and safety awareness training programs.

The Ministry of Labour requirements will apply to everyone who meets the current definitions of ‘worker’ and ‘supervisor’ under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).   

The proposed regulation will include all workplaces currently covered by the OHSA, regardless of sector. The ministry says there will be a transition period to allow employers time to ensure that workers and supervisors have completed awareness training programs, before the regulation comes into effect. It is anticipated that the new regulation will be filed on or before July 1, 2013, and come into force on January 1, 2014.

Once the regulation comes into effect, employers will need to ensure that new workers who have not already completed an awareness training program do so as soon as practicable, after commencing work duties. Similarly, any new supervisors who have not already completed an awareness training program will need to do so within the first week of commencing supervisory duties.

More information on this new program may be found at www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/prevention/shsa_pilot.php.

 

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