Employers' responsibilities under the Occupational Health & Safety Act
In December 2009, the Ontario Legislature passed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to help protect workers against workplace violence. The legislation went into effect on June 15, 2010.
The legislation not only enhances protections against workplace violence, but also addresses workplace harassment. It applies to all Ontario workplaces currently covered by the OHSA.
This new law classifies domestic violence as a form of violence. It states that if an employer becomes aware of or ought to be aware of domestic violence (likely to expose a worker to physical injury) occurring in the workplace, the employer must take every precaution reasonable to protect the worker.
See more information about domestic violence in the workplace from the Ministry of Labour.
