Ontario has made changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to reduce red tape and improve worker health and safety.
Feminine Hygiene Products in Construction Washrooms
Since January 1, 2025
Constructors must provide menstrual products (both tampons and pads) on construction projects with 20 or more regularly employed workers and where the project is expected to last at least three months.
The products must be kept clean and hygienic, and be provided in one or more locations on the project, so that each worker has a location that offers a reasonable amount of privacy and accessibility.
Other General and Construction Washroom Changes
As of July 1, 2025
- The definition of “washroom facility” takes effect (includes a washroom, toilet facility, clean-up facility, urinal, shower or other similar facility, but does not include an eye wash station or emergency shower).
- A constructor (for project sites) and all other employers shall ensure that the washroom facilities for workers are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
As of January 1, 2026
All employers shall keep, maintain and make available washroom facility cleaning records. To meet this requirement, the employer should ensure that the record:
- includes the date and time of the two most recent cleanings of the washroom facility.
- is posted in a conspicuous place in or near the washroom facility to which the record pertains where it is likely to come to the attention of workers; or posted electronically where it can be accessed by workers, and workers are advised on where and how to access the record.
In addition to these rules, constructors must keep at the project:
- a servicing record of the washroom facilities, including any associated cleaning and sanitizing, which must include the date of all services for the past six months or the duration of the project, whichever is shorter; and
- a copy of the document required for “varied” washroom locations, if any, that sets out the reasons for the variance (see Ontario Regulation 213/91), and which must be kept for the project’s duration.
Red Tape Reduced: Meeting Posting Requirements Electronically
Since October 28, 2024
Instead of posting hard copies, employers may choose a “readily accessible electronic format” to meet workplace posting requirements of the following documents:
- Joint Health and Safety Committee names and work locations
- Requested WSIB annual summaries (of work accident fatalities, etc.)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Occupational health and safety policies
- Workplace violence and workplace harassment policies, including written policies ordered by an inspector for employers with five or fewer employees
A “readily accessible electronic format” means:
- the employer provides workers with direction on where and how to access the information; and
- the information is posted in an electronic format that can be readily accessed by workers in the workplace (e.g., a specific location on SharePoint).
Joint Health and Safety Committee Meetings
Since October 28, 2024
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)s, which are required in all workplaces with 20 or more employees, meet at least every 3 months. These meetings can now also be held virtually, instead of just in-person.
Workplace Harassment and Workplace Sexual Harassment Definitions
Since October 28, 2024
The definitions of “workplace harassment” and “workplace sexual harassment” now include virtual harassment. Full definitions of both terms are available on the government of Ontario website.
For more information, please call 1-833-568-2342 to speak to a CFIB Business Advisor, or email hrnow@cfib.ca.
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