2017 OHSA Green Book Health and Safety Training Laws Employers Should Know

With a new year comes new amendments to the OHSA “Green Book.” The Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is also known as the Green Book. The Green Book contains laws and regulations for occupations from teachers to farmers to healthcare workers to construction workers. Employers are obligated to post a copy of the Green Book in their workplace and must keep track of revision dates and ensure they have the latest version available.

Recent Changes To The OHSA Green Book

•  Workplace Harassment – Bill 132: Some of the amendments under Bill 132 include the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act, new definitions for the terms “workplace harassment” and “workplace sexual harassment,” and new rules for the way employers must investigate workplace sexual harassment allegations
  See this Globe and Mail article for more information.
• WHMIS 2015 – Bill 85: Amendments to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015 take place in three stages. During this time, WHMIS 1988 will be slowly phased out. Phase 1 began in February 2015, Phase 2 begins in June 2017, and Phase 3 begins in June 2018. Click here to see the details from the MLITSD.
• Construction Projects – O. Reg. 242/16, amending O. Reg. 213/91: Amendments made in regards to strengthening and clarifying the requirements for using suspended access equipment. The amendments came into force on January 1, 2017. Some of these amendments include:
  •  Requirements for roof plans and other specific work plans
  • New training requirements for workers who may use or inspect suspended access equipment
  • Enhancement of the existing inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements
  • For the full list and more information, visit the Ontario General Contractors Association and the MLITSD Notices page.
• Confined Space – O. Reg. 346/15, amending O. Reg. 632/05: Changes were made to stay consistent with the amendment of Regulation 888 – “Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents Regulation”
  Visit the MLITSD Notices page for more information.
• Mining – O. Reg. 265/15, amending R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854: Various Amendments were made to Regulation 854 (Mines and Mining Plants). Some of these amendments include:
  •  New requirements for mines and mining plants to conduct risk assessment and formal traffic management programs
  • Strengthening existing water management requirements
  • Updating surface diamond drill operations training requirements
  • For the full list and more information, visit the MLITSD Notices page.

For more information and a complete listing of all amendments made to the OHSA, visit the MLITSD Notices page and the Ontario e-Laws page.

Additional Source: www.carswell.com

What Employers Need To Know

Employers must ensure that their companies follow the OHSA guidelines. Here’s what you need to know.

• Fully read through and understand the new OHSA requirements and amendments, especially for your sector. You can read all the recent amendments here
• Ensure the most recent copy of the OHSA Green Book is available and accessible for all of your employees in the workplace
• Complete the Health and Safety checklist from the Government of Ontario website, or view ACUTE’s summary of the checklist here
• Complete industry required courses and training that will help ensure the safety of your workers and ensure compliance with new OHSA regulations such as:
  » WHMIS 2015
  » Working at Heights
  » Workplace Violence and Harassment
  » Confined Space Entry Awareness
  » And more!

Where Can I Get The OHSA Green Book?

Remember, the Green Book must be posted in all workplaces in an accessible area where all employees can read it. You should choose the publication that is specific to your business sector. For example, if you work on Construction Projects, there is the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulation for Construction Projects, Ontario Regulation 213/91; Sept. 2016.

Here are ways you can access the OHSA Green Book:

• You can order a copy of the Green Book from ServiceOntario Publications
• You can call Service Ontario Publications via this number: 1 800-668-9938
• You can access the OHSA online here
• You can also access A Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act online

Source: www.cfib-fcei.ca

ACUTE – Ensuring Quality Training and Education

The best way to ensure compliance with the new OHSA Green Book regulations and requirements is by getting the best hands-on training for employees and ensuring that your trainer helps to build excellent team skills. ACUTE does more than help you comply with laws. Here are some ways that ACUTE goes beyond government compliance in Ontario health and safety training.

• Open Door Instructor-Student Partnership: ACUTE’s training services emphasize client participation. Staff foster relationships with clients and serve as a touchstone for advice moving forward.
• Serving Your Team and Industry: With a vast array of clients in the manufacturing, construction, health, academic, and government sectors, ACUTE brings the best safety practices from across the spectrum to your workplace.
• 100 Years Combined Experience: ACUTE provides comprehensive health and safety training, on-site safety services, and consulting services. With over 100 years of combined experience, our staff offers more than theoretical or abstract ideas. ACUTE offers solutions.
• Track Record of Success: ACUTE is rated 4.9/5 stars on Google reviews, demonstrating a commitment to our clients, quality, and a passion for training.

Contact us today for quality training in your workplace or on-site at ACUTE’s proven training facilities!

“ACUTE’s trainers have a passion for the material and
care about their clients.”

– Rob, Tank Manufacturing Company – more testimonials here!