‘Dangerous’ patios?

Dear Editor:

Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) protects workers who believe a physical condition of the workplace is likely to endanger them. 

Recently, Elora and the broader Wellington County area were impacted by an orange-level air quality warning due to northwestern Ontario wildfire smoke.

Under the OHSA, an employer must “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.” 

If air quality indices reach dangerous levels, this clause requires employers to actively mitigate the risk (e.g., by providing N95 respirators, modifying work shifts or moving operations indoors).

Those who did not close their patios on July 15, you know who you are.

Courtney Pamela,
Elora