Free Ontario Health and Safety Checklist for Small Business
If you run an Ontario business with fewer than 20 workers, this free checklist shows what the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Ministry of Labour expect of you, in plain language. It saves you hours of digging through government websites, and it includes other requirements for starting a business.
I built it after more than 30 years as a health and safety professional, because most small business owners I talk to don’t know where to start. Enter your details below and it’s yours.
What the Checklist Covers
- Mandatory workplace posters, including the OHSA, “Prevention Starts Here” and the WSIB “In Case of Injury” poster
- Written health and safety policy, and when you need one
- Workplace violence and harassment policies and program
- Mandatory health and safety awareness training for workers and supervisors
- First aid kit and trained first aider requirements
- Health and safety representative (6 to 19 workers) or joint health and safety committee (20 or more)
- WSIB registration and WHMIS
- Other requirements for starting a business in Ontario
Want to see the requirements broken down by business size? Read Ontario health and safety requirements for small business.
Free Health and Safety Resources
I’ve collected the free posters, guides and training your business needs, so you don’t have to guess. Every resource below is free from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
Mandatory Health and Safety Awareness Training for Supervisors & Workers
Ontario small business entrepreneurs must ensure supervisors and workers complete an awareness training program as soon as practicable. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development offers a free e-learning and a hard copy workbook. The Safety Starter Plus program includes these requirements plus common job-specific hazards and safe work practices.
Free Ontario Health and Safety Policy Templates
Most Ontario employers need a written health and safety policy, plus workplace violence and workplace harassment policies. My free templates are written for small businesses. Add your business name, sign, date and post them where workers can see them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ministry of Labour have a health and safety checklist for small business?
The Ministry publishes the requirements across many web pages, posters and guides. My checklist pulls the ones that apply to small businesses into one list you can work through.
Do I need a written health and safety policy if I have 5 or fewer workers?
Under the OHSA, the written policy and posting requirements apply when you regularly employ more than 5 workers, unless an inspector orders otherwise. You still have the same duty to protect your workers, and many other requirements on the checklist still apply.
Do my workers need health and safety training?
Yes. Every worker and supervisor in Ontario must complete basic health and safety awareness training as soon as practicable. The Ministry’s free online and workbook versions are linked above.
Do I need a health and safety representative?
If you regularly employ 6 to 19 workers, your workers must select a health and safety representative. With 20 or more workers, you need a joint health and safety committee.
Want Your Health and Safety Program Done for You?
Safety Starter Plus is a custom health and safety program for Ontario businesses with fewer than 20 employees. It covers OHSA basics, your job-specific hazards and safe work practices, with your logo, and online training your employees can take on any device. From $519 for 1 to 5 employees.
Questions? Call or text me at 226-921-5054.