Small Business, Big Responsibilities: The Employer’s Role in Worker Health and Safety

In Canada, including Ontario, small and medium-sized businesses have the same legal responsibilities as larger employers to ensure workplace health and safety under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). This means taking every reasonable precaution to protect workers from injuries and illnesses, regardless of business size.

Key steps include developing and posting a clear health and safety policy, identifying and assessing workplace hazards, implementing controls for those hazards—including physical and psychological risks—and providing mandatory health and safety training to all workers and supervisors. Small businesses must also keep records of training and establish appropriate workplace safety programs tailored to their specific risks.

Employers with 20 or more workers are required to establish a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) with certified worker and management representatives. Regular monitoring and updating of health and safety programs are essential to maintain effectiveness.

Resources like the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) offer tools such as the Business Safety Portal and Safety InfoLine, which provide templates, courses, and guidance to help small businesses comply with their legal duties and create a safer workplace.

Overall, investing in workplace health and safety not only ensures legal compliance but also improves morale, productivity, and retention, helping your business and workforce thrive.

Continue reading more by clicking on the link below.

https://canadiansme.ca/small-business-big-responsibilities-the-employers-role-in-worker-health-and-safety/

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