What is the OHSA?
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is Ontario's primary legislation governing workplace health and safety. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of employers, supervisors, workers, and other workplace parties.
Who Does It Apply To?
The OHSA applies to most workplaces in Ontario. It covers employers, constructors, supervisors, workers, and owners, each with specific duties under the Act.
Key Concepts
The Internal Responsibility System (IRS)
The OHSA is built on the principle that everyone in a workplace shares responsibility for health and safety. This is known as the Internal Responsibility System. It means that workplace parties at every level — from senior management to individual workers — have a role to play in identifying and addressing hazards.
Duties of Employers
Employers have a general duty to take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of workers. This includes providing information, instruction, and supervision; maintaining equipment; and ensuring compliance with the Act and its regulations.
Duties of Supervisors
Supervisors must ensure that workers comply with the Act and regulations, advise workers of potential hazards, and take every reasonable precaution to protect workers under their supervision.
Worker Rights
Workers in Ontario have three fundamental rights under the OHSA:
- The right to know about hazards in the workplace
- The right to participate in health and safety activities
- The right to refuse unsafe work
Where to Learn More
For the full text of the OHSA and its regulations, visit the Ontario e-Laws website. For workplace-specific guidance, consider consulting with a qualified health and safety professional.
This article provides general information only and is not intended as legal advice. For specific guidance on your obligations, consult with a qualified professional or refer to the applicable legislation.