Ontario MOL now posting “de-identified” information on fatalities online, even before OHSA charges laid

Ontario workplace fatalities could now result in a “de-identified” posting on the Ministry of Labour’s website, even before Occupational Health and Safety Act charges are laid.

The postings provide a brief description of the incident, and then list occupational health and safety “Resources” in relation to the incident.  Employers could view the “resources” as pointing to the types of OHSA charges that the Ministry might lay.  The Ministry, possibly having considered that point, states, “Please note that at the time this information is published on this page, the Ministry has not made any final determinations with respect to the fatality.  The postings are developed with the intention of safeguarding the privacy of individuals involved and the integrity of MOL investigation [sic] and any possible legal proceedings.” [bolding is the MOL’s]

An example of a recent posting is as follows:


 

Date of Incident: February 2016
Location: Central Ontario
Posted: February 24, 2016

Individual was struck by mobile equipment at industrial site. Individual later succumbed to injuries.

Resources:

Material Handling

Guideline for the Safe Operation and Maintenance of Powered Lift Trucks

Heavy Equipment

Struck-By Hazards


 

The Ministry of Labour’s “Workplace fatalities” page can be found here.

 

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Adrian Miedema

About Adrian Miedema

Adrian is a partner in the Toronto Employment group of Dentons Canada LLP. He advises and represents public- and private-sector employers in employment, health and safety and human rights matters. He appears before employment tribunals and all levels of the Ontario courts on behalf of employers. He also advises employers on strategic and risk management considerations in employment policy and contracts.

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