Inspectors to enforce requirement to post OHSA as of Oct. 1
The Ontario government is distributing free workplace posters titled “Health & Safety at Work – Prevention Starts Here” in English, French and 15 other languages.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), employers are required to post the act and any explanatory material prepared by the ministry, which includes this poster. However, the ministry wants to ensure employers have sufficient time to become aware of the new requirement to post the poster.
Inspectors will begin enforcing this requirement effective Oct. 1, 2012, said the government.
The poster summarizes workers’ health and safety rights and responsibilities and the responsibilities of employers and supervisors. It also reminds employers they must not take action against workers for following the act or raising workplace health and safety concerns, and seeking enforcement of the OHSA.
The poster encourages workers to get involved in health and safety and explains when and why to contact the Ministry of Labour.
An expert advisory panel appointed in 2010 found many workers had little or no understanding of the OHSA, including their rights and obligations as workers or the obligations of employers and supervisors. It advised that a health and safety poster be made available in multiple languages.
Once downloaded, the poster can be printed in black and white or colour and must be posted in print size of at least 8.5 by 11 inches. The poster can be found here.
