Ontario Safety Myths – And Why They’re Putting Your Team at Risk

Workplace safety in Ontario is governed by solid legislation and backed by years of experience – but myths persist. These misconceptions can lull employers into a false sense of security, undermining compliance and exposing employees to avoidable risks. Here’s a breakdown of common Ontario safety myths, the facts that refute them, and what you need to do to stay compliant.

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• Myth 1: “Only construction or manufacturing sites need safety training.”
• Myth 2: “Safety is just common sense.”
• Myth 3: “Accidents are just unavoidable.”
• Myth 4: “Safety is too expensive and time-consuming.”
• Myth 5: “Minor incidents don’t need to be reported.”
• Myth 6: “Workers can’t refuse work—it’s not unsafe.”
• Myth 7: “Training only needed once.”

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Myth 1: “Only construction or manufacturing sites need safety training.”

Reality

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) applies to virtually all workplaces across Ontario—offices, retail, warehouses, personal services—regardless of size or industry.

That means responsibilities for hazard identification, training, safety policies, and reporting accidents apply even in “low-risk” environments.

Risk

Neglecting training because a site “seems safe” leads to missed hazards, lack of preparedness, and potential ministry orders or fines, as the 7,000+ orders for missed “administrative” and training violations by Workplace Safety & Prevention Services demonstrates.

What to Do

Ensure basic health and safety awareness training (Reg 297/13) is completed by all staff and supervisors before starting work, plus role-specific training where hazards exist (e.g., ergonomics, chemicals, WHMIS).

Myth 2: “Safety is just common sense.”

Reality

While some elements may seem obvious, “common sense” isn’t a substitute for structured programs, written policies, and formalized training. Laws require written policy, hazard assessments, committees, and documented training. You must post a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in your workplace or in a readily accessible electronic format.

Risk

Relying on informal understandings leads to inconsistent practices, forgotten tasks, unaddressed hazards—and it’s a sure path to legal trouble if an incident occurs or an inspector audits the workplace.

What to Do

Publish a written health & safety policy (reviewed annually), implement a hazard prevention program, conduct regular inspections, and keep training and inspection records.

Myth 3: “Accidents are just unavoidable.”

Reality

Though not all risks vanish, many common workplace injuries—ergonomic strains, slip-and-falls, cuts—are entirely preventable with hazard identification, training, PPE, and continuous improvement.

Risk

Seeing accidents as inevitable discourages investment in safety, leads to underreporting, and allows minor incidents to become serious problems.

What to Do

Break the “unavoidable” mindset by tracking near-misses, analyzing causes, and implementing corrective actions—turn data into prevention.

Myth 4: “Safety is too expensive and time-consuming.”

Reality

Spending on safety is an investment. Studies show every $1 spent on prevention saves $2–3 in direct and indirect costs.

Meanwhile, WSPS issued 6,600+ orders for failure to deliver basic training alone, with each order bringing costs, lost hours, and potential penalties.

Risk

Skimping on training or maintenance leads to serious incidents, WSIB/WSPS penalties, reputation damage, and legal exposure—including potential criminal liability under Bill C‑45.

What to Do

Budget for safety training—many free or subsidized options are available via the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and WSPS. Factor in equipment maintenance, inspections, and safety officer training.

Myth 5: “Minor incidents don’t need to be reported.”

Reality

Every near-miss or minor incident is a warning sign. Ignoring them means locking down on hidden hazards and missing chances to improve.

Risk

Unreported minor events can escalate into major accidents. Also, under-reporting grabs inspectors’ attention and can result in legal consequences.

What to Do

Promote a no-blame reporting culture, document every minor event, analyze trends, and take corrective action before things escalate.

Myth 6: “Workers can’t refuse work – it’s not unsafe.”

Reality

Under OHSA, every employee has the legal right to refuse unsafe work when they have a reasonable belief of danger.

Managers must investigate promptly and cannot retaliate.

Risk

Suppressing refusals or ignoring concerns violates OHSA, escalates worker frustration, and can trigger orders or charges.

What to Do

Train staff and supervisors on the Right to Know, Participate, and Refuse, ensure clear refusal procedures, and respond swiftly to concerns.

Myth 7: “Training only needed once.”

Reality

Basic awareness training does not expire, but that’s just the baseline.

Employers must provide ongoing, hazard-specific training for tasks like working at heights, chemicals, and violence/harassment (among others). They must also retrain when hazards or procedures change.

Risk

One-off training leaves staff unprepared for new risks, unknown standards, and evolving legislative requirements. WSPS issued thousands of orders for failure to update training.

What to Do

Maintain documented training records, schedule refreshers, and update training immediately whenever job duties, hazards, or OHSA/WHMIS regulations change.

Final Takeaway: Challenge Your Safety Assumptions

Ontario’s health and safety system isn’t optional or sector-specific – it’s a shared responsibility that applies across industries, companies, and job types. Here’s how employers can stay ahead:

1. Audit your internal assumptions and safety practices.

2. Train every worker and supervisor—general and hazard-specific.

3. Document policies, inspections, incidents, training, and committee meetings.

4. Foster a safety culture that encourages reporting and supports refusals.

5. Review and refresh regularly to align with current standards.

By debunking these myths and committing to continual improvement, you’ll reduce risks, strengthen compliance, and empower your entire team. It’s not just good for safety – it’s good for business.

Take our Ultimate Workplace Safety Challenge to cover the most critical areas of workplace safety, from fire response to working at heights. Use it as a quiz, a toolbox talk activity, or even a team-building exercise.