On October 1, 2012, Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors began
enforcing employers' legal obligation to post the MOL's new
safety poster.
The poster, which is available in 17 languages, is called
"Health and Safety at Work – Prevention Starts
Here". It may be downloaded and printed from the MOL's
website (click here).
Section 25(1)(i) of the Occupational Health and Safety
Act requires employers to "post, in the workplace, a copy
of this Act and any explanatory material prepared by the Ministry,
both in English and the majority language of the workplace,
outlining the rights, responsibilities and duties of workers".
The MOL states that the poster is such "explanatory material
prepared by the Ministry", and therefore it must be
posted.
On its website, the MOL says, "The poster summarizes
workers' health and safety rights and responsibilities and the
responsibilities of employers and supervisors. It also reminds
employers that they must not take action against workers for
following the act or for raising workplace health and safety
concerns, and seeking enforcement of the OHSA. The poster
encourages workers to get involved in health and safety and
explains when and why to contact the Ministry of Labour."
The poster also sets out a toll-free number for employees to
call the MOL.
Ontario employers should ensure that the poster has been posted
in their workplace. Inspectors will look for it when they arrive at
workplaces. By posting the poster, employers send a signal to MOL
inspectors that they are on keeping on top of health and safety law
developments.
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