2-6 Health and Safety Legislation and Workers’ Compensation

Question 1

What is the primary responsibility of employers regarding employee health and safety?

Answer 1

Employers must take every reasonable precaution to ensure a hazard-free workplace and comply with applicable health and safety statutes and regulations.

Question 2

How is occupational health and safety legislation regulated in Canada?

Answer 2

It is regulated by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, with efforts to harmonize acts and regulations across jurisdictions.

Question 3

What responsibilities do employers have under health and safety legislation?

Answer 3

Provide a hazard-free workplace

Inform employees about health and safety requirements

Keep records of injuries and illnesses

Compile annual injury/illness summaries

Ensure managers and employees are aware of workplace hazards

Question 4

What agency administers violations of health and safety statutes?

Answer 4

Violations are typically handled by a workers’ compensation board.

Question 5

What must employers report to the workers’ compensation board?

Answer 5

All workplace accidents causing injuries or diseases

Any accident resulting in death or critical injury (immediately reported and followed by an investigation and written report)

Question 6

What rights do workers have under health and safety legislation?

Answer 6

Request and receive information about safety and health conditions

Refuse unsafe work without fear of reprisal

Question 7

What duties do workers have under health and safety legislation?

Answer 7

Comply with health and safety acts and regulations

Report hazardous conditions or defective equipment

Follow safety rules, including using protective equipment (e.g., hard hats, steel-toed boots, protective eyewear)

Question 8

What is the role of managers in health and safety?

Answer 8

Advise employees of potential workplace hazards

Ensure proper use of safety equipment

Provide written instructions where necessary

Take every reasonable precaution to guarantee worker safety

Reinforce safety and health training

Question 9

What are health and safety committees, and why are they required in most jurisdictions?

Answer 9

Health and safety committees consist of employee and management representatives working together to create a safe and healthy workplace, fostering a non-adversarial climate.

Question 10

How has health and safety legislation impacted workplace injuries in Canada?

Answer 10

The number of workplace accidents has declined despite an increase in the number of workers.