I doubt there is anything more dry than reading a blog post about mandatory workplace government posters, but it’s a mandatory requirement that comes with fines and cranky inspectors if you don’t comply with the requirements. And I will try to make this a short post to minimize the pain.

New OHSA Requirement

As of yesterday, all workplaces in Ontario must post a new mandatory government poster called, “Health & Safety at Work – Prevention Starts Here”. The poster explains the key rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, and sets out how to obtain additional health and safety information and how to contact a Ministry of Labour inspector.

Other Posting Requirements

While employers have always had to post a copy of the Employment Standards Poster, “What You Should Know” and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, this new requirement adds more to your collection of documents that must be posted in a conspicuous location (e.g. cafeteria or lunch room) in all Ontario workplaces.

The specific posting requirements are primarily under the following acts:

• Employment Standards Act (ESA);
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA);
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA); and
• a key regulation under OHSA, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

A full summary of workplace posting, training and policy requirements is set out on the Ministry of Labour’s website.

Although not likely on the top of anyone’s fun list, this may be a good moment to do an audit of your workplace posters, training and policies to make sure your workplace is meeting the latest requirements.