In Ontario, ergonomic laws are primarily governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Employers have a legal obligation to be proactive and protect workers from workplace hazards related to poor ergonomics.
Key Employer Obligations:
Hazard identification
Providing training and information
Maintaining equipment to minimize ergonomic risks
Workplaces with more than 20 employees must have a Joint Health and Safety Committee that conducts regular inspections
As of October 2024, employers are required to ensure that remote workstations are ergonomically suitable, similar to traditional workplace settings.
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) inspectors check and conduct investigations to make sure workers are protected from workplace hazards.
Why do you think it is important for employers to be proactive about ergonomic hazards?
Things to consider:
Sick leave
Legal obligations
Employee moral
Work productivity and quality
Record your answer in your Student Workbook.