COVID-19 has impacted the way businesses are run with almost all employees now working from home. It is time for employers to stay abreast of the legal requirements to operate their businesses in a safe manner. In this blog, we will discuss Canada ergonomics requirements, key legislation and guidelines to be followed in Canada.
Employers who are covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1 (OSHA), and its regulations, are obliged to protect workers from hazards due to poor ergonomics, such as:
Clause 25(2)(a) of the OHSA, requires employers to provide their workers information, instruction, and supervision to protect their health and safety. This may include:
Employers must also make sure that workers are supervised so they perform the work safely and follow the information and instruction correctly.
Noting that MSDs are frequently reported, it is deemed a lost-time work injury and should be reported to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board in Ontario. The Ministry of Labour, Skills and Training Development has published a guidance document, Ergonomics in the workplace: understanding the law that provides information on related Occupational Safety and Health laws and ways to tackle hazards due to poor ergonomics, which include MSDs, which include;
The Labour Program is part of the Employment and Social Development Canada portfolio that protects the rights and wellbeing of both workers and employers in federally regulated workplaces.
It is the general duty of an employer under the Canada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2) , to protect the health and safety at work of every person employed by the employer. Some of the specific duties of an employer are as below:
Information on workplace hazards, rights and responsibilities, health and wellness, injury prevention, compensation and the federal Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System is publicly available on the government of Canada’s website section on Workplace Safety and Health.
The CCOHS updates weekly, key information on what kinds of gatherings are permitted, various travel restrictions across the country as well as linking health and safety guidance provided for businesses as people return to serving the public. This tracker will be regularly updated to provide the current information as the situation across Canada changes.
2020: COVID-19 and Re-Opening Requirements across Canada [PDF format]
2020: COVID-19 and Re-Opening Requirements across Canada [Excel format]
As of 25 March 2020, the Canadian government announced the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act to help individuals and business overcome the developing situation with the necessary support. Benefits such as Unemployment Insurance (EI) program that from 27 September 2020, provides financial assistance to Canadians with a minimum benefit rate of $500 weekly before taxes. To avoid lay-offs, the government is offering a wage subsidy covering up to 75% of an employee’s wages for qualifying eligible employers, with this subsidy rate in effect until March 13, 2021.
More information on COVID-19 and prevention measures is available on the government of Canada’s website on https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health (CCOHS) has published on its website, useful information on health and safety planning for employers, COVID-19 Health and Safety Planning for Employers.
Some of the key actions as below:
Keeping updated with legal updates is as important as having to comply with them. It is a chargeable offence to be non-compliant which can result with penalty along with jail term depending on the severity of the event.
How can Fit for Work help?
To learn more about setting up or managing an ergonomics programme that supports staff working from home or in the office or support with staying legally compliant, you can reach out to Fit for Work. For more information on our Ergonomics Self-Assessment and Education Tool, contact us.
Table of contents: 1. Introduction 2. Ways to encourage your employees to eat healthy at…
Table of contents: 1. Introduction 2. Tips for movement practices at the office 2.1 Set…
Table of contents: 1. Introduction` 2. What is a sit-stand desk? 3. Pros and cons…
Table of contents: 1. Introduction 2. What is a DSE assessment? 2.1 Improved employee comfort…
Table of contents: 1. Introduction 2. Benefits of ergonomics in your employees' workplace 2.1 Enhanced…
Table of contents: 1. Introduction 2. Understanding employees’ need to rest and relax 2.1 Effects…