Workers who do their jobs while under the influence of drugs and alcohol pose a safety risk to themselves and their co-workers. To address this risk, many employers rely on drug and alcohol testing. But to use this method, employers must develop a drug and …

Workers’ compensation provides benefits for workers who suffer not only work-related injuries but also illnesses. Some illnesses are designated as “occupational diseases” by the workers’ comp laws and automatically covered. But other types of illnesses are only considered an “occupational disease” when they arise out …

All jurisdictions’ OHS laws—including Ontario’s new workplace violence and harassment requirements—either expressly or implicitly require employers to take measures to prevent workplace violence. Such measures include the creation of workplace violence policies and the imposition of discipline against workers who violate those policies. But tensions …

Work-related stress is as old as work itself. But recognition of stress as a workplace hazard is a recent phenomenon. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, common sources of workplace stress include fear of job loss and layoff; increased work hours; staff cutbacks, which …

Workers’ compensation provides benefits for workers who suffer injuries that “arise out of” or “in the course of” their employment. This language clearly applies to injuries that occur while workers are lifting materials, operating machinery and performing other work-related tasks. But what if a worker …