Health & Safety Signage for Ontario Workplaces — OHSA & WHMIS Requirements

The Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1 (OHSA) is Ontario's cornerstone workplace safety legislation, and it imposes extensive signage requirements on every employer in the province. Combined with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015) requirements under O. Reg. 860, Ontario workplaces must display dozens of different safety signs depending on their industry, hazards, and operations. Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) inspectors actively enforce these requirements, and fines can reach $1,500,000 for corporations and imprisonment for individuals.

OHSA Section 25 — Employer Duties Including Signage

Under OHSA Section 25(2), every employer must:

• Section 25(2)(a): Provide information, instruction, and supervision to protect worker health and safety — this includes safety signage
• Section 25(2)(b): When appointing a supervisor, ensure they are competent and aware of OHSA requirements
• Section 25(2)(h): Post a copy of the OHSA in the workplace
• Section 25(2)(i): Post the names of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members and the health and safety representative
• Section 25(2)(j): Provide results of occupational health and safety reports to the JHSC or representative

Mandatory Workplace Postings (Every Ontario Workplace)

The following signs and postings are required in every Ontario workplace with one or more workers:

1. OHSA Poster (Section 25(2)(h))

• The current version of the "Health & Safety at Work — Prevention Starts Here" poster must be displayed
• Available free from the Ministry of Labour
• Must be posted in a conspicuous location where workers can see it
• Must be the current version — outdated posters are a violation

2. JHSC or H&S Representative Names (Section 9(32))

• Workplaces with 20+ workers: Names of all Joint Health and Safety Committee members must be posted
• Workplaces with 6-19 workers: Name of the Health and Safety Representative must be posted
• Must include whether each member represents workers or management
• Must be updated within 30 days of any membership change

3. Employment Standards Poster

• Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 41, the "Employment Standards in Ontario" poster must be posted
• While technically an ESA requirement, MLITSD inspectors check for this alongside OHSA postings

4. WSIB Form 82 — "In Case of Injury" Poster

• The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) requires Form 82 be posted in a conspicuous location
• Outlines worker rights and employer obligations when a workplace injury occurs
• Must include the employer's WSIB account number

5. First Aid Requirements Sign (Regulation 1101)

• Under O. Reg. 1101 (First Aid Requirements), employers must post the first aid regulation and the names of trained first aid providers
• First aid station location signs must be posted directing workers to the nearest first aid kit
• Emergency contact numbers (ambulance, hospital, poison control) must be posted at or near the first aid station

WHMIS 2015 Signage Requirements (O. Reg. 860)

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015), implemented through O. Reg. 860 under OHSA, aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and requires:

Supplier Labels

• All hazardous products received from a supplier must bear the supplier label conforming to the Hazardous Products Regulations (SOR/2015-17)
• Labels must include: product identifier, supplier identifier, GHS hazard pictograms, signal word (Danger or Warning), hazard statements, precautionary statements, and a reference to the SDS
• Labels must be in English and French
• Do not remove, deface, or modify supplier labels

Workplace Labels

• Required when a hazardous product is transferred to a secondary container
• Must include: product identifier, safe handling information, and reference to the SDS
• Required when a supplier label is missing, illegible, or damaged
• Must be updated when product information changes

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• While not a "sign" per se, SDSs must be readily accessible to all workers who may be exposed to hazardous products
• Must be within the workplace — electronic access is acceptable if workers can access it during their shift
• SDS Station signs: "SAFETY DATA SHEETS — LOCATED HERE" signs should be posted at SDS storage locations
• SDSs must not be more than 3 years old

GHS Pictogram Signs

WHMIS 2015 uses nine GHS pictograms that must appear on labels and may be posted as area warning signs:

• Flame: Flammable materials
• Flame over circle: Oxidizers
• Gas cylinder: Compressed gases
• Corrosion: Corrosive materials
• Exploding bomb: Explosive materials
• Skull and crossbones: Acute toxicity (severe)
• Health hazard: Carcinogenicity, respiratory sensitization, etc.
• Exclamation mark: Irritation, skin sensitization, acute toxicity (less severe)
• Environment: Aquatic toxicity (not regulated under WHMIS but used on supplier labels)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Signs

Under OHSA Section 25(1)(a) and various industry-specific regulations:

• PPE requirement signs: Posted at entrances to areas where PPE is required (e.g., "HARD HAT AREA", "SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED", "HEARING PROTECTION MANDATORY")
• ISO 7010 symbols: Blue circular signs with white PPE pictograms are the international standard
• Specific regulations: Industrial Establishments (O. Reg. 851), Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91), Mining (O. Reg. 854), Healthcare (O. Reg. 67/93) each specify PPE signage requirements

Industry-Specific OHSA Signage

Industrial Establishments (O. Reg. 851)

• Machine guarding warning signs on all power-operated equipment
• Lockout/tagout procedure signs at all energy isolation points
• Confined space warning signs at all confined space entries
• Overhead crane warning signs: "DANGER — OVERHEAD CRANE" in areas where cranes operate
• Floor loading signs indicating maximum floor load capacity in storage areas

Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91)

• Project information sign at every construction site entrance (see Article 10 for full details)
• Fall protection warning signs near open edges, floor openings, and elevated work areas
• Excavation warning signs at trench edges
• Electrical hazard signs near temporary power installations

OHSA Penalties for Sign Non-Compliance

Under OHSA Sections 66-69:

• Individuals: Fines up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months for a first offence
• Corporations: Fines up to $1,500,000 for a first offence
• Subsequent offences: Fines up to $200,000 (individuals) and $2,000,000 (corporations)
• Directors and officers: Personal liability under OHSA Section 32 — fines up to $100,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment
• Ministry orders: Inspectors can issue compliance orders, stop-work orders, and orders to post specific signs
• Publicized convictions: MLITSD publishes all OHSA convictions — visible to employees, clients, and the public