OHSA Workplace Safety Policy Compliance in Condominiums

The Risk  

The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires all workplaces, including condominiums, to have specific safety policies and programs in place.  

For condo corporations, this means:

• Written workplace violence and harassment policies

• Health & Safety policies reviewed annually

• A functioning Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) or Health & Safety Representative

• Documented safety training for all workers, including contractors

  
  

Non-compliance can lead to Ministry of Labour orders, fines, or stop-work orders and can leave the corporation exposed to liability if a worker or contractor is injured on-site.

Real Incident Example 

In 2023, a downtown Toronto condominium was ordered by the Ministry of Labour to immediately halt renovation work in a mechanical room after a contractor suffered a minor injury. Investigators found no evidence of site-specific hazard assessments or recent safety training for maintenance staff. The corporation was issued multiple compliance orders and fined $15,000 for OHSA violations.

Common Compliance Gaps

• Policies exist but are outdated or not reviewed annually

• JHSC minutes not recorded or accessible

• Safety training not tracked for contractors and casual staff

• Missing workplace inspection records

  
  

The Solution with Safe Buildings  

Safe Buildings ensures OHSA compliance by:

• Centralizing all workplace policies for instant access and annual review tracking

• Automating reminders for monthly inspections and JHSC meetings

• Providing digital forms for incident reporting and workplace inspections

• Tracking training completion for employees and contractors with proof-of-completion uploads

  
  

Outcome:  Condo boards can prove compliance to Ministry of Labour inspectors instantly and ensure a safer workplace for both staff and contractors.

Benefits for the Property Manager

• Reduces risk of personal liability if an accident occurs

• Simplifies Ministry of Labour inspections with instant access to all required documents

• Tracks contractor safety credentials without manual follow-up

• Enhances operational efficiency by integrating safety compliance into daily workflows

  
  

Ultimate Benefits for Residents

• Ensures safer building operations, reducing risk of accidents or service disruptions

• Minimizes potential legal and financial impacts on the condominium corporation

• Builds trust that management prioritizes both resident and worker safety

  
  

Key Takeaways

• OHSA compliance is a legal requirement that extends to contractors working on-site.

• Policies, training, and documentation are essential for avoiding costly enforcement actions.

• A digital platform like Safe Buildings streamlines compliance, protects managers, and safeguards residents.

Safe Buildings – Compliance Made Simple  

www.safebuildings.ca