Is enforcement by penalizing supervisors for safety violations the solution to preventing injuries at work? Health & Safety experts say yes.
Last week’s criminal conviction of a supervisor for criminal negligence related to the death of four workers in Ontario is an example of a severe penalty that enforces health & safety law. Workplace supervisors are in a unique position of power. If they don’t take supervision duties seriously, negative consequences can occur.
All workplace parties can be punished in some way if safety procedures are not used while working. It is important that employers, supervisors and employees remember that they all have a legal responsibility to work together to maintain a safe work environment. Penalties for workplace safety violations include work stoppages, repair and re-training orders, employee discipline, fines, and, in extreme situations, criminal charges and jail time.
Research supports enforcement of workplace health & safety laws by using penalties for safety violations . Recent research done by the Institute of Work & Health (IWH) shows that penalties lower workplace injuries. Penalties are an effective way to motivate people to be safe and comply with safety procedures at work.
Supervisors need to remember that they can be personally punished if an employee does not follow safety procedures. Supervisors and managers must commit to providing proper supervision and training to workers. They must also effectively communicate with the employer so safety problems can be identified and solved. Employers and workers should see supervisors as safety advocates.
To learn more about recent convictions related to breaches of employment and workplace health & safety laws in Ontario, read the court bulletins on the Ontario Ministry of Labour Website.
