Health and Safety Policy

Policy Number: CS-1401-1979

Policy Title: Health and Safety Policy

Policy Owner: Chief Human Resources Officer

Effective Date:

Last Revised:

On this page

  1. Purpose
  2. Application and Scope
  3. Definitions
  4. Principles
  5. Accountability and Compliance
  6. Roles and Responsibilities
  7. Policy Revision Date
  8. Attachments

9. Specific Links

1. Purpose

Mohawk College values the health, safety and well-being of the College community and is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment through policies, programs, procedures and guidelines that meet or exceed the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024. Workers, visitors and contractors are responsible for working safely and in accordance with applicable legislation and Mohawk College requirements. To achieve a healthy and safe workplace, we must all work together to create a high level of health and safety awareness and respect health and safety policies, procedures and legislation. Non-compliance with this policy or other safety related policies, procedures or legislative requirements will result in disciplinary action as appropriate.

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all Workers, volunteers, visitors and contractors of Mohawk College.

3. Definitions

“Anti-discrimination” is the practice of treating everyone fairly and equally, regardless of personal characteristics or background. It actively works against unfair treatment based on traits that individuals cannot control. This approach emphasizes a person's abilities, qualifications, and character rather than surface-level traits. Anti-discrimination efforts aim to level the playing field so that everyone can participate fully in society without facing unnecessary barriers or prejudice. Ultimately, it embraces our differences while recognizing our shared humanity, committing to judge people by their actions and merits rather than preconceived notions or stereotypes.

“Anti-hate” refers to actions, attitudes, or policies that oppose or counter hatred, discrimination, and prejudice against individuals or groups based on their identity characteristics. Key aspects of anti-hate include:

•    Actively opposing prejudice and discrimination
•    Promoting equality and respect for all people
•    Challenging hateful speech, actions, or ideologies
•    Supporting and protecting targeted individuals or groups
•    Educating others about the harm caused by hate

Anti-hate efforts can take many forms, such as:
•    Policies to protect vulnerable groups
•    Educational content to promote understanding and tolerance
•    College community initiatives to build inclusive environments
•    Reporting and countering hate crimes and incidents

Anti-discrimination and anti-hate, in the context of health and safety, is the proactive effort to create and maintain a workplace environment that protects all individuals from harmful, discriminatory, or threatening behaviors based on personal characteristics, ensuring both physical and psychological well-being for everyone.

“Director” refers to members of the Board of Governors.

“Officer” refers to the President and Vice Presidents.

“Employer” is Mohawk College under the OHSA.

“Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC)” are advisory groups consisting of management and worker representatives established under the requirements of Section 9 of the OHSA.

“Supervisor (Leader(s))” refers to a person who has charge over a workplace or authority over a worker as defined by the OHSA.  Supervisors include the following: Administrators, Managers, Directors, Associate Deans, Deans, Registrar, Chiefs, Vice Presidents, and President.  

“Worker” means any of the following, but does not include an inmate of a correctional institution or like institution or facility who participates inside the institution or facility in a work project or rehabilitation program:

  • A person who performs work or supplies services for monetary compensation.

  • A secondary school student who performs work or supplies services for no monetary compensation under a work experience program authorized by the school board that operates the school in which the student is enrolled.

  • A person who performs work or supplies services for no monetary compensation under a program approved by a college of applied arts and technology, university, private career college or other post-secondary institution.

  • Such other people as may be prescribed who perform work or supply services to an employer for no monetary compensation.

4. Principles

  • Mohawk College values the health, safety and well-being of the College community and is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment. This will be achieved through policies, programs, procedures and guidelines that meet or exceed the requirements of the OHSA and complies with the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024. This act includes the Ontario Minister’s Anti-Racism/Anti-Hate Directive.   
  • Mohawk College supports the implementation of the Internal Responsibility System to involve the workplace parties for promoting occupational health and safety and preventing accidents, incidents and occupational injuries.
  • Workers, visitors and contractors are responsible for working safely and in accordance with legislated and College requirements.
  • Non-compliance with this policy or other safety related policies, procedures or legislative requirements will result in disciplinary action as appropriate. 

5. Accountability and Compliance

5.1 Accountability Framework

This Policy impacts our college employees therefore it underwent consultation with various key college members before being approved by the Senior Leadership Team.

5.2 Compliance

The Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring its effectiveness and reviewing this policy on an annual basis or more frequently as necessary.

Supervisors are responsible for departmental compliance with this policy and maintaining a safe and healthy environment in their areas of responsibility.

5.3 Anonymous Reporting

The college provides a mechanism for anonymous reporting of policy violations. While we may not be able to investigate anonymous complaints fully, we use this information to improve our campus culture. Anonymous Reports can be submitted online at ClearView Connects.

5.4 Training and Education

The college offers regular training sessions and content on anti-racism, inclusion, and our complaint process for all members of our community.

For more information regarding employee training, employees are encouraged to discuss options with their immediate Leader. Employees can also contact the Professional Development department or Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTLI).

6. Roles and Responsibilities

6.1 Employer

Through the Mohawk Executive Group (MEG), Mohawk College will:

  • Take all reasonable care to ensure Mohawk College complies with the OHSA and Regulations and its obligations as an “Employer”.
  • Provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment by ensuring compliance with safety regulations and requirements.
  • Support the College Joint Health and Safety Committees.
  • Ensure corrective measures for identified hazards are promptly implemented.
  • Ensure leaders are competent and accountable for health and safety.
  • Implement procedures to protect and support college community members facing discrimination-related health risks. Detailed guidance is available in the Respectful Workplace, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.

6.2 Leaders/Supervisors

Leaders will:

  • Take all reasonable precautions for the protection of their workers and their obligations as “Supervisors” under the OHSA.
  • Maintain a safe and healthy working environment and ensure work is performed in compliance with the OHSA and Regulations and Mohawk College policies and procedures as appropriate.
  • Ensure Workers are informed of actual and potential hazards and have applicable training to conduct their work safely.
  • Investigate workplace accidents, incidents or hazardous conditions in their area of responsibility and implement corrective measures or hazards identified.

6.2.1 Professors, Instructors and Technologists (also included in definition of “Leader”)

Professors, Instructors and Technologists have responsibility for the learning environment and authority over students. They have responsibilities to provide a positive safety example and leadership for students. With respect to safety, they will:

  • Ensure students perform work in compliance with the OHSA and Regulations, departmental and Mohawk College requirements.
  • Ensure students are informed of actual or potential hazards and how to avoid those hazards.
  • Take all reasonable precautions for the protection of students.
  • Ensure safe practices and procedures are followed.
  • Ensure students wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Ensure emergency procedures such as fire evacuations; lockdown and hold and secure are reviewed with students at the beginning of each semester.

6.3 Workers

Workers will:

  • Comply with the OHSA and regulations and with applicable Mohawk College policies, programs and procedures and their obligations as “Workers” under the OHSA.
  • Ensure work is performed in compliance with the OHSA and regulations and the college’s policies and procedures.
  • Only operate equipment on which they have been trained for which they are authorized to use.
  • Promptly report to their Supervisor any observed violation of the:
    • OHSA or regulations
    • Mohawk College rules and procedures or
    • Any workplace hazard of which they are aware.
  • Promptly report a workplace accident, incident, hazard or injury to their Supervisor.
  • Participate in Health and Safety training and education.

6.4 Visitors

Visitors to Mohawk College are responsible for:

  • Conducting themselves in a safe manner and obeying all posted rules and applicable safety requirements.
  • Wearing personal protective equipment required in designated areas.
  • Responding promptly to emergency announcements or alarms and to instructions from College Workers responding to emergencies.
  • Reporting any accident, injury or unsafe condition to Security Services or other College Workers.

7. Policy Revision 

7.1 Revision Date

March 2026

7.2 Responsibility

The Chief Human Resources Officer will review this policy annually in conjunction with the Joint Health and Safety Committee. This Policy will be posted on the Joint Health and Safety Bulletin Boards and under the Health, Safety and Wellness section of MyMohawk.

8. Attachments

Attachment 1 – Health and Safety Policy (Posted Version) (PDF)

9. Specific Links