Employers are obligated to keep workers safe. According the Occupational Health and Safety Act s.25(2)(h) they must do this by taking reasonable precautions for safety. This means that employers who have workers that work alone must take special precautions to…
Many businesses have identified that stagnancy doesn’t promote growth; most growth is the result of the change, adaptation, and natural evolution. So, within a business, there are many change agents in place that help drive and support organizational changes. A…
In 2002 and into 2003, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) silently made its way into Toronto. Within weeks of seeing the first case, Toronto-area hospitals and healthcare providers were dealing with a full-blown pandemic. In the months following the outbreak,…
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was not designed with women in mind, because it was thought that it didn’t have to be: women typically didn’t work in industries where PPE was required. However, that is no longer the case. More women…
In Canada, drug addiction is considered a disability under human rights legislation, such as the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, persons who suffer from drug addictions are protected from discrimination on the job. Clear as mud, right? Not so…
In 2012, Suncor Inc., a large energy company with substantial operations in the Alberta Oil Sands, introduced a random drug and alcohol testing policy at its operations in Northeastern Alberta. Employees at Suncor’s sites generally worked twelve (12) hour shifts, and operated some…
Over the past year, there has been a spotlight on workplace violence, harassment, and sexual harassment. Allegations have run rampant in the media, sports, entertainment, and politics. We continue to hear reports of toxic cultures deeply entrenched in large Canadian…
When it comes to fragrance, the range is vast. From delightfully light, fruity scents, to heavy musks, the variations are endless. So too, are people’s preferences for certain scents. However, preference is moot when it comes to allergies. For some,…
Sometimes, even the most well-oiled JHSC may disagree. Disagreements may include: What constitutes a hazard How to control a hazard Whether or not a recommendation is required The nature of the recommendation Responsibility for implementing the recommended control Disagreeing can…