Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) defines a supervisor as anyone who “has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.” This training is designed to help you understand what the OHSA expects from you. These are things you need to know and understand so that you and the people you supervise can be healthy and safe at work today and every day.
Everyone in the workplace, from the employer to the newest worker, has different but important duties to keep the workplace safe. Because employers have the most authority in the workplace, they have the greatest responsibility for health and safety. Supervisors are next in line. Since your job involves taking direction from your employer and giving direction to the workers you supervise, it’s important for you to understand the health and safety responsibilities of everyone in the workplace, including yours.
The focus of this training is on general awareness of rights and responsibilities under the OHSA and does not, in any way, replace the OHSA or its regulations or any other knowledge, information or training you will require as a supervisor. Prevention – preventing injuries and illnesses at work – starts here, with the things you learn in this workbook, but it doesn’t end here. Above and beyond what is covered in this training, your employer has a duty under the OHSA to make sure that you are competent before appointing you and to inform you of any hazards in the work which you supervise. We hope you will use what you learn here every day in your work as a supervisor so that you are more confident asking your employer questions about workplace health and safety and your duties.
