Ontario
government launches workplace gateway resource for employers and workers
Website
Provides One-Stop Access To Information On Range Of
Workplace Topics
TORONTO,
Sept. 15 /CNW/ - The Ontario government is launching a new
website
that bundles information to enhance workplace health and safety,
employment
standards and consumer protection, Labour Minister Chris Bentley
announced
today.
"This is
furthering the education and training of the whole community,
particularly
the employer community with respect to employment standards and
occupational
health and safety issues," said Bentley. "It is a platform
that
we
can build upon in the future to help businesses become more efficient
and
government
more effective."
The Workplace Gateway
(http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/obc/english/workplacegateway/index.htm)
is a
one-stop
access point that combines links to a number of web-based resources
for
specific industry sectors like construction, restaurants, tourism, and
bed
and
breakfasts. The construction link, for example, leads to detailed
information
on how to start a business or project, licences and trade
qualifications,
workplace health and safety laws, regulations and other
topics.
The Workplace Gateway can also be accessed through the Ministry of
Labour's
website at www.gov.on.ca/LAB/english/ Click on the Workplace Gateway
button.
The Workplace Gateway
outlines the responsibilities of both employers and
workers
under Ontario law to help ensure employment standards and workplace
safety
requirements are being met. The website also provides answers to
frequently
asked questions about health and safety, pay and benefits and other
topics.
"Small businesses
need ready access to government information in order to
succeed,"
said Len Crispino, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Ontario
Chamber of Commerce. "This site provides that information in a
straightforward
manner. I have no doubt this will be an important tool for our
membership."
"We commend the
government for this good start on its commitment to small
and
medium size businesses to ease the load of government requirements. We
look
forward to promised next steps that will make it even more valuable to
business,"
said Judith Andrew, Vice President, Ontario, of the Canadian
Federation
of Independent Business.
"The ministries in
exceptional
web-based tool that is a great step forward and will help people
and
businesses across the province access meaningful information with
respect
to
health and safety requirements and practices," said John Macnamara,
President
of the Business Council on Occupational Health and Safety.
