Newsletter – MAY 2023

Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers Program: An Opportunity for Leaders in Occupational Health and Safety

1. the accreditation of an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) and 
2. the recognition of employers who have successfully implemented an accredited OHSMS and meet additional criteria set by the CPO. 

• lower worker’s compensation premiums
• help retain the best workers
• lower lost-time injury and illness rates
• attract more business opportunities through a good safety reputation

It’s important to note that the program does not impact the enforcement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Ministry inspectors will continue to conduct proactive inspections based on risk and enforce the OHSA and its regulations at workplaces, regardless of their recognition under the program.

Learn more

Performance Management in Union and Non-Union Workplaces

The Ontario government has recently announced significant regulatory changes specifically tailored for the construction sector. These changes focus on two key areas: personal protective clothing and equipment, and toilet, urinal, and clean-up facilities. We have prepared a concise and informative article that breaks down these new regulations, providing you with a quick read to stay up-to-date. If you have any questions or need further clarification on these regulations, our knowledgeable HR advisors and account managers are here to assist! Contact our account manager team at accountmanagers@hrcovered.com to connect with us. Stay informed and ensure compliance with these important updates!

1. 1. Expanded Coverage: The definition of a worker has been clarified to include secondary and post-secondary students, ensuring that they are protected under Part III of The Saskatchewan Employment Act.
   2. Harassment Investigation: Employers now have a clear duty and responsibility to investigate incidents of harassment in the workplace.
   3. Enhanced Authority: Occupational health officers now have the power to take photos and recordings during workplace inspections, strengthening their ability to enforce safety regulations.
   4. Conflict Resolution: Officers are now authorized to exclude individuals from investigation interviews if there is a perceived conflict. The person being interviewed can then nominate another person to attend the interview on their behalf.
   5. General Amendments: The legislation has been updated with housekeeping and general amendments to ensure its relevance and alignment with other legislative requirements.
      
      Additionally, starting from May 2024, employers will be required to have a violence policy in place, which will extend to students, volunteers, and contract workers. The policy will mandate the investigation of all incidents of violence in the workplace. These changes aim to foster a strong workplace culture of health and safety in Saskatchewan.
      Learn more 

Saskatchewan Named Canada’s Top Mining Investment Jurisdiction

The Fraser Institute, an independent Canadian think-tank, has named Saskatchewan as Canada’s top jurisdiction for mining investment in 2022. The annual survey assesses mining and exploration globally, considering factors such as mineral resources and public policies such as taxation and regulatory certainty. Saskatchewan ranked third worldwide, with Nevada and Western Australia taking the top two spots.

This marks Saskatchewan’s fifth appearance in the global top three over the past six years. The survey, conducted electronically, involved over 1,900 participants. Other top-ranking jurisdictions included Newfoundland & Labrador, Colorado, Northern Territory (Australia), Arizona, Quebec, South Australia, and Botswana. Ontario ranked 12th globally and fourth in Canada. The survey also included a Policy Perception Index, which evaluated environmental regulations, legal requirements, taxation, land claim disputes, labour regulations, and political stability.

Source

Alberta’s Labour Mobility Act Takes Effect

Alberta’s new legislation aimed at facilitating the process for skilled and certified professional workers from across Canada to work in the province has come into effect. The Labour Mobility Act, introduced in 2021, simplifies the documentation requirements, allowing out-of-province workers to obtain a registration decision in a timely manner. This enables them to enter Alberta’s labour force quickly and fill job vacancies. Previously, processing times for out-of-province applicants could take up to 149 days, but under the new legislation, regulatory bodies must make registration decisions within 20 business days after receiving a complete application. 

The streamlined process applies to over 100 regulated occupations in Alberta, including optometrists, lawyers, and engineers. The new law is expected to attract around 20,000 additional workers and contribute to diversifying sectors in the province.

The government’s gradual and regular increases to the minimum wage aim to provide stability for workers and predictability for businesses. Over the years, British Columbia’s minimum wage has risen from one of the lowest in the country to one of the highest, as the rate was $10.45 per hour in 2015

Ontario Expanding Safety Training and Resources to Keep Workers Safe

The Ontario government is investing an additional $12.5 million in Ontario’s health and safety associations, which provide safety training and resources to businesses and workers in the province. This funding will support organizations like Workplace Safety North, which played a role in the successful rescue of 39 trapped miners in Sudbury in 2021. The investment aims to enhance worker safety in critical industries such as manufacturing and forestry.

The government has introduced legislation to increase fines for occupational health and safety violations, and they will continue to invest in education, prevention, and enforcement to protect workers.
These recent developments build upon the worker protections introduced by the government through the Working for Workers Act, 2023. This act proposes new health and safety safeguards, including fines for withholding passports, improved protections for remote workers during mass terminations, and the provision of women’s-only washrooms on construction sites.

• an enhanced ladder section
• increased participant awareness of the hazards associated with skylights
• more participant engagement and interactive learning
• demonstration and use of more types of personal protective equipment and damaged equipment
• accommodation of different body types
• inclusion of anti-racist practices in the learning environment

A record of all changes to the standards is available on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry.

With remote work becoming increasingly popular, it’s crucial for businesses to navigate the complexities of worker classification, establish effective policies, and ensure compliance with employment standards and occupational health and safety regulations.Learn about the key factors to consider before hiring remote employees, the differences between employees and independent contractors, and the potential consequences of misclassifications. Don’t miss out on this insightful resource.

What is the maximum amount of severance pay required to be paid under the ESA of Ontario?

What is the most difficult part of letting an employee go?

• Breaking the news
• Drafting documents
• Navigating termination laws
• Others (comment below)

“It’s been fantastic! They’ve helped us from everything from reviewing our past policies to updating them to current standards. They’ve been a great point of resource to help us with general questions and just better understand what’s required out there in the marketplace. When you look at the cost of actually having an HR division to have somebody you can reach out to, they’ve been fantastic at quick response to us.
For anyone that’s a small-medium size, this is a great company to help establish a proper HR System. Our new person Kelly has been amazing to deal with; any questions, she gets back to us in a very timely fashion and if she doesn’t have the answer she’s very quick to get us the proper answers.”