Ontario has ignored criminal dimension of workplace safety

In Ontario there are many work-related injuries and deaths that are investigated and prosecuted by the Ontario Ministry of Labour.  However, with recurring injuries and deaths the results of these investigations prove time and time again that this is not enough.  

The downside is that Ontario has the tools it needs to deter workplaces from continuing dangerous workplace practices.  

The Westray Bill, or Bill C-45 allows corporate executives, directors and mangers to be criminally prosecuted.  This can be done if they act wrongfully or do not take responsibility for ensuring a healthy and safe workplace.  

An interesting fact is that although it has been around for nearly six years the Ontario government has never used it.  

Since the six year presence of the bill approximately 400 workers have died and 2 million have been injured.  It is a known fact had this bill been utilized many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented.  

The province of Ontario needs to push this bill into the courts so that organizations will stop putting workers at risk.  What better deterrent than criminal prosecution.  Holding organizations criminally responsible would help pave a path for healthier and safer workplaces.  

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Posted by: suhujitha on 2010-02-01 12:00:39

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