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Supervisor training. Plan for compliance & competence in 2026.

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January 20, 2026 Training, Workplace Representation, Prevention
Supervisors may not set company health and safety policy, but they are on the frontlines of ensuring implementation. It’s no surprise then, the law demands they be competent.

Ontario’s Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) defines this competence, requiring supervisors to have knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and how it is to be performed. By law they must also be familiar with the OHSA and any regulations under it that apply to the workplace. Further they must know about any actual or potential health and safety hazards in the workplace.

Training…the path to compliance

So how is competence achieved? Training is a critical step. On this score too the law is clear.

The OHSA requires supervisors complete occupational health and safety awareness training, for instance. This training must be completed within one week of performing work as a supervisor. It must address a wide range of topics, including their significant obligations to protect workers, the roles of joint health and safety committees and worker health and safety representatives, and how to recognize, assess and control workplace hazards.

Upcoming scheduled virtual and in-person Supervisor Health & Safety Training opportunities help you gain compliance and much more!

The law also requires employers provide WHMIS training to workers, including supervisors, exposed or likely to be exposed to a hazardous material or to a hazardous physical agent at work. Employers must also provide training on the contents of mandatory workplace violence and harassment policies and programs.

Failing to ensure supervisor competence can place the safety and health of workers in harm’s way. It can also prove costly to supervisors and employers. Those convicted of an offense under the OHSA can be fined up to $500,000 and imprisoned for up to 12 months.

Competency is also important as it relates to Criminal Code amendments that resulted from Bill C-45, known as the Westray Bill. This bill upon coming into force in 2004 established rules for attributing criminal liability to organizations and individuals, including supervisors, who direct the work of others but do not take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm and instead show a wanton and reckless disregard for workers’ lives and safety (s. 217.1 and 219). Last year, for instance, a Toronto-area supervisor was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of criminal negligence causing the death of 53-year-old Denis Garant on September 21, 2020.

WHSC Training…the path to safer, healthier work

Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) is Ontario’s only government-designated health and safety training centre and a leading provider of mandatory and essential training. This includes Supervisor Health & Safety Training, along with WHMIS and Workplace Violence and Harassment. Each of these programs go beyond just meeting minimum mandatory standards. They are designed to empower supervisors and other workplace parties to act on their obligations and rights relating to safer, healthier work.

Much of our training is available in-person or in a virtual classroom, all led in real time by a highly experienced, WHSC-qualified instructor to ensure critical learning is achieved. For virtual training, all that is required is a high-speed internet connection, and a computer or tablet with a functioning camera, speakers and microphone.

Register now for Supervisor Training and take your next step to compliance and competence.

Access related resources:
SPECIAL C-45 REPORT: Prison for supervisor found negligent in worker death
Inadequate work plan leads to critical injury and convictions
Supportive supervisors reduce risk of worker injury, study finds

Looking to meet all of your health and safety training obligations?
Discover our full training catalogue, featuring programs that cover a broad spectrum of workplace hazards and regulatory responsibilities. Connect with one of our Training Services Representatives located across Ontario, and don’t forget to ask about preferred pricing for larger groups and onsite training.

We are also currently offering deep discounts on all WHSC ergonomics training in support of International RSI Awareness Day, held annually on the last day of February. Register now for in-person and virtual training at the discounted rate of $40/participant. With this special pricing, each registrant can save up to $80 on courses when booked by February 28, 2026.

Register for discounted ergonomics training today.

Need training in French?
We also offer Ontario’s largest French catalogue of instructor-led training. For more information, contact WHSC Training Services Representative Christopher Gervais at cgervais@whsc.on.ca or 613-407-2187.

Need more information?
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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