“Unsafe” Coworker Did not Justify Work Refusal under OHSA: Ontario Arbitrator
An Ontario arbitrator has held that a worker was not justified in refusing to work because it was allegedly unsafe […]
Caselaw Developments
Lawyer’s Letter to OLRB Binds Unhappy Employee to Safety-Reprisal Settlement
The Ontario Labour Relations Board has held that an employee and employer settled a safety-reprisal complaint, due to the employee’s […]
Appealing MOL Compliance Order? Ask for Inspector’s Notes and Photos
Employers appealing Ontario Ministry of Labour compliance orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act are entitled to notes made […]
Sexual Assault on Employee by Supervisor: Employer and Supervisor Liable for $620K
The Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld a jury award of $470,000 in damages, plus a costs award of $150,000, against […]
Ontario Village Pays $75,000 Fine in Death of Volunteer Firefighter During Ice Water Training Exercise
This is the week for blog posts on volunteer fire departments. The situation involving the Village of Point Edward, near Sarnia, was […]
Volunteer Fire Department’s Actions Being Scrutinized by Court under OHSA: 2 of 3 Remaining Charges Dismissed
In an unusual case, the Ontario Ministry of Labour has charged a small town’s volunteer fire department with safety offences […]
Municipality Must Give Employee’s Workplace Violence/Harassment Reporting Form to Citizen: Ontario Privacy Commissioner
In a decision that may cause concern to Ontario municipalities, Ontario’s privacy commissioner has ordered the City of Woodstock to […]
Juice Cart Violence? Care Facility Worker’s Work Refusal Dismissed: “The Act does not address fears”
A worker at a care home for “mentally challenged adults” refused to deliver juice and food supplements to clients, using […]
Slap on Face Not Just Cause for Dismissal: Employer Failed to Train on Violence Rules
An Ontario judge has held that an employer which failed to train employees on its workplace violence rules did not […]
One Shouting Match, “Stupid Proby” Comment, Likely Not Harassment under OHSA: OLRB
The Ontario Labour Relations Board, in a preliminary decision in a case, has held that one shouting match between a […]
Lawyer-Mediator’s Firm Conflicted-Out of Representing Employee
The law firm of a lawyer who assisted a hospital in “evaluating, mediating and resolving workplace conflicts between employees including […]
Two Death Threats Against Foreman Land Employee Five-Day Suspension: Employer Required to Act
The Ontario Labour Relations Board, sitting as an arbitrator, has upheld a five-day suspension against a construction employee who admitted […]