Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness

Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) defines a supervisor as anyone who “has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.” This means that if you manage people or a workplace at uOttawa, then you’re a supervisor, which includes a number of duties and responsibilities that you need to know.

Everyone in the workplace, from the employer to the newest worker, has different but important duties to keep the workplace safe. Employers (i.e. uOttawa) have the most authority in the workplace, so they have the greatest responsibility for health and safety. Supervisors are the next in line. Since you’re a supervisor, your job involves taking direction from your employer and giving direction to the workers you manage. Because of your position, you need to understand the health and safety responsibilities of everyone in the workplace, especially yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consult the Quick References.