Ontario OHS Quick Answers

• Do I legally need a safety policy in Ontario? Yes. Under Section 25(2)(j) of the OHSA, any employer with 6 or more workers must prepare, post, and annually review a written occupational health and safety policy.
  
• Where can I purchase a compliant Ontario template? You can instantly download an easy-to-edit ontario safety program manual or a dedicated ontario construction safety program directly from Greystone Safety Services.
  
• Are Bill 168 policies included? Yes, Ontario policies must include formal, written programs to address and investigate workplace violence and harassment.
  

Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) enforces some of the most stringent health and safety standards in Canada. Operating an industrial facility in Mississauga, a warehousing hub in Brampton, or a commercial trade business in Toronto requires serious attention to compliance.
Establishing an ontario safety program manual is your first line of defense, ensuring you protect your staff and demonstrate your due diligence under the law.
1. Knowing Your Ontario OHSA RequirementsIn Ontario, your health and safety requirements scale quickly based on your workforce size:

• 6 to 19 Workers: You must prepare and post a written safety policy, and workers must select a health and safety representative.
  
• 20 or More Workers: In addition to a written policy, you are legally required to establish a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) with certified worker and management members.
  

Your ontario safety program manual must lay out clear procedures for identifying hazards, reporting incidents, responding to emergencies, and handling workplace violence and harassment.
2. Setting Up an Ontario Construction Safety ProgramThe construction sector in Ontario is heavily regulated under O. Reg. 213/91. If you operate a commercial trade, roofing crew, or excavation business, general business policies are not enough.
To clear Ministry of Labour inspections and bid on public or commercial projects, you need a robust ontario construction safety program that aligns with IHSA standards and prepares you for COR® audits.
Your construction program must include:

• Approved Working at Heights Training: Protocols outlining certification and fall protection plans (required for work above 3 meters).
  
• Site-Specific Safe Work Practices: Step-by-step guides for lockout/tagout, trenching, scaffolding, and mobile equipment.
  
• Constructor Responsibilities: Outlining how safety coordination is managed across subcontractors.
  

3. How to Implement Your Ontario Safety Program
1.Customize Your Word Templates:Step 1.Open your Word templates, add your company branding, and sign the safety policy statement.
2.Review Your Violence and Harassment Program:Step 2.Ensure your Bill 168 prevention and reporting policies are tailored to your company's reporting hierarchy.
3.Appoint Your Safety Representative or JHSC:Step 3.Establish your committee (for 20+ workers) or select your worker representative (for 6+ workers).
4.Conduct Workplace Orientations:Step 4.Take all new hires through your documented safety policies, first aid locations, and hazard reporting protocols.

5.Perform Annual Reviews:Step 5.Review and re-sign your safety manual with your committee every 12 months to maintain active compliance under the OHSA.

ProtEct Your Ontario Operations TodayAvoid costly Ministry of Labour fines and stop-work orders. Secure your ontario safety program manual or your specialized ontario construction safety program today to keep your business fully compliant.