Transcript Canada_OHS_Intro
The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety System An Overview
Canada Has 14 Jurisdictions
1 Federal 10 Provinces and 3 Territories
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Provincial and Territorial Jurisdictions (90% of workers): Provincial and territorial employees Workers in most industries, including small businesses and self-employed workers e.g. construction, manufacturing, textiles, mining Federal Jurisdiction (10% of workers): Employees of federal government and federal corporations, military Workers in certain national corporations e.g. airlines, railways, telecommunications
Internal Responsibility System
Employer and employees: Know their work and the hazards best Cooperate to implement safety measures Employer manages the workplace safely.
Employer must take all reasonable actions to protect the health and safety of workers.
Employer is accountable for non-compliance.
Government agencies: Legislate, inspect, and enforce (civil, criminal) Provide preventive services and incentives
Employer Responsibilities
Identify workplace hazards – prevent & control Implement safe work practices and comply with all regulations Develop hazard prevention program and management system Provide workplace training and education to workers Support employee participation, such as safety committees Train supervisors to ensure they are “competent” Inspect the workplace Have an accident investigation and reporting system
Employer Due Diligence
Due diligence is a legal defense in case of accident or injury Evidence that all reasonable precautions were taken to prevent accidents and injuries Steps to demonstrate due diligence: Show that employer is aware of hazards and acting to control them.
Document policies, practices, and procedures.
Monitor workplace and ensure that employees follow workplace procedures and requirements.
Implement good practices used in similar organizations and industries.
Workers’ Rights
Right to Participate Joint Health and Safety Committees Right to Know Must be informed about hazards Must be trained on safe work procedures Right to Refuse unsafe work Specific procedures detailed in regulations
Workers’ Responsibilities
Work safely according to procedures Use safety equipment and personal protective equipment Report hazards
History of Health and Safety
1884 Ontario Factories Act 1911 1914 Building Trades Protection Act Workmen’s Compensation Act 1917 Industrial Accident Prevention Assoc.
1929 Construction Safety Association 1978 Occupational Health and Safety Act 1978 CCOHS founded 1998 Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
Health and Safety Organizations
Compensation boards (13) Insurance, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, education Ministries of Labour (14) Legislation, standards, enforcement CCOHS Sectoral and professional safety associations Prevention, training, consulting Education and training organizations Research institutions Independent consultants
Workers’ Insurance in Canada
(Historic Compromise) Employers pay premiums to workers’ compensation boards (WCBs) based on their injury record Insurance is mandatory No-fault insurance – workers cannot sue employers Boards pay incentives to employers to encourage prevention, training, and other safety programs by employers
Roles of the Workers’ Compensation Boards (WCBs)
Provide treatment and rehabilitation Pay injured workers while they recover Pay pensions to workers who are permanently disabled Fund safety associations (industry sectors) Deliver services for prevention and education
– Example
– Construction Safety Association of Ontario
Established 1929 to serve construction industry Bipartite – employers and building trades Funded by WSIB (compensation board) About 2% of construction insurance funds ($ 750 million (about $2000 per worker per year)) Major functions: Education and training Consulting and technical advice Target companies with high injury rates Target new companies Research
CCOHS
Established 1978 as the national centre Mandate: promote OH&S Tripartite (governments, industry, unions) Primary roles: Information to all workplace parties Free Inquiries and OSH Answers Databases – legislation, CHEMINFO Publications and e-courses Workplace tools and services – OH&S management system, MSDS writer, MSDS management Collaborative projects such as INTOX
Recent Trends in Canada
Improved performance Fewer injuries, better compliance More enforcement Criminal liability More research to identify best practices More workplace requirements: Education and training Prevention programs and management
Evolving Issues in Canada
Effectiveness of incentives to employers Low injury rates High performance: Strong prevention programs Management systems Corporate social responsibility Performance beyond the law New employment relationships More contract work Employment agencies
Thank you
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety [email protected]