The Ontario Health and Safety Act, formally known as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is a law designed to protect workers by ensuring safe working conditions. It sets out duties for employers, workers, and supervisors to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
Employers must provide a safe work environment, conduct safety training, supply protective equipment, and comply with OHSA regulations to prevent workplace hazards.
Yes. Workers have the right to refuse tasks that pose a danger to their health or safety. Employers must investigate and resolve the issue before requiring workers to proceed.
Supervisors are responsible for enforcing safety protocols, providing oversight, and ensuring compliance with OHSA regulations to protect workers from hazards.
Non-compliance with OHSA can result in fines, legal action, and potential business shutdowns. There is even a chance of criminal charges in extreme cases. Employers must regularly update and enforce safety protocols to maintain compliance.
OHSA (Occupational Health and Safety Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) may sound similar, but they are distinct.
OHSA (Ontario, Canada): Provincial legislation that defines the responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure workplace safety. Enforced by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, it sets industry-specific safety standards.
OSHA (United States): A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that enforces nationwide workplace safety standards and provides training, education, and compliance programs.
Key Differences at a Glance:
- Jurisdiction: OHSA applies to Ontario, while OSHA governs workplace safety across the U.S.
- Enforcement: OHSA is regulated by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour; OSHA has federal inspectors and regional offices.
- Training & Compliance: Both require workplace safety programs, but OSHA offers broader outreach and funding for training initiatives.
- Reporting & Regulations: OHSA mandates reporting of critical injuries to the Ministry of Labour, while OSHA requires extensive recordkeeping on workplace incidents.
While both aim to protect workers and prevent workplace hazards, they differ in scope, enforcement, and regulatory frameworks based on their respective regions.
