Bill 160 or the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, as it has been named officially, is more or less an enabling statute. Presently, it’s dealing with giving powers to certain agencies etc, thus creating or enabling positions to be developed.

But employers/constructors take note; you will be affected by the Sections 8 and 9 changes to the OHS Act.

Section 8 now states that employers and constructors must ensure health and safety representatives get trained so they can be effective when applying their powers and performing their duties. 

Section 9 refers to a new power within the Joint Health and Safety Committee when the committee can’t agree on recommendations.  The co-chair may now make written recommendations to the employer/constructor when the group has reached an impasse.

Employers, be proactive:

• Ensure your H &S Representatives are trained (recommended - JHSC member training).

• Inform JHSC members and the co-chairs about the change to Section 9  so when the committee
  can’t agree, they understand the co chair can make written recommendations to the employer.

It’s thought that by April 2012 or sooner, these laws will be in effect. 

Read more about Bill 160 changes at the Ontario Legislative Assembly.

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