Ontario employers must update their Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies by September 8, 2016.

Bill 132, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act, will come into effect in September. The legislation amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act and provides additional protection against sexual harassment at work.

Employees have protections from sexual harassment under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

In summary, employers need to implement workplace sexual harassment prevention legislation:

• Always investigate complaints of sexual harassment or other types of harassment promptly.
• Review and update the Workplace Harassment Policy.
• Review and develop a written program to implement the Workplace Harassment Policy, in consultation with the Joint Health and Safety Committee or Health and Safety Representative, if any.
• Train workers, managers and supervisors.
• Review and update Policy and Program annually.

For more details on the changes implemented by Bill 132 refer to the Fusion Blog on Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevention and Bill 132.

Is it necessary to provide intensive Olympic style OHS training to achieve good employee safety results in workplaces?

Employers know that OHS training is required and necessary to keep employees safe while working. As we watch the world’s Olympic athletes show their exceptional athletic skills, a question to consider is “Does intensive safety training help employees better learn how to stay safe at work?”  The answer is yes but no. As with winning athletes, there is more to successful safety results than OHS training.

Yes, training with quality follow-up coaching and practice helps workers better acquire safety skills. Initial training allows employees to learn skills and understand the principles of workplace safety. Ongoing coaching from supervisors and peers provides opportunities to practice new safety skills, similar to an athlete training with a knowledgeable coach and experienced team mates. Practice allow workers to develop confidence with new skills and feel capable of using safety skills while working. Ultimately, employees with solid safety skills are more prepared to remain safe at work.

But no, intensive safety training is not the only thing necessary to prevent workplace injuries. Training is only one of several strategies used to prevent injuries.  If a well trained employee is put in a dangerous work environment with no PPE and many uncontrolled hazards, the risk of injury is high.   Similarly, a well trained athlete such as a diver cannot succeed if competing with a broken diving board during competition.

A comprehensive safety program that controls hazards is the key to good workplace safety results.  To achieve exceptional safety results, research supports employers using the following safety strategies:

• Eliminate hazards
• Make substitutions to less hazardous materials, processes and equipment
• Design work settings so the facility and equipment do not cause hazards
• Implement workplace practices like safe procedures, education, training, job rotation and supervision
• Supply workers with PPE (personal protective equipment)

Olympic athletes develop exceptional skills because of their intensive training and support from family, superior coaches and national athletic programs. Employers can learn from Olympians and be safety coaches by training workers and using best practice safety strategies to control risks in the workplace. With the right work environment and employee support, well trained employees, like athletes, will excel and stay safe.