The Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) represents a significant shift in Ontario’s employment and safety legislation. Enacted on December 19, 2024, this legislation introduces amendments that directly impact building owners and managers, particularly concerning workplace safety, liability and employee rights. Understanding these changes is crucial for ensuring compliance and maintaining a safe working environment.
Key Provisions of the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024
Bill 229 introduces several amendments to existing legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Some of the most notable changes include new entitlements of unpaid, job-protected leave when a child is placed in their custody through adoption or surrogacy. Aside from this, it also makes new provisions for long-term illness leave, aligning with upcoming federal changes to employment insurance benefits for adoptive and surrogate parents.
Beyond those provisions, Skyline Group are keen to make our customers aware of important changes regarding occupational health and safety measures, as well as increased penalties for safety violations:
- Mandatory fitting of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers are required to ensure that PPE properly fits all workers, addressing diverse body types across all sectors.
- Increased penalties for safety violations: Corporations convicted of a second or subsequent offence under the OHSA that results in the death or serious injury of one or more workers within a two-year period face a minimum fine of $500,000.
The Implications for Building Owners and Managers in Ontario
As stewards of property and workplace environments, building owners and managers must navigate these legislative changes to mitigate risks and uphold safety standards. Key considerations include:
1. Ensuring Properly Fitting PPE
The mandate for properly fitting PPE necessitates a thorough review of current equipment and policies. Building managers must assess and update PPE to accommodate the diverse physical profiles of all workers, ensuring both safety and compliance. This includes collaborating with suppliers to source appropriate equipment and implementing training programs on correct usage.
2. Addressing Increased Liability and Penalties
The introduction of a minimum $500,000 fine for repeat safety violations underscores the importance of proactive safety management. Building owners and managers should:
- Conduct regular safety audits: Identify and rectify potential hazards, particularly in high-risk areas such as rooftops and maintenance zones.
- Implement comprehensive training programs: Ensure that all personnel, including contractors and temporary workers, are well-versed in safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Maintain detailed records: Document all safety measures, training sessions, and incident reports to demonstrate due diligence in the event of an inspection or legal inquiry.
How Skyline Group Can Assist
Navigating the complexities of the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 requires expertise and proactive planning. Skyline Group specializes in providing comprehensive safety solutions tailored to the unique needs of building owners and managers in Ontario. Our services include:
- Onsite consultations: We conduct thorough evaluations of your property to identify potential hazards and recommend corrective actions, ensuring compliance with the latest legislative requirements.
- Customized training programs: Our team offers training sessions designed to educate your staff on proper safety protocols.
- Equipment solutions: We supply and install a range of safety equipment, including guardrails, access ladders, and rooftop safety systems, all designed to meet or exceed current safety standards.
- Policy development support: Skyline Group assists in crafting and updating safety policies and procedures, aligning them with new legal obligations and best practices.
The enactment of the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 marks a pivotal moment in Ontario’s commitment to worker safety and rights. For building owners and managers, adapting to these changes is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative to protect those who work within their premises.
Proactive engagement with the new regulations, coupled with strategic partnerships with safety experts like Skyline Group, will be instrumental in fostering compliant, safe and resilient workplaces.
Skyline Group: Protecting Your People, Company and Brand
For more advice on navigating the complexities of this new legislation, our rooftop safety experts are here to help. To get started, reach out to one of our experts now. Alternatively, browse our full selection of learning resources around rooftop safety legislation in Canada.
