© Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA)
23 • Institute for Work & Health (IWH)
Rights of Workers (OHSA Section 43)
1. Right to _______
2. Right to _______
3. Right to _______
Legislation: Occupational Health and Safety Act
• In force since October 1, 1979 governing most Ontario work places
• Establishes workplace partnership of all parties to ensure health and safety of
workers.
• Outlines the Internal Responsibility System (IRS)
• Details prescribed in Regulations written under the Act for each work sector
• Requires workers, supervisors and employers to share responsibilities for:
• Identifying H & S problems
• Developing H & S Policy and Program
• Establishing and cooperating with the H & S representatives (JHSC)
Employers, supervisors and workers have specific duties under the Occupational
Health and Safety Act.
Duties of employers (OHSA Section 25 and 26)
• Ensure equipment, materials, protective devices as prescribed are provided and
maintained in good condition
• Provide information, instruction and supervision
• Appoint a competent person to supervise and inspect
• Take every precaution reasonable to protect the health and safety of workers
Duties of Supervisors (OHSA Section 27)
Definition: A person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.
• Ensure a worker works in a manner and with the protective devices prescribed in
the Act and Regulations
• Ensure worker uses or wears equipment, protective devices
• Advise a worker of any actual or potential danger
• Take every precaution reasonable to protect the health and safety of workers
A Competent person is defined in the OHSA as having knowledge, training and
experience to organize the work; is familiar with the legislation and knows the hazards
in the work place.
