Ontario’s commitment to adapting workplace safety laws
On May 6, 2024, the Ontario government introduced Bill 190, Working for Workers Five Act, bringing significant amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). These amendments, which received Royal Assent on October 28, 2024, reflect the evolving nature of work environments, including the rise of working from home and the use of digital communication tools in the workplace.
Key amendments to the OHSA
- Recognition of telework:
- The OHSA now applies to work conducted in private homes, ensuring workers are protected regardless of their location.
- The "industrial establishment" definition has been amended to exclude home offices, providing clarity on workplaces to which, Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments) applies.
- Permitting electronic copies of health and safety documentation:
- Various provisions of the Act were amended to permit the posting of certain information in a ‘readily accessible electronic format’.
- Acceptable digital documentation includes joint health and safety committee (JHSC) names and work locations, a copy of the OHSA, and the workplace’s health and safety policy.
- Virtual participation for JHSC members:
- JHSC members can now participate in virtual meetings, accommodating the increasing use of digital communication tools for workplace collaboration.
- Workplace harassment policies include virtual harassment:
- The definition of "workplace harassment" in the OHSA has been expanded to include virtual harassment conducted through information and communication technologies (ICT).
- Similarly, "workplace sexual harassment" now includes harassment or advances made through virtual communication.
What this means for employers and workers
These changes signal Ontario’s commitment to modernizing workplace safety laws to address the realities of today’s work environment. Employers must now ensure their harassment policies and programs explicitly cover virtual harassment and adapt their practices to comply with the new telework provisions.
For workers, these amendments provide additional protection, ensuring a safer and more respectful work environment, whether in the office or at home.
Resources and support
Workplace Safety North is committed to supporting employers and workers in understanding and adapting to these changes. Contact us for resources, training, and guidance to ensure your workplace complies with the updated OHSA requirements.
Related training
JHSC Certification (available in French and English)
Occupational Health and Safety Act and Mining Regulations
Duly Diligent Mining Supervisor
Related news and resources
What’s new and changing for workplace health and safety in 2025 - WSN
Backgrounder: Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 – Government of Ontario
Occupational Health and Safety Act – e-Laws