Health & Safety

HR Leaf is committed to promoting well-being and safety for all our employees and workers. As part of our mission to deliver top-tier workforce solutions, we continually strive to improve our practices in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.

Safety is a shared responsibility, from the employer to the newest team member. This guide outlines your rights and responsibilities at work, along with the expectations set by Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) for us, your supervisor, and you.

Our goal is to ensure that you remain safe on the job and fully understand the health and safety duties of everyone involved. Preventing harm or illness at work starts with the knowledge you gain from this guide.

What is WHIMS?

WHMIS, or the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, is a nationwide information system that applies to all industries and workplaces across Canada. It was designed to provide workers and employers with essential information on the safe use, handling, and storage of hazardous materials in the workplace.

Labels are designed to alert workers that a container holds a potentially hazardous product. There are two types of labels: workplace labels and supplier labels. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provide detailed information about a product’s hazardous ingredients and guidelines for safe handling. Employee training is essential to ensure workers can effectively apply this knowledge. Workplace labels also identify the WHMIS class of the material, with six different WHMIS classes in total.

WHMIS has three main elements:

Labels are designed to alert workers that a container holds a potentially hazardous product. There are two types of labels: workplace labels and supplier labels. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provide detailed information about a product’s hazardous ingredients and guidelines for safe handling. Employee training is essential to ensure workers can effectively apply this knowledge. Workplace labels also identify the WHMIS class of the material, with six different WHMIS classes in total.

Supplier Label

The supplier label is a more detailed label that must be attached to the container when it arrives at the workplace (See Figure 2 for an example of a workplace label). This label is required to have a black-and-white border and must include the following:

  • Product Identifier: Includes the brand name or code number, and may also feature the chemical name, generic name, or trade name.
  • Supplier Identifier: The name of the manufacturer or supplier.
  • MSDS Reference: A statement indicating that the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be consulted for additional information.
  • Hazard Symbols: Icons representing the type of hazard associated with the product.
  • Risk Phrases: Descriptions of the potential risks involved with the product.
  • Precautionary Measures: Guidelines to follow when handling or using the product.
  • First-Aid Measures: Instructions for immediate first-aid treatment in case of an accident.

The MSDS identifies the potentially harmful ingredients in products, present factual information about the nature of the harmful ingredients, and provide guidance in the use and disposal of the product. The information must be comprehensive, up-to- date (revisions required every three years), and made available in two official languages. The following is information that must be on an MSDS: Product information—name, address, and phone number of the supplier/manufacturer and the product identifier and use.
A hazardous ingredients list.

  • Physical data: information on odor, density, boiling point etc.
  • Fire and explosion information: data on the flammability of the hazardous ingredients.
  • Re-activity information: conditions which the material may react with other chemicals or materials.
  • Toxicological data: all information on the possible health effects from exposure
    Preventative measures to be used when dealing with the product, such as ventilation requirements and handling.
  • First aid: measures.
  • Preparation information: Information on who prepared the MSDS.

Responsibilities of the Employer

At HR Leaf, we are committed to your health and safety. Here are some of the steps we take to maintain a safe working environment:

  • Ensure that supervisors are properly trained to manage health and safety on the job.
  • Develop and enforce health and safety policies and procedures in the workplace.
  • Ensure that all employees are aware of and follow these safety procedures.
  • Make sure workers wear and use the appropriate protective equipment.
  • Report any accidents, injuries, or illnesses to the Ministry of Labor.
  • Take every reasonable measure to prevent injuries and illnesses among workers.

Responsibilities of the Supervisor

According to the OHSA, every supervisor is required to:

  • Inform workers about workplace hazards and dangers, and demonstrate how to work safely.
  • Ensure that employees comply with the law as well as occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Confirm that workers are using the appropriate protective equipment.
  • Take all reasonable precautions in every situation to ensure safety.

Responsibilities of the Supervisor

According to the OHSA, every supervisor is required to:

  • Inform workers about workplace hazards and dangers, and demonstrate how to work safely.
  • Ensure that employees comply with the law as well as occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Confirm that workers are using the appropriate protective equipment.
  • Take all reasonable precautions in every situation to ensure safety.

Responsibilities of the Worker

As an employee of HR Leaf, here are some of the responsibilities we require, in line with the OHSA, that every worker must fulfill:

  • Adhere to the OHSA and its regulations.
  • Always wear or use the protective equipment required by your employer.
  • Report any known workplace hazards, as well as any missing or defective equipment.
  • Work and behave in a manner that ensures the safety of yourself and others.
  • Use the appropriate tools and equipment for the job, and maintain them in good condition.
  • Cooperate with health and safety committee members and representatives.

What rights does the employee have?

Workers have the right to be informed about the hazards associated with their work and to receive training on how to perform their jobs safely. If you are asked to do a task that you are not familiar with, you have the right to ask questions and seek clarification. Many injuries could have been prevented with proper information and training. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or report issues—it’s illegal for employers or supervisors to penalize you for doing so under the OHSA. Additionally, you have the right to refuse unsafe work if you believe it could endanger yourself or a coworker.

Everyone Has a Role in Safety:

The OHSA imposes responsibilities on everyone involved in the workplace, including managers, contractors, directors, owners, suppliers, licensees, officers, and workers. Studies indicate that new and young workers in Ontario are at a higher risk of injury during their first month on the job compared to any other time. This increased risk is often due to their lack of awareness about job hazards and what to expect from their employers, supervisors, and themselves.

Key Features of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA):

The OHSA focuses on preventing workplace accidents and diseases before they happen. The OHSA sets out laws that spell out the duties of employers, supervisors, and the rights and duties of workers. There are also different regulations unique to particular industries and hazards that support the legislation. The Act says that your supervisor and your employer have to “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for your protection.” That means that we do everything that is reasonable to protect you on the job. Everyone in the workplace has duties, and The OHSA breaks them down into three primary levels of authority:

  • The Employer.
  • The Supervisor.
  • The Worker (you).

Working Together for Safety:

We want to do our best to ensure your safety by knowing about all the potential hazards you may face in the workplace and training you on how to deal with them. If you see a hazard on the job, you have a duty to speak up. It is important that you let your supervisor or employer know about any injury, incident or close call so that we can work together to prevent those kinds of things from happening again in the future. You have the right to participate in Health and Safety.

Supplier Label:

The supplier label is a lot more comprehensive and must be attached to the container when it is delivered to the workplace. (See Figure 2 for an example of a workplace label) The supplier label must have a black and white border and must contain:
Ask questions if you are unsure.

  • Volunteer to become a worker health and safety representative or a worker member of the joint health and safety committee.
  • Help your safety committee by pointing out potential hazards.
  • Put what you learn into practice in your job.
  • Always be on the lookout for hazards to yourself and others.
    Ask yourself these questions before you start working:
  • Is any of the machinery broken?
  • Are there any warning labels or signs I should be aware of?
  • Is there anything I can trip on?
  • Do I need special equipment or protective equipment?
  • Is there something I could get caught in?
  • Do I know how to do this job safely? Have I received adequate training from my supervisors?
  • Prevention starts here!

WHAT’S NEXT?

HR Leaf is committed to providing you with a safe work environment. When it comes to your health and safety, there is no silly question—so ask if you ever have any. It could save your life. Remember if you see something unsafe that could hurt someone, or yourself, you need to report it your supervisor or your employer. We hope that you will use this information at your workplace, and stay safe on the job.

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