In Ontario, the short answer is “yes”. Under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) employers must ensure there is a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in the workplace where 6 or more workers
On May 2, 2024, the Ontario Government introduced Bill 190, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024. If passed, this Bill will propose amendments and new obligations for employers under the: Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA);
Promoting positive mental health in the workplace has become a primary concern for employers globally. Employers can ensure they are promoting mental health in the workplace by:
Assessing their level of support for mental health in the workplace.
Creating a culture of openness about workplace pressures and mental health
Reviewing all workplace policies/procedures and workload distributions.
Measuring employee mental health and work through employee surveys.
Effective June 1, 2023, the OHSA legislative amendment will require high-risk employers to ensure their workplaces are equipped with life-saving naloxone kits and workers are trained on how to administer them. This change hopes to raise awareness around the ongoing opioid crisis, reduce stigma for those struggling with addictions, and ultimately save lives.
Workplace investigations are a legislated requirement for Ontario employers. All workers are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace and employers have an obligation to investigate any incidents or complaints of workplace violence and harassment.
