What duty does the Criminal Code impose on organizations and supervisors regarding worker safety?

The Criminal Code imposes a duty of care on organizations and supervisors regarding worker safety, which requires them to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm to workers. This legal obligation is part of ensuring a safe working environment, and it signifies that employers must proactively identify risks and implement measures to protect their employees from harm.

This duty emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to workplace safety that includes assessing potential hazards, providing necessary safety equipment, and creating safety policies. If an organization or supervisor fails in this duty and an employee is harmed as a result, they could potentially face criminal charges under the Code, reflecting the seriousness of their responsibility.

Developing policies and practices that prioritize employee safety helps cultivate a culture of safety within the workplace, reduces the likelihood of workplace incidents, and aligns with broader public safety goals. By focusing on the duty to prevent bodily harm, the law underscores the protection of workers as a paramount concern for organizations and their leaders.