Who is responsible for health and safety in my workplace?

November 1, 2024

Jessica Bowes

Team meeting in a small business.

Ontario health and safety law is captured under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Under this law, everyone in the workplace must understand their rights and responsibilities for their role. Find out what you need to know about the roles everyone needs to play and the rights workers have in Ontario.

How do I know who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace?

Everyone has a role to play in workplace safety – no matter the size of your business. In the OHSA, these responsibilities in the workplace are part of “The Internal Responsibility System” (IRS).

What is the Internal Responsibility System (IRS)?

Simply put, the IRS is all about teamwork. Everyone in the workplace has a shared responsibility to make sure that the workplace is healthy and safe for everyone, including employers, supervisors and workers. Here is what each role is responsible in the IRS.

Employers

All employers must provide a safe environment and establish a health and safety program and policy. They are responsible for health and safety within the organization. Employers must ensure:

all workplace safety laws are followed under the OHSA
safety policies and programs are posted
hazards are managed
equipment is maintained in good condition and is safe to use
competent supervision is provided
workers are trained
every reasonable precaution is taken to protect workers and keep them safe.

Supervisors

Supervisors must ensure:

personal protective (PPE) equipment is being used and workers know how to wear it properly
safety procedures are followed
workers know about hazards in the workplace
every precaution reasonable is taken to protect workers.

Workers

Workers in Ontario must:

report hazards to the employer or supervisor
use or wear protective equipment
follow safety procedures and practices
refrain from removing safety devices.

With everyone’s duties clearly laid out and understood, the IRS can keep your businesses running and protect staff from incidents and injuries.

Rights of workers in Ontario

Employers in Ontario also need to know the three rights all workers have in Ontario and recognize them.

The Right to Know: Workers have the right to know about workplace health and safety hazards they could be exposed to at work. Employers must provide information about workplace hazards to workers.

2. The Right to Participate: Workers have the right to be part of the process of identifying and resolving workplace health and safety concerns.

3. The Right to Refuse: Ontario workers have the right to refuse unsafe work. Employees can legally refuse work they believe is dangerous, without being fired or punished.

By understanding these roles and responsibilities, everyone in the workplace can contribute to a safer, healthier environment.