Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training in Ontario: What Employers Need to Know
n Ontario, workplace health and safety isn’t optional—it’s the law. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) sets clear expectations for employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. One of the key requirements under the OHSA is Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training, often referred to as the “four-step awareness training.”
This mandatory training provides workers with a foundational understanding of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the duties of employers and supervisors. Whether you’re a new hire starting your first day or a seasoned worker switching job sites, awareness training helps ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety.
Key notes
- Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training is mandatory in Ontario for all employees, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and student workers.
- The training covers four essential areas: roles and duties, worker rights, common hazards, and where to get help.
- Employers must ensure compliance by providing the training, keeping records, and can simplify the process through structured online courses like the one offered by Monarch Safety Group.
Who Needs Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training?
Every worker in Ontario—regardless of industry—must complete this training. This includes:
- Full-time employees
- Part-time workers
- Temporary or seasonal staff
- Students and interns
Supervisors also have a separate but related Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness Training requirement. Both programs are designed to align with Ontario law and foster safer workplaces.
What Does the Training Cover?
The four-step Worker Awareness Training addresses the basics of workplace safety. Participants learn about:
- The duties of employers, supervisors, and workers – Understanding who is responsible for what in maintaining a safe work environment.
- The rights of workers – Including the right to know, the right to participate, and the right to refuse unsafe work.
- Common workplace hazards – From slips and falls to chemical exposure, workers gain awareness of the dangers they may face.
- Where to get help – Knowing where to turn when safety concerns arise, including internal reporting systems and external resources like the Ministry of Labour.
Why Is This Training Important?
- Legal Compliance: Ontario law requires all workers to complete this training. Employers who fail to comply may face fines or Ministry of Labour orders.
- Safer Workplaces: Trained workers are more likely to identify hazards and prevent incidents.
- Stronger Safety Culture: When everyone understands their role, safety becomes part of the company culture—not just a box to check.
- Reduced Costs: Fewer accidents mean fewer lost-time injuries, WSIB claims, and operational disruptions.
How Employers Can Stay Compliant
Employers must ensure every worker has completed Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training and maintain records of completion. The Ministry of Labour provides a free online course you can complete (see below) at the end a certificate of completion is issued.
Begin your 4-step Worker Health and Safety Awareness Course by clicking below!