What are your Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training obligations?

The Regulation will apply to all workplaces in Ontario, and to anyone who fits the definition of a “worker” or a “supervisor.”  The definitions of both worker and supervisor can be found in section 1 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  For workers, this basic training must be completed as soon as it is practicable and before July 1, 2014 and supervisors must complete it within one week of performing work as a supervisor.

Worker training must include: the duties and rights of workers under the Act; the duties of employers and supervisors; the roles of health and safety representatives and joint health and safety committees; the roles of the MOL and WSIB; common workplace hazards, workplace violence, WHMIS and occupational illness.  Supervisor training must include: the duties and rights of workers under the Act; the duties of employers and supervisors; the roles of health and safety representatives and joint health and safety committees; the roles of the MOL and WSIB; how to recognize, assess and control workplace hazards and sources of information on occupational health and safety.

There are exemptions to the requirement if training that covers the requirements has already taken place and proof of completion of the course can be produced.