Ontario’s Ministry of Labour has opened up public consultations on the impacts of air quality and heat stress on workers and workplaces and whether or not OHSA regulations on these matters are needed.
While employers have a general duty to protect workers from hazards that could include air quality and heat stress, right now neither are specifically addressed in OHSA.
OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick spoke with CBC Toronto’s Alison Chiasson about the consultation and proposed regulatory changes.
Hornick says that while regulatory changes can be an important step towards better protecting workers and reducing risk, the real impact on safety comes when there is sufficient enforcement and accountability measures are put in place. Hornick also emphasized the importance of public education initiatives to ensure that workers are aware of regulatory changes when they come into effect.
You can watch the full story below: