LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Amendments to the Needle Safety Regulation (Phase 3)

On July 1, 2010 the Needle Safety Regulation will be extended to community work environments Including doctors' and dentists' offices, community health centres, family health teams and independent health facilities.

Amendments to the OHSA to include workplace violence

June  15, 2010: Bill 168 received Royal Assent on December 15, 2009. This means that the proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act to include violence and harassment in the workplace will come into force on June 15, 2010. 

Ontario's Bill 118, The Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act, 2009

October 26, 2009: Ontario's new law prohibiting the use of hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices while driving will come into effect on October 26, 2009.  Once the new law is in place, drivers who text, type, email, dial or chat using any hand-held device will face fines of up to $500 upon conviction.  Hands-free use will still be permitted. Please see the link below for additional information on the new Bill:

http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2009/09/ban-on-hand-held-devices-starts-in-october.html

Bill 168 amendments to the OHSA - Ontario Tackles Workplace Violence and Harassment

April 20, 2009: Please be advised that the government introduced Bill 168 entitled the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace), 2009 in the Legislature today.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry's website at:

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/french/news/2009/09-37.html

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/news/2009/09-37.html

You should also be able to access the bill on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website (www.ontla.on.ca, and click on Bills and Lawmaking) or by contacting Service Ontario Publications (at 416-326-5300 or toll free at 1-800-668-9938).

Road Safety

June 16, 2008: The Assembly passed a bill that mandates the use of speed limiters on most large trucks. Speed limiters are electronic devices that cap speeds at 105km per hour, reducing pollution and improving road safety. The use of speed limiters could be implemented as soon as fall 2008, followed by a six- to 12-month education period

Smoking

June 16, 2008: The Assembly passed a new law that bans smoking in cars with children age 16 or younger present. It applies to both stationary and moving vehicles, regardless of whether windows, sunroofs, doors or other features are open. Violators will be subject to a $250 fine. In addition, as of May 31, stores can no longer display tobacco products.

Worker’s Compensation

June 12, 2008: The WSIB announced the 2009 preliminary average premium rate for Schedule 1 employers. The rate will be $2.26 per $100 of assessable payroll – the same as it was in 2007 and 2008. based on the preliminary average rate, the WSIB has calculated preliminary 2009 premium rates for all employer rate groups, which will be posted on the WSIB website, www.wsib.on.ca.

Heat Stress

June 5, 2008: The government reminded employers and workers of the danger of this seasonal hazard. Symptoms of heat stress include excessive sweating, headache, rash, cramping, dizziness and fainting. Left untreated, heat stress can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.

Workers' Compensation