Faced with Costly Safety Compliance Orders? "Competitive Disadvantage" Argument Rejected By OLRB

Employers faced with costly Ministry of Labour compliance orders, that have not been issued to competitors, are often concerned that the orders would put them at competitive disadvantage.

In a recent decision, the Ontario Labour Relations Board has rejected an employer's argument that a Ministry ergonomist's order should be suspended because of competitive disadvantage.

The Ministry ergonomist accompanied a Steam Whistle Brewing driver on a delivery route and observed him unloading product, including lowering a 50 kg keg down a flight of stairs, walking backwards and partially supporting the key with his thighs.

The ergonomist issued a number of compliance orders to the employer that it appears to have believed would hamper its ability to deliver product efficiently.