Mandatory Health and Safety Training – Will You be Compliant by July 1st?

As previously reported, the new Health and Safety Awareness and Training regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act will come into effect on July 1st, 2014.

What does this mean for Ontario employers? You must ensure that all workers and supervisors have completed basic occupational health and safety awareness training by July 1st. New employees should be trained as soon as is practicable after they start. You must also keep a record of the training provided.

For free training materials, visit the Ministry of Labour’s website: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/training/

The training includes instruction on the rights and duties of workers, supervisors and employers under the OHSA, the role of joint health and safety committee and health and safety representatives, and common workplace hazards and occupational illnesses. There is an exemption for employees who have previously completed an awareness training program that covers the same content. To determine whether your employees have previously completed training on the same content, review the training materials provided on the Ministry’s website.