ARTICLE · 24 NOVEMBER 2011

Charting OHS Change In Ontario: From Dean Panel To Bill 160, And Beyond

Heenan Blaikie LLP

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In early December 2010 the report of the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety (Dean Panel) set out forty-six detailed recommendations to change the OHS system in Ontario.

CanadaEmployment and HR

Samantha Seabrook

In early December 2010 the report of the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety (Dean Panel) set out forty-six detailed recommendations to change the OHS system in Ontario. In June 2011, Bill 160 was passed to implement many of the Dean Panel recommendations. Bill 160 became law rather quickly following the Dean Panel Report, and it left many Ontario employers wondering what Dean Panel recommendations made it into Bill 160, what was left out, and what is yet to come. This article provides an update and a chart tracking the status of OHS change in Ontario with reference to the Dean Panel Report and the Bill 160 amendments.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) immediately indicated its commitment to adopt the Dean Panel's recommendations, and promptly established an implementation team consisting of its own personnel, members from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), and members of existing health and safety associations. Yet, Bill 160 is

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