HR Glossary / Health and Safety / Occupational Health and Safety Act

Occupational Health and Safety Act

What is the Occupational Health and Safety Act?

All Canadian jurisdictions have their own occupational health and safety legislation. In Ontario that legislation is called the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The OHSA provides the legal framework to protect workers from workplace hazards. It outlines how the law is applied and the general rights and responsibilities of workplace parties like employers, supervisors, and workers. There are also regulations under the OHSA that speak to legislative requirements related to specific aspects of the OHSA.

The details of OHSA legislation vary from one jurisdiction to another, but the fundamental goal is always to protect workers from health and safety hazards encountered on the job. All Canadian employers have a responsibility to comply with the OHSA legislation in their jurisdiction. It is in everyone’s best interest to foster a workplace culture of safety.

If your organization would benefit from a compliance review, our Ultimate Guide to HR and Compliance in Canada is a practical resource designed to help you get started.

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