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What change to OSHA did the passing of Bill 168 bring about?

Leia Doyle

What change to OSHA did the passing of Bill 168 bring about?

The Bill will come into force and become law on June 15, 2010. Under Bill 168, employers must devise workplace violence and harassment policies, develop programs to implement such policies, and engage in assessments to measure the risk of workplace violence.

What is Bill 168 enforced by?

Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act
Bill 168 is an amendment to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”). It came into force on June 15, 2010 and aims to protect workers from violence and harassment. The Bill outlines stiff penalties for all employers in Ontario who fail to meet their new responsibilities and duties under the law.

Is workplace harassment and violence are considered to be the same?

Some jurisdictions include harassment as a form of violence, while others define harassment separately. Harassment can be thought of as any behaviour that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, annoys, alarms or verbally abuses a person and that is known or would be expected to be unwelcome.

Who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace?

employers
Business owners and employers hold the most responsibility when it comes to workplace health and safety. They are legally required to keep their employees and anyone who might be affected by their business safe from harm, including customers, visitors to the workspace, temporary workers and contractors.

Who is responsible to enforce the OHS Act?

Contravention of the Act may result in penalties; however, aside from the negative implications, compliance with OHS also provides numerous benefits. It is the responsibility not only of employers, but employees as well, to enforce and adhere to the OHS Act to prevent unnecessary injury, illness and loss.

What are the three principal regulations under the OHSA?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act in your jurisdiction entitles all workers to three rights: The right to know about health and safety matters. The right to participate in decisions that could affect their health and safety. The right to refuse work that could affect their health and safety and that of others.

What are signs that your workplace may be unsafe?

Here are some signs that your workplace may be unsafe:

  • Other workers are being injured on the job.
  • You’re working without direct supervision.
  • You haven’t been trained properly.
  • Equipment is unguarded and/or broken.
  • Containers of chemicals aren’t labeled.
  • Safety shortcuts are used to save time or money.