OPSEU makes recommendations to expert advisory panel on workplace safety

June 30, 2010 Following the deaths of four construction workers on Christmas Eve, Labour Minister Peter Fonseca announced a review of the province’s occupational health and safety system. In March, the government appointed Tony Dean, a former Secretary of the Cabinet who has also served as Deputy Minister of Labour, as chair of an advisory panel of safety experts from labour groups, employers and academic institutions to recommend options for structural, operational, and policy improvements to workplace safety. Seven working groups were established to gather information and report to the panel on specific issues such as system structure, the internal responsibility system, vulnerable/precarious workers, the underground economy, supply chains and incentives, technology and innovation, and training. OPSEU raised its concern that none of the front-line experts on enforcing the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ministry of Labour inspectors, were on the panel or working groups. 

Nonetheless, OPSEU and occupational health and safety inspectors have contributed their insight and expertise to the important issues the panel is considering. OPSEU and the inspectors have made presentations during the public consultations, as well as on a specific day arranged to discuss health and safety enforcement. In addition, OPSEU and its Ministry of Labour members are pleased to present written submissions to the panel. 

OPSEU Submission click here

OPSEU Ministry of Labour Employee Relations Committee submission click here

The panel will review all submissions over the summer and is due to report back by the end of 2010.  For more information regarding the Expert Panel Review, click link http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/eap/index.php