
Stricter Fines for Workplace Safety Violations in Ontario: New Two Strike Rule in Working for Workers Six
One of the most significant updates introduced in Ontario’s Working for Workers Six legislation is stricter penalties on employers with poor workplace safety records. Specifically, the law targets employers who experience two or more serious injuries or fatalities within a two-year period, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach to negligence that jeopardizes worker safety.
What Are the New Fines?
Under the new legislation:
Employers found responsible for two or more workplace incidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities within two years will face escalated fines (Minimum $500,000) as part of Ontario’s strategy to deter repeated safety violations.
Penalties include:
Corporate Fines: Up to $1.5 million for organizations.
Individual Accountability: Senior executives or company directors can be personally fined up to $500,000 for failing to ensure compliance with workplace safety laws.
These fines are among the most severe in Canada, reinforcing Ontario’s commitment to protecting workers by holding negligent employers accountable.
Why This Matters
Targeting Repeat Offenders
The two-strike rule is designed to prevent employers from treating workplace safety as an afterthought. It places a financial and reputational cost on companies that fail to learn from past incidents, compelling them to prioritize worker safety proactively.
Enhancing Workplace Accountability
The legislation also emphasizes the personal accountability of executives and decision-makers. By holding leadership directly responsible, it ensures that safety is embedded in organizational culture and decision-making processes.
Encouraging Compliance
By increasing the financial stakes, the government aims to incentivize employers to invest in robust safety measures, such as:
Comprehensive employee training.
Modernized equipment and infrastructure.
Routine safety audits and inspections.
How Employers Can Avoid Penalties
To steer clear of these penalties, employers are urged to take the following steps:
Proactively Identify Risks: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards in the workplace.
Enhance Training Programs: Ensure all employees are well-versed in safety protocols and procedures.
Invest in Safety Equipment: Provide tools and resources that meet or exceed industry safety standards.
Maintain Compliance: Adhere strictly to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) regulations, avoiding shortcuts that could lead to violations.
Conclusion
Ontario’s decision to impose steep fines for repeat safety violations underscores its unwavering commitment to worker protection. By targeting negligent employers with substantial penalties, the province is sending a clear message: workplace safety is non-negotiable.
Employers now have both an enhanced legal and ethical imperative to prioritize safety, while employees can feel more secure knowing that strong measures are in place to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.
We Can Help!
This article is sponsored by SAFETY.INC Protect, Prevent, & Prosper
We offer independent audits of your Safety Management System (SMS) and complete compliance audits. We are certified auditors with over 30 years of experience. We review from the shop floor to the boardroom. Ensure you have the information you require to properly manage workplace safety. Contact Mike@SAFETY.INC
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