Strengthening Workplace Health And Safety

 
 

May 18, 2011 11:55 AM

McGuinty Government Implementing Recommendations of Expert Safety Panel

Ontario is transforming the province's health and safety system and increasing  protection for workers.

In the largest revamp of Ontario's worker safety system in 30 years, a series of new amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act have passed. These amendments are in response to the recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health and Safety and will:

  • Establish the Ministry of Labour as the lead for accident prevention, transferring it from the WSIB.
  • Appoint a new Chief Prevention Officer to coordinate and align the prevention system.
  • Create a new prevention council, with representatives from labour, employers, and safety experts, to advise the Chief Prevention Officer and the Minister.

The changes also give the Minister of Labour oversight of the province's Health and Safety Associations as well as the education, training and promotion of workplace health and safety.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • Headed by Tony Dean, the expert panel received more than 400 responses in over 50 meetings with stakeholders across the province.
  • The panel included representatives from labour, employers, and academia with workplace health and safety expertise.

CONTACTS

  • Matt Blajer
    Communications Branch
    416-326-7405
  • Greg Dennis
    Minister's Office
    416-326-7710



Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour


 

"We all have the same goal - to make sure all workers go home safe and healthy at the end of the day. These amendments will help prevent injuries and create productive workplaces - and that's good news for all Ontarians."

 – Charles Sousa
Minister of Labour

 
 
 
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