Social distancing, or keeping a distance of 2 metres from other people, is a key safety measure to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. There are several ways in which you can implement social distancing in your workplace. For example, you could rejig the seating plan to position work stations at least 2 metres apart. Or...
*This blog was updated on September 6, 2022. Is your workplace ready for a Ministry of Labour (MOL) health and safety inspection? Though COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted, employers continue to have a duty under the health and safety legislation to provide a safe workplace to all staff. This includes a workplace free of hazards,...
Face coverings (cloth or surgical masks) are now a common sight in public spaces. While face masks do not protect the wearer, they may help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in places (public transit, grocery stores) where physical distancing is not possible. How does COVID-19 spread? When an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks,...
A remote work policy helps to minimize issues that can arise from having employees working out of office. This policy clarifies expectations of working hours, legal rights, and cybersecurity measures. Here is the process a business should go through when creating a remote working policy in their organization, and how to measure its success. What...
Injuries in the workplace jeopardize employee safety, impede productivity and can cause an employee to take legal action against their employer. Even with appropriate precautions in place (e.g., workplace policies, signage, suitable workplace equipment, etc.) workplace injuries can still occur. In a previous post, Managing Health and Safety Risk in the Workplace, we explored how employers...
All employers have a responsibility to create a safe workplace for their employees. Identifying all occupational hazards in the workplace and developing a plan to mitigate the risk associated with each hazard, is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. This post provides an overview of how employers can manage hazards and risks...
Sickness related absences from work spike during winter months, reducing productivity and costing businesses. Office workers and customer service employees are even more likely to catch and transmit sickness due to frequent interactions with others and working in densely shared spaces. Although avoiding seasonal sickness entirely is impossible, there are certain steps you can take...
Disability is often a point of confusion in the workplace. Employers lack clarity as to what qualifies as a disability and what their responsibility is to individuals seeking accommodation for a disability in the workplace. This article explains what a disability is and addresses common questions employers have on disability in the workplace. What is...
Theft is a serious crime that, unfortunately, is a real concern in the workplace. To prevent these occurrences, it is essential employers take a proactive stance on the issue. This article offers key insights on controlling theft in your business. What is workplace theft? Theft in the workplace, is the misuse of employer assets without...
In Canada, while sexual assault is considered a criminal offence under the Criminal Code, sexual harassment is not. However, sexual harassment can still cause significant psychological, emotional, and physical harm, and employers and perpetrators can face serious consequences if this behaviour occurs in the workplace. Legislation like the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) and the Ontario Human...
