Workplaces with over 20 people must have an active joint health and safety committee (JHSC) in place—Section 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act) makes that clear. But, the JHSC is only as good as its members.…
Even More Questions to Test your JHSC Knowledge!
Even More Questions to Test your JHSC Knowledge! Having a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is essential for maintaining workplace safety. While understanding the basics is important, there’s always more to learn about JHSC roles and responsibilities. To…
Keeping it Clean: Desk Hygiene at Work
Most of us sweep and mop our kitchen regularly, and many of us don’t let our dishes pile up or our laundry go un-folded. Yet, there are a surprising number of workers who admit to never cleaning their desks. Some…
Working Alone: Employer Responsibilities
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…
The 411 on Drug Testing at Work
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…
Terms of Reference – a Guide for Effective Joint Health & Safety Committees (JHSC)
What is a Terms of Reference? A terms of reference is a written statement that describes the function of the joint health and safety committee (JHSC) and outlines the procedures that the JHSC will follow. Why does the JHSC need…
Power Outages and Workplace Safety
Canadians have many things to be thankful for, and among them is the joy of experiencing four true seasons in all of their splendor. There are certain areas in Canada that experience seasonal weather events more frequently than others. For…
What Counts as a Confined Space
Defining whether a space is confined or not is still something that tends to cause some confusion in the workplace. So, let’s simplify what can sometimes be a grueling task. In Ontario, Regulation 632/05 defines confined spaces as: a fully…
Cell Phones in the Workplace: The Health and Safety Pros and Cons
Cell phones are part and parcel of everyday life. It’s hard to imagine that less than 20 years ago, carrying a cell phone was a concept many people did not ever think would apply to the masses, and yet, here…