Competent supervisor

A new owner of an Ontario business takes over the duty to choose who supervises the work. Section 25(2)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act says an employer shall, when appointing a supervisor, appoint a competent person; the Act’s exclusions, such as those in s.3, still apply. The Act defines a supervisor as a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.

What “competent person” means

Under s.1(1), a competent person is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance, is familiar with the Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace. Ontario’s guide to basic awareness training also says all employers must ensure workers and supervisors complete an awareness training program that meets the regulatory requirements.

What to ask

• Who the current supervisors are, and what training and experience records exist for each.
• Whether supervisors have completed the awareness training.
• Whether any open inspector order concerns supervision.