Occupational Health & Safety Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which is NOT one of the regulations included in the 2023 Green Book?

Control of exposure to biological or chemical agents

Healthcare and residential facilities

Farming operations

Environmental impact assessments (correct)

What is expected from students regarding attendance?

Students should always attend unless they advise otherwise. (correct)

Students are encouraged to leave class early if necessary.

Students may skip classes without notice.

Attendance is optional unless a test is scheduled.

Which of these is a requirement for first aid according to the content provided?

There is no specific requirement mentioned.

Certified personnel must be present at all times.

First aid must be available in certain regulated settings. (correct)

Only basic training is sufficient.

What does the term 'engagement' refer to, according to the expectations stated?

Being present both physically and mentally. Signup and view all the answers

What primary resource is being used for the Occupational Health and Safety course?

Management of Occupational Health & Safety, 8th edition Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the final grade is the Specific Hazards Assignment worth?

25% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the course regarding health and safety?

Recognition, assessment, and control of hazards Signup and view all the answers

When are the two exams scheduled in the course?

Weeks 7 and 14 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following resources focuses on occupational health and safety information?

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Academic Integrity Policy in this course?

It outlines penalties for academic dishonesty. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event motivated uranium miners in Elliot Lake to strike in the 1970s?

High incidence of lung cancer and silicosis Signup and view all the answers

Who chaired the Royal Commission known as the Ham Commission?

Dr. James Ham Signup and view all the answers

Which act was established to consolidate health and safety under the Ministry of Labour?

The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was one of the core rights established for workers according to the recommendations by Dr. Ham?

The right to refuse unsafe work Signup and view all the answers

What did Bill C-45 (2004) amend?

Canadian Criminal Code Signup and view all the answers

Which act was added to the OHSA in 1987?

WHMIS Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of the Ham Commission's recommendations regarding supervisors?

Safety-related qualifications for supervisors and workers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, established in 1978?

To promote and support health and safety in the workplace Signup and view all the answers

What key feature was established by the Bill regarding organizations and criminal liability?

Organizations, including corporations and their representatives, can be attributed criminal liability. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change was introduced in the Occupational Health and Safety Act effective June 15, 2010?

New rules for workplace violence and harassment were defined. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of Bill 132, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act?

To enhance workplace safety regarding sexual violence and harassment. Signup and view all the answers

What new obligation does Bill 132 place on employers concerning workplace harassment?

Incident reporting for sexual harassment incidents is now required. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a change introduced by Bill 160?

Incident Reporting Procedures. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of workplace harassment was addressed in the amendments under Bill 132?

Sexual harassment was specifically included in the definition. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to stay updated on changes in workplace health and safety laws?

Understanding changes helps ensure compliance and worker safety. Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility did Bill 132 enhance for employers regarding workplace harassment?

It added new duties to protect workers from workplace harassment. Signup and view all the answers

What must be in place for reporting incidents of workplace harassment?

There must be a reporting system to someone other than the employer or supervisor if they are the alleged harasser. Signup and view all the answers

When is disclosure of information obtained about a workplace harassment incident permissible?

It may be disclosed if necessary for investigation, remedial actions, or required by law. Signup and view all the answers

What obligation does an employer have annually under Bill 168?

Provide a comprehensive reporting and investigation program for workplace sexual harassment. Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as workplace sexual harassment under Bill 132?

Making a sexual solicitation in a position of power where it is unwelcome. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a reasonable action that is NOT considered workplace harassment?

Actions taken for the management and direction of the employee or workplace. Signup and view all the answers

What right do staff have regarding investigations into workplace harassment?

To demand an independent, third-party investigation at the organization’s expense. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is required for employers to implement under Bill 132?

Implementing a workplace harassment policy. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario could be considered workplace harassment under the provided definition?

A coworker making gestures known to be unwelcome based on sexual orientation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Occupational Health & Safety (OHS)

OHS is defined as the recognition, assessment, and control of workplace hazards.
This course covers the importance of OHS, its evolution in Canada, and legislation related to OHS.

History of Health and Safety in Canada

The Ham Commission was established in the 1970s to investigate health and safety in mines due to alarming rates of lung cancer and silicosis among Uranium miners in Elliot Lake.
The Ham Commission made over 100 recommendations including establishing:
- A Ministry of Labour to oversee H&S
- Mandatory joint H&S committees
- Safety qualifications for supervisors and workers
- Defined safety duties for employers
- Medical surveillance and record-keeping provisions
- The worker's right to know, participate, and refuse unsafe work

The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) was established in 1978.
The Canadian Centre for OHS was established in 1978.
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act was established in 1981.
WHMIS was added to the OHSA in 1987 and updated in 2015.
The Workers Compensation Act was updated in 1998.
Bill C-45, which amended the Canadian Criminal Code in 2004, established new legal duties for workplace health and safety and imposed penalties for violations leading to injury or death.
Bill 168 (2010) strengthened protections for workers from workplace violence and harassment.
Bill 160 (2011) introduced changes to training standards, approved providers, additional training provisions, JHSC recommendations, established policies, Prevention Council, and reprimands.
Bill 132 (2016) amended the OHSA to include a workplace sexual harassment definition and includes employer obligations for:
- Incident reporting
- Investigations
- Disclosure of information
- Communication of investigation results
- Annual risk assessments, harassment policies, and comprehensive reporting programs
- Independent third-party investigations
Bill 132 defines workplace sexual harassment as unwelcome, repeated behaviour or an unwelcome sexual solicitation or advance made by someone in a position of power.

Important Notes

Employers are not considered to be engaging in workplace harassment if their actions relate to managing employees or the workplace.
Bill 132 is a precedent for other areas regarding an employer's obligation to implement workplace harassment policies.
OHS legislation is constantly evolving and being updated.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) in this quiz. Learn about the historical context of health and safety in Canada, including pivotal legislation and the role of the Ham Commission. Test your knowledge on workplace hazards and the evolution of safety practices.