Workers Health & Safety Centre

Recent jail sentence increases demand for mandatory WHSC Supervisor Training

Supervisor talking to a worker
Failing to satisfy legal obligations designed to help protect workers can have significant implications for supervisors and tragic consequences for workers.
 
A project manager who oversaw a swing stage crew that fell 13 stories to their death in 2009 was recently sentenced to three-and-a half years in prison for violations of the Criminal Code of Canada. Vadim Kazenelson was found guilty on four counts of criminal negligence causing death and one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
 
During sentencing, Ontario Superior Court of Justice Judge Ian MacDonnell offered "A significant term of imprisonment is necessary to reflect the terrible consequences of the offences."
 
Although supervisors have extensive obligations relating to the protection of workers, employers have a duty to ensure the supervisors they employ are aware of these obligations. Ontario health and safety law, for instance, requires employers to ensure supervisors complete an awareness training program within one week of beginning work as a supervisor
 
The Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) offers this training and has scheduled upcoming classes in various Ontario communities.
 
What:    Supervisor Health & Safety Training
When:   February, 4, 2016
Where:  Cornwall, Pembroke, Sudbury
 
Employers must also ensure supervisors are competent. A competent person is defined in the Occupational Health & Safety Act as someone who:  
  • is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize work and its performance,
  • is familiar with the Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and
  • has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace [section 1(1), the Act].
 
In addition to meeting the supervisor awareness training obligation, the WHSC Supervisor Health & Safety Training program helps employers to meet more extensive supervisor “competency” obligations.
 
Want to know more about WHSC Supervisor Health & Safety Training?
Supervisor Training—In-class
Supervisor Training—online
 
Want additional information about how the WHSC can help your workplace comply with the extensive training obligations mandated by health and safety law, including supervisor training and working at heights?
 
Call:    1-888-869-7950
Visit:   www.whsc.on.ca
Want to know more about recent jail sentences for supervisors?
Prison sentence for manager in swing stage tragedy
Jail time for workplace asbestos-related convictions
Want to know more about who the MOL deems as supervisors?