Do Small Businesses Need Health and Safety Training in Ontario?
- Jefferson Fowler
- Jul 15
- 5 min read
Many business owners assume that health and safety training in Ontario is only necessary for large companies with dozens, or even hundreds, of employees. However, that is a common misconception. Whether you own a small retail shop, operate a local warehouse, manage a construction crew, or run a professional office, workplace safety is an important part of running your business.
Providing employees with appropriate safety training helps create a safer work environment, reduces the risk of workplace injuries, and supports compliance with Ontario’s workplace health and safety legislation. In many cases, investing in training early can help businesses avoid costly incidents and disruptions down the road.
In this guide, we’ll explain why health and safety training matters for small businesses, discuss employer responsibilities in Ontario, and highlight some of the training programs that may benefit your workplace.
Do Small Businesses in Ontario Need Health and Safety Training?
Yes. Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) applies to employers across the province, regardless of the size of their business.
Many small business owners assume the legislation only applies to larger organizations with dedicated health and safety departments, but that is not the case. Employers have a responsibility to provide workers with the information, instruction and supervision they need to perform their work safely.
The exact training required depends on factors such as…
The industry you operate in
The work your employees perform
Equipment used in the workplace
Potential workplace hazards
Applicable Ontario regulations
Because every workplace is unique, employers should evaluate their own operations to determine which training programs are appropriate for their employees.
Why Do Some Small Businesses Skip Safety Training?
For many small businesses, it’s simply a matter of misconceptions. Some employers believe…
“We’re too small for health and safety training.”
“My employees already know how to do their jobs.”
“We’re an office, so workplace injuries aren’t a concern.”
“We’ll deal with training if something happens.”
Unfortunately, workplace incidents don’t only happen at large companies or high-risk job sites.
Employees can be injured in offices, retail stores, warehouses, restaurants, manufacturing facilities, construction sites and many other workplaces. Even seemingly minor incidents can lead to lost productivity, increased costs and time away from work.
Providing appropriate safety training helps employees recognize hazards before they become accidents.
What Are an Employer’s Responsibilities Under Ontario Law?
Ontario employers have several responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Depending on your workplace, these responsibilities may include:
Providing appropriate workplace safety training
Informing workers about workplace hazards
Developing safe work procedures
Providing required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Supervising employees appropriately
Reviewing safety procedures as workplace conditions change
The specific requirements vary depending on your workplace, but every employer should take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of their workers. For more information, visit Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Why Is Documented Training Important?
Providing training is only part of creating a safe workplace. Keeping records of completed training is also an important part of an effective health and safety program. Documented training can help employers:
Track which employees have completed training
Schedule refresher training when needed
Maintain consistent onboarding procedures
Demonstrate that training has been provided
Support internal safety programs
As your business grows and new employees join your team, maintaining organized training records can make employee onboarding much more efficient.
What Health and Safety Training Might a Small Business Need?
Every workplace has different hazards, which means there isn’t a universal checklist that applies to every business. The right training depends on your industry, equipment, and employee responsibilities.
Here are a few examples of training that may benefit Ontario small businesses.
General health and safety training helps employees understand workplace hazards, employer and worker responsibilities, and safe work practices. This type of training can benefit businesses in a wide variety of industries, including offices, retail, manufacturing, logistics and construction.
Many awareness-based health and safety courses can be completed online. Online learning gives employees the flexibility to complete eligible training at their own pace while reducing time away from the workplace. It’s an excellent option for onboarding new employees or providing refresher training throughout the year.
Businesses whose employees operate forklifts or other powered material handling equipment should ensure workers receive both theoretical and practical training before operating equipment independently.
This type of training is commonly needed in warehouses, manufacturing facilities and distribution centres. If you’re wondering what MHE certification involves, read our guide here.
Some construction workers are required to complete Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)-approved Working at Heights training before performing work that requires specified methods of fall protection under Ontario Regulation 297/13.
The exact requirements depend on the work being performed and the applicable legislation. Not sure how Working at Heights differs from Fall Protection? Read our guide to learn more.
Employees who operate aerial lifts such as scissor lifts or boom lifts should receive equipment-specific training before operating this equipment. Practical instruction helps employees understand how to safely operate equipment while recognizing potential workplace hazards.
If your employees use aerial lifts, learn more in our article about EWP training in Ontario.
As businesses grow, some employers choose to develop internal trainers. Train the Trainer programs can help businesses maintain consistency, onboard new employees more efficiently, and build internal health and safety knowledge.
Can Small Businesses Complete Safety Training Online?
Online learning has become increasingly popular because it offers flexibility for both employers and employees. Online safety training may be a good option for courses that don’t require hands-on practical instruction.
Benefits include…
Flexible scheduling
Self-paced learning
Easy onboarding for new employees
Consistent training across multiple staff members
Reduced travel time
However, not every course can be completed entirely online. Equipment-specific programs, such as Material Handling Equipment (MHE) training and Working at Heights training, include practical components that require in-person instruction.
What Are Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make with Safety Training?
Even businesses with the best intentions can overlook important parts of workplace safety. Some common mistakes include…
Assuming only large businesses need workplace safety training.
Waiting until after an incident to begin training employees.
Forgetting to train seasonal or temporary workers.
Not documenting completed training.
Assuming all employees require the same training.
Believing online training is appropriate for every type of course.
Reviewing your workplace regularly and updating training as your business changes can help avoid these common issues.
Safety Training Is an Investment in Your Business
Many business owners view workplace safety training as another expense. In reality, it can be an investment in the long-term success of your business. Well-trained employees are often more confident in their roles, better equipped to recognize workplace hazards, and more likely to follow safe work practices.
Effective training may also help:
Reduce workplace injuries
Improve employee confidence
Strengthen workplace safety culture
Support consistent onboarding
Reduce operational disruptions
Demonstrate your commitment to employee wellbeing
For many small businesses, preventing one workplace injury can save significant time, money, and stress.
Find the Right Health & Safety Training in Ontario
Every workplace is different, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to workplace safety training.
The examples discussed in this article are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a complete list of workplace training requirements. Every employer should assess their own workplace hazards and determine the training that is appropriate for their employees and operations.
At Correct Compliance, we work with businesses across Ontario to provide practical workplace safety solutions tailored to different industries. Whether you’re looking for Health & Safety Training, Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Training, Working at Heights, Elevated Work Platform (EWP) Training, Train the Trainer programs, or access to hundreds of online safety courses, our team can help you find the right solution for your workplace.
Whether your business has three employees or three hundred, investing in workplace safety training helps build a safer, healthier and more productive work environment.
Contact Correct Compliance today to learn more about our workplace safety training programs.
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