The foundation: occupational health and safety in Ontario workplaces

All workplace parties have a role to play in preventing workplace related illnesses, injuries and fatalities in their workplaces. To ensure a healthy and safe environment, each workplace must have a well-functioning Internal Responsibility System (IRS), ^{footnote 8[8]} appropriate policies and programs, and other protective measures.

However, workplace commitment to implementing occupational health and safety policies, practices and programs varies. Some workplaces take the “watch me” approach. They exhibit excellent occupational health and safety practices and often serve as occupational health and safety champions for other workplaces. Some workplaces take the “show me” approach. These workplaces are unaware of their occupational health and safety responsibilities, but are willing to learn and comply. Some workplaces take a “make me” approach. They are willfully non-compliant and must be made to meet the requirements of the law. One factor that influences a workplace’s approach to occupational health and safety is its awareness of occupational health and safety rights and responsibilities, and the consequences of not meeting legal requirements.

Ontario’s occupational health and safety system works to influence the level of commitment (or occupational health and safety foundation) within each workplace by providing the appropriate services. These services can include enforcing the law, where required, and/or providing support, such as training and awareness, for those who need it.