Upcoming events and legislative changes in Ontario
Ontario employers can expect several workplace health and safety changes in the year ahead, including new legislative requirements and updates to training programs. These changes are designed to strengthen injury and illness prevention and improve access to health and safety education across sectors.
Workplace Safety North (WSN) continues to support the province’s risk management approach by providing research-informed resources, training and guidance for Ontario’s mining and forest products industries.
What’s new and changing for 2026
- Government compliance initiatives in 2026 will continue with a two-phase approach. More information will be released in the new year upon announcement of the industry areas focus.
- The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 and Ontario Regulation 157/25 introduce new AED requirements for construction sites, effective January 1, 2026. Key updates include:
- Mandatory automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on construction projects with 20 or more workers lasting three months or longer
- Clear requirements for AED installation, identification, accessibility, and maintenance
- Requirement for at least one worker trained in CPR and AED use to be present on site
- WSIB reimbursement program to help offset AED purchase cost
- Changes to the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Program will take effect July 1, 2026. Current certification training programs remain valid until June 30, 2026, and the validity of existing JHSC certifications is unchanged. Key updates include:
- Expanded access to training through the introduction of hybrid learning delivery
- A strengthened classroom code of ethics
- Enhanced workplace violence and harassment learning outcomes
- A simplified recertification process, allowing Refresher training instead of retaking Parts One and Two after certification expiry
- Removal of the one-time exemption process
- Stronger and clearer learning requirements, including enhanced content on Occupational Illness
These changes are reflected in updates to the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard and the Training Provider Standard.
- New administrative penalties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), introduced through the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 (Bill 30), gives inspectors the authority to issue administrative monetary penalties for OHSA violations, effective November 27, 2025. Key points for employers:
- Inspectors can issue monetary penalties for health and safety violations
- Provides a “middle option” between orders and criminal charges
- Payment of the penalty prevents prosecution for the same violation
- Encourages proactive compliance and routine hazard management
2026 Upcoming events: Mark your calendar
- Jan. 28: Call for papers – Mining Health and Safety Conference
- Jan. 28: Trade show registration - Mining Health and Safety Conference
- Sponsorship opportunities - Mining Health and Safety Conference
- Apr. 15-16: Mining Health and Safety Conference
- Forestry upcoming health and safety training courses and free resources
- General industry upcoming health and safety training courses and free resources
- Mining upcoming health and safety training courses and free resources
- Paper, printing and converting upcoming health and safety training courses and free resources
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