The Working for Workers Six Act

The Ontario government has introduced the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229), which proposes sweeping reforms to enhance workplace safety, support families, and promote equity across sectors. Building on previous Working for Workers acts, this proposed legislation introduces mandatory $500,000 fines for repeat safety offenders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the “OHSA”).

Bill 229 also proposes significant amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (the “WSIA”). For example, it introduces a 16-week job-protected leave for adoptive and surrogate parents, ensuring families have the time they need to bond and adjust. Additionally, workers dealing with serious medical conditions such as cancer or multiple sclerosis would benefit from a new 27-week job-protected leave.

To encourage equity in traditionally male-dominated fields, Bill 229 expands the requirement for adequately fitting personal protective equipment (“PPE”) to all sectors, ensuring inclusivity for women and workers with diverse body shapes. Safety for roadside workers is also prioritized by expanding “slow down and move over” laws to include work vehicles with flashing amber lights, introducing steep penalties for non-compliance.

Bill 229 further addresses firefighter health by enhancing cancer coverage, reducing the required years of service for certain presumptive coverage and removing age limits for others.

Click here to learn more about the proposed legislation:
https://lnkd.in/ew2VY2CM