“Marijuana use is incompatible with working in a safety sensitive environment. Until there is clear evidence and complete understanding of what level of impairment is deemed to be considered “safe”, a zero tolerance policy regarding the presence of marijuana is the only safe choice,” says Cameron MacGillivray, President and CEO of Enform.
Water makes up at least two-thirds of the body. We need to drink plenty of it to ensure that our body functions properly by keeping joints and eyes lubricated, the skin healthy and digestion functioning as it should.
The main purpose of the Act is to protect workers from health & safety hazards on the job. It sets out duties for all workplace parties, and rights for workers. It establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards and provides for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily. Fundamental to the successful working of OHSA is the workplace Internal Responsibility System (IRS).
"Workplace safety training programs are a necessity across all industries. In addition to reducing the amount of injuries in the workplace, businesses will benefit from fewer worker’s compensation claims (which will result in less paperwork and lower insurance premiums), as well as higher employee productivity and morale. And, of course, these programs are required by law."
A visit from the Ministry of Labour can be daunting. Remember that the MOL inspector can enter your workplace unannounced, at any time. Inspectors’ powers include being permitted to speak to anyone in the workplace, look at training documents, equipment maintenance and make copies, as well as look at any equipment or machinery.
If you had to choose between two pilots—one was trained, the other not—which one would you choose? But what if there was no “up-front” cost for the untrained pilot? You still wouldn’t do it? Yet many business owners don’t recognize the importance of employee training.
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour has a new information-sharing agreement with the federal government to protect the rights of temporary foreign workers (TFW).
An employer will likely be obligated to accommodate an employee in such ways as allowing a leave of absence while the employee is undergoing marijuana treatment, or providing alternative forms of work that do not endanger the safety of anyone. It is important for employers to understand that they have a broad obligation to investigate and make efforts to accommodate employees using prescription medications, including medical marijuana.
The ground is starting to thaw and in some places, construction season has already begun. With the unpredictable temperatures this year an early Spring spells the onset of a new season and while it brings warm weather and exciting plans, it also triggers the onset of spring cleaning rituals in workplaces and homes.
Unfortunately, everyone differs on how much they value and commit to safety, regardless of how many trainings, safety meetings, or briefings they attend. Using contractors who assess their own employees using safety tests can help address this challenge, as well as examining the commitment and involvement of their leadership when it comes to safety.
Get an evaluation of your workplace and get on track with safety and compliance.
