Workplace Health & Safety Representatives Workshop

Working together to create a safer environment for all workers is not new. The British Parliament passed into law the first recorded piece of legislation that was designed to protect the health and safety of workers in 1833. Referred to as the English Factory Act, it set out health and safety practices and procedures designed to protect stonemasons from systemic poisoning. The Ontario Government passed The Occupational Health & Safety Act into law in 1979.

Significant changes where made to this Act in 1990, giving sweeping powers to all workers ensuring they had the right to participate in their own health and safety programs. All companies operating in Ontario must comply with the regulations as they are prescribed under this Act. Under this law, the Ontario Government through the Ministry of Labour, can issue fines and or jail terms to any worker, supervisor or owner found to be in violation of the Act. Having a safe and healthy workplace is everyone's responsibility.

Any business operating in Ontario with 5 or more employees, but less than 19, must have a Health and Safety Representative to oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of their health and safety programs. This workshop has been developed to give the appointed H & S Rep a working knowledge of the Act, an understanding of their special duties and obligations as defined under the Act and the role all workers, supervisors and owners must play in promoting a safe & healthy workplace.