Proposed Bill 160: Mandatory New Employee Training
Bill 160 is the proposed legislation that is to begin the process of reforming Ontario's Health and Safety and is currently being reviewed by the Legislative Standing Committee on Social Policy.
If passed, Bill 160 will amend the Ontario Health and Safety Act and the workplace Safety and Insurance Act 1997. It is proposed legislation that gives power to the Ministry of Labour to begin implementing some of the recommendations noted below.
Some key recommendations include:
- Prevention mandate shifted to the Ministry of Labour
- Mandatory training for new employees and health and safety representatives
- Expansion of powers for JHSC co-chairs to make direct
recommendations to employers where committee fails to reach consensus
- Establishment of Prevention Council and Chief prevention officer
- Development of Codes of Practice
- Inspectors given power to refer reprisal complains to board
Although the legislation sets out the recommendation for mandatory training for new employees and health and safety representatives, it does not identify the scope of training that will be required or the circumstances. Employer's will have to remain patient while the recommendations are slowly reviewed and implemented.
It is important for employers to start looking at their new employee training protocols and ensure good risk management procedures are in place today. To get started, download our free white paper on 4 Easy Steps to Effective Staff Training.