Entire vehicle was a “workplace” under OHSA even when only transporting employees, says OLRB
In a decision that affirms a broad definition of “workplace” under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario […]
Adrian Miedema
Full bioOLRB has no authority to order government investigation of safety-reprisal complaint
The Ontario Labour Relations Board has held that it has no authority to order the Ontario Ministry of Labour to […]
Attack on co-worker who warned of unsafe behaviour gets employee 4 years in prison
An employee who attacked a coworker who warned of safety issues, has been sent to prison for four years. CBC […]
“Half-hearted and insensitive” response to sexual harassment complaint, flawed investigation, results in $25,000 damage award
A recent case illustrates the importance of conducting a careful, sensitive investigation of sexual harassment complaints. An employer’s “unpardonable” response […]
“Cardinal Rule” Safety Violation Warranted 6-Month Suspension, Last-Chance Order
A millwright who violated his employer’s “Cardinal Rules” by committing a lock-out violation, deserved a six-month suspension and with a […]
Driver “talking on cell phone, looking at some papers” before accident, lawsuit alleges
We all know that police in Ontario are cracking down on distracted drivers, particularly those handling cell phones or texting […]
Post-Accident Safety Fixes: An Admission of Liability?
We are often asked whether post-accident fixes or improvements by an employer will be held against it if occupational health […]
Disability Management Company and Principals Not Guilty of Making False Statement
A disability management company charged under the Ontario Insurance Act with knowingly making false or misleading statements to an insurer has […]
Inspector’s Opinion Beat Engineer’s in Request to Suspend OHSA Compliance Order
The Ontario Labour Relations Board has deferred to the opinion of a Ministry of Labour inspector over that of an […]
Illegal to Have Cell Phone in Hand, Even for Only a Moment, While Driving: Ontario Appeal Court
Drivers who have a cell phone in hand are committing an offence, even if not using the phone at the […]
Arbitrator May Not Award Damages for Workplace Injury where Worker Entitled to WSIB Benefits
An employee who was entitled to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board benefits for a workplace injury could not also obtain […]
Excessive Hours of Work Could be Safety Issue: OLRB
Working excessive hours could pose a safety issue, the Ontario Labour Relations Board has held in refusing to dismiss a […]