Health and Safety A- Z
Topic: Employer
Summary
The Occupational Health and Safety Act defines employer as a person who employs one or more workers. At Trent this definition applies to employees with managerial responsibilities.
Employer duties are described by s. 25 and 26 of the Act. There is a general duty to “…take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker…” and specific duties such as providing and maintaining required resources (equipment, materials, protective devices, and structures), implementing appropriate measures and procedures, providing workers with information, instruction and supervision, and establishing and maintaining a joint health and safety committee. Work is supervised by a qualified (i.e. competent, as defined by the Act) person.
Some employers (managers) will have additional responsibilities which may include constructor (s. 23), licensee (s. 24), owner (s. 29), project owner (s. 30), supplier, architect, engineers (s. 31), director or officer (s. 32).
Employers (who are also workers) have workers’ rights and responsibilities; Employers who supervise the work of others also have supervisory responsibilities (s. 27).
For more information see:
Occupational Health and Safety Act s. 25, 26, 32.0.1 – 32.0.6
Rights and Duties, FAQ. Ministry of Labour
Additional Resources:
Internal Responsibility System, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Last Revised: November 2, 2015