Did you know? Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), supervisors have the next greatest responsibility after employers for worker health and safety.

Section 27 of the OHSA outlines the duties of a supervisor. It requires supervisors to advise workers of any potential or actual health and safety hazards they are aware of, provide written instructions on protective measures and procedures where required and take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances to protect workers. In addition, supervisors must ensure that workers use or wear the equipment, protective devices, and protective clothing required by their employer and that they perform their duties in accordance with OHSA and its regulations. Failing to meet these obligations can have serious consequences, including fines of up to $500,000 and up to 12 months' imprisonment, or both.

Research and experience show that workers suffer injury, illness, or death when they lack competent supervision, proper workplace measures to control hazards, and the health and safety knowledge and skills quality information, instruction and training affords. A knowledgeable, engaged and supportive supervisor can help by identifying hazards, reinforcing safe work practices, and actively advocating for worker health and safety. That's why OHSA places such importance on the supervisor's role in protecting workers.

To help supervisors meet these responsibilities, OHSA and its regulations require employers to ensure supervisors complete occupational health and safety awareness training. More importantly, OHSA requires employers to appoint a competent person as supervisor. A competent person is defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act as someone who:

• is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize work and its performance,
• is familiar with OHSA 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].

REGISTER for WHSC Supervisor Health & Safety Training at 50% off.

Training to prepare supervisors

Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) is Ontario’s official occupational health and safety training centre developing and delivering quality instructor-led training for 40 years. This summer we’re offering 50 per cent off our Supervisor Health & Safety Training course for a limited time. This one-day program is designed to help employers and supervisors meet their OHSA training obligations, strengthen workplace health and safety, and build the competencies needed to lead with confidence. Book by Sept. 18 for just $60, with in-person training dates available throughout the year.
 
By the end of this course, participants will be able to explain their legal responsibilities under the OHSA, apply the principles of the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) and due diligence, identify the roles and rights of workplace parties (including Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs) and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), and respond appropriately to work refusals, inspections, and investigations. They will also understand how relevant case law and Criminal Code provisions inform their legal obligations as supervisors.
 
Invest in supervisor training today and strengthen workplace health and safety tomorrow!

SAVE NOW 

Interested in other health and safety training, check out WHSC programs also offered at 50 per cent off. This promotion runs until Sept. 18, with future training dates available – so plan and save.

Need more information?
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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