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Important Notice from the Ministry of Labour – New mandatory occupational health and safety training
What employers need to know: workers and supervisors need to be trained by July 1, 2014.
Employers across Ontario will need to ensure their workers and supervisors are trained in basic occupational health and safety so they know their roles, rights, and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Employers who prefer to develop their own training or use existing training may do so as long as the training used meets the regulation.
Free resources are available from the Ministry of Labour to help employers make sure that all their workers and supervisors have been trained. For worker training, there is the Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps workbook and associated employer guide, or an eLearning module. For supervisor training, there is the Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness in 5 Steps workbook and associated employer guide, or an eLearning module. Proof of completion is provided by either a signed and completed workbook, or a certificate generated by the eLearning modules. These materials are all:
- Available at no-cost
- Available in print and electronic formats
- Available in multiple languages
- Available on the Ministry of Labour website or through ServiceOntario
- Compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The eLearning modules should take about an hour each to complete and are designed to provide general insights about common hazards for both workers and supervisors.
In addition to ensuring successful completion of the course, employers must record this training for each worker and supervisor to be able to show an inspector if asked. Records must be kept for at least 6 months after a worker or supervisor leaves their position. Proof of completion of the awareness training must be given to a worker or supervisor upon their request.
Additional training program guidance resources will be available shortly, including; training program assessment tools, knowledge check tools, and a record keeping template. These resources will be AODA compliant and available in English and French on the Ministry’s website.
This new regulation was developed to ensure all workers and supervisors understand the importance of prevention at the workplace. Stay safe and come home.
The Ministry’s training program suite can be accessed online at http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/training/index.php.
Questions? Contact the Ministry of Labour for more information at awarenessfeedback@ontario.ca / 1-877-202-0008
