Three Steps That Every Employer Should Be Taking to Protect
Their Workers This Winter
Winter weather is once again upon us. With it comes the joy of
the season, but also an increased risk to worker safety. That
increased risk imposes special obligations on employers under the
Occupational Health & Safety Act
(OHSA).
Some of the obligations are addressed in the OHSA's
Regulations. For example, employers have to clear snow and ice, and
ensure that workers wear appropriate clothing that protects them
from the cold. However, employers' wintertime obligations go
well beyond the requirements that are contained in the
Regulations.
Every employer in Ontario is subject to a general duty to take
every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection
of its workers. Despite the broad language used to express this
duty, employers tend to think that they have done what they need to
do if they meet the standards set out in the Regulations. That is
not the case.
