Ontario Ministry of Labour
The Ministry of Labour works to establish and enforce employment standards, prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths, and handle workplace disputes in Ontario. It works on behalf of employers and employees to ensure harmonious workplaces across the province.
The Ministry and its various agencies, committees, associations and boards tackle this through three strategic areas:
- Occupational health and safety;
- Employment rights and responsibilities; and
- Labour relations.
What does the Ministry oversee regarding occupational health and safety?
Among its duties, the Ministry of Labour oversees rules, regulations and enforcement pertaining to:
- The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA);
- The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA);
- Health and safety awareness training;
- Health and safety representative training; and
- Workplace harassment and workplace violence.
This includes developing and implementing strategies to ensure workplaces are as safe and healthy as possible, monitoring and enforcing these strategies through workplace inspections, and working to set standards for health and safety training across the province.
The Ministry of Labour and obligations of small businesses
As an employer, it is your responsibility to understand how the Ministry of Labour affects you regardless of the size of your business. Since the Ministry is so multifaceted, it can impact your business in a multitude of ways including employee rights, employment standards, and workplace regulations.
There are numerous regulations set forth by the Ministry that employers are legally obligated to abide by. All of these regulations carry with them their own set of consequences if employers fail to comply with them. For example, not being compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) can result in fines up to $500,000 and an imprisonment term of up to 12 months.
This is why it’s imperative for employers to understand their responsibilities and the rights of their employees.
Do you understand your obligations as an employer under the Ministry of Labour?
Get direct answers by connecting with our experts today. At Peninsula, our employer experts can help ensure your small business is operating in accordance with the Ministry of Labour and its various acts and regulations. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-888-216-2550. We can help you get your business where it needs to be, so you can rest assured that yourself, your business, and your employees are fully protected and meeting all standards required by Ontario law.