Roles of Workplace Parties

Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act consist a “shared responsibility model” under which all parties at workplace are responsible to make workplace safe and healthy and perform their role in compliance with act. Following are the roles and responsibilities for each party at workplace:-

Employers Responsibility   

                                                            

·         Take "all reasonable care" to ensure the safety of workers

·         Write a health and safety policy, post it in the workplace

·         Develop a health and safety program for inspections, hazard identification, worker training, safety procedures and personal protective equipment

·         Ensure compliance with the OHSA (Occupational Health and Safety Act)

Violation of any of these responsibility will result in fines up to $500,000.

Supervisor Responsibility

 

·         Take "every precaution reasonable in the circumstance" to protect workers

·         Knowledge of the OHSA to ensure workers follow it

·         Tell workers of all hazards in the workplace

·         Train the workers to deal with hazards, including written instructions

·         Ensure workers use personal protective equipment

Otherwise, fines up to $25,000 for each violation

Worker Rights

 

·         Right to Know- Worker holds right to know the hazards and safety issues at workplace. Worker should be informed by supervisor

·         Right to Participate- Worker holds a right to participate in health and safety trainings.

·         Right to Refuse- Worker has right to refuse unsafe work. In order to do so worker must inform supervisor and JHSC (Joint Health and Safety Committee)

Worker Responsibility  

·         To work in compliance with the OHSA

·         To wear protective equipment as required

·         To report to a supervisor any unsafe condition or violation of the OHSA

·         To work in a manner that does not endanger self or others