The Ontario Ministry of Labour has amended
regulations on workforce training programs
to maximize worker health and safety and
initiated a series of inspections to ensure
compliance with worker safety and health
requirements.
Regulations were amended
to outline minimum content requirements
Employers must ensure that
employees and complete the
training as soon as practicable.
For supervisors it has to happen
within one week.
for both worker and supervisor awareness
training programs and training standards for
employees working at heights. The Ministry
also has initiated industry “blitzes” to conduct
inspections of facilities for construction and
warehouse hazards.
Training Requirements
Effective 1 July 2014, the Ministry adopted the
Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and
Training regulation outlining minimum content requirements for both worker and supervisor awareness training programs. Those programs must
include instruction on
the rights and duties
of supervisors and employees under the Occupational Health and
Safety Act, the role of
joint health and safety
committees and health
and safety representatives and common
workplace hazards and
occupational
illnesses. Employers must
ensure that employees
complete the training
program as soon as practicable and supervisors
complete the training program within one week of
performing work as a supervisor. Employers are required to maintain a record of training and provider
workers and supervisors with proof of completion
on request.
In addition, the Ministry issued new safety training
standards for employees working at heights. Cur-
Enhesa Flash May/June 2014
rently, the standards are voluntary and only apply
to construction activities but the standards will become mandatory by the summer of 2014 and will
be expanded to all sectors. The training program
must be designed to teach employees regarding
the role and responsibilities of employers, constructors, suppliers, supervisors and workers in working
safely at heights, recognize hazards of working at
heights, enumerate typical accidents and injuries
relating to working at heights, explain the limitations
of personal protection equipment and others. Employees must complete a written examination after
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