Please read the attached MEMO which includes a schedule of public consultations across the province concerning the draft Employment Accessibility Standards.  HRPA strongly believes it is in the best interests of our members to attend these sessions to educate themselves on the proposed Employment Accessibility Standards, as they will have profound impacts on your company’s operations.

If you have any questions please contact:

Scott Allinson
Director, Government and External Relations
Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)
T: (416) 923-2324 X321
E:

October 29 - Ontario, together with the other provinces and territories of Canada, is working with CSA to make it easier for employers and workers to comply with occupational health and safety requirements. Thanks to a pilot project funded in part by the Government of Ontario, you can now read the relevant CSA standards before you buy.

Click here for more information.

October 29 - Yesterday afternoon Minister Fonseca announced that Ontario is introducing legislation that, if passed, would make workers compensation coverage mandatory for individuals working in the construction industry.  The proposed legislation would make it mandatory to extend benefits and services contained in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA) for independent operators in construction and some other individuals in the construction industry who are currently not covered.

If passed, this legislation would level the playing field for legitimate construction employers and help fight the underground economy.  This legislation would come fully into effect no earlier than 2012 to give those affected by the change time to transition. - Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour

See News Release

Link to Bill 119 - An Act to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

October 29 - As part of Ontario’s ongoing efforts to help reduce workplace injuries, inspectors will be “blitzing” industrial workplaces in November to help eliminate specific electrical hazards that could lead to injuries or fatalities.

Inspectors will check to ensure the power supply to electrical equipment is disconnected before work begins, written lockout procedures are available for electrical equipment and workers are protected if no practical means exists to disconnect the power.

The McGuinty government and our workplace partners are working together to eliminate all workplace injuries.  Part of our strategy for achieving this goal is to conduct stepped-up enforcement to prevent electrical hazards at workplaces. - Labour Minister Peter Fonseca

See News Release