Ontario Office of the Employer Adviser
ON, Canada
Workplace safety advice in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Construction
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Free advice, representation and education on workplace safety and insurance, as well as worker's compensation, for Ontario employers.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located throughout Ontario as indicated by the geographical scope of the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA), an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development in Ontario.
- Companies located anywhere within Ontario, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$14,400
Creating an online portal for workplace safety resources aimed at restaurant workers
$16,000
Launching a worker’s compensation advisory service for tech startups
$24,000
Organizing a workplace safety expo for construction industry professionals
$12,000
Implementing a workplace safety training program for small businesses
$9,000
Establishing an educational workshop series on workplace safety for artisans
$20,000
Developing a mobile application for workplace safety education targeted at retail employees
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for services provided by the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) is determined by legal and organizational criteria related to the size and sector of the employer.
- Employers seeking legal advice and representation must have fewer than 100 workers for WSIB-related issues.
- Employers seeking assistance for allegations of unlawful reprisal under OHSA must have fewer than 50 workers.
- Services are available to employers throughout Ontario.
- Employers must be involved with workplace safety and insurance claims or facing allegations related to unlawful reprisal under OHSA.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) provides legal services primarily to employers in Ontario who employ fewer than 100 workers. The OEA focuses on those employers for representation before the WSIB and WSIAT in workplace safety and insurance matters. For issues related to unlawful reprisals under the OHSA, they represent employers with fewer than 50 workers. The services are available to any size of employer, but representation is focused on smaller businesses as specified by the size thresholds.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria are as follows:
- Expertise and experience in the field
- Alignment with grant objectives
- Feasibility and impact of proposed project
- Clarity and completeness of application
- Demonstrated need for funding
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Legal services and representation provided are entirely funded through WSIB premiums or administrative fees paid by employers, ensuring no additional costs to the employer.
- The OEA specializes in assisting smaller employers, particularly those with fewer than 100 workers, offering targeted support and advocacy.
- The OEA conducts webinars and education sessions, enhancing employer knowledge regarding workplace safety and unjust reprisal regulations.
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) legal representation is available for employers with fewer than 50 workers facing reprisal allegations.
- Confidentiality is a key aspect of OEA services, ensuring privacy for employers using their services.
Apply to this program
Support for Ontario Employers in Workplace Safety and Insurance
The Office of the Employer Adviser provides free legal services to Ontario employers dealing with workplace safety and insurance claims. OEA focuses on representing smaller employers, ensuring they have access to the resources and support needed for effective management of workplace safety and insurance issues.
Understanding the Role of the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA)
The Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) is an invaluable resource for Ontario’s small to medium-sized enterprises, offering expert legal guidance and representation specifically tailored to employers managing workplace safety and insurance matters. Funded through the premiums and administrative fees paid by employers to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), OEA provides these services at no extra cost, ensuring financial accessibility for businesses employing fewer than 100 workers.
One of the key functions of the OEA is to provide expert legal advocacy during disputes with the WSIB and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT). By focusing their efforts on resolving conflicts at the earliest stages, OEA helps employers navigate the often complex processes associated with workplace safety and insurance claims, minimizing disruptions to business operations and ensuring fair treatment within the legal framework.
In addition to dispute resolution, the OEA offers extensive educational programs via webinars and seminars. These initiatives are designed to equip employers with the knowledge necessary to understand and uphold their legal rights and responsibilities under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. Such education is crucial in preventing potential legal conflicts and ensuring a safe working environment.
Beyond workplace safety and insurance assistance, the OEA also dedicates resources to helping employers manage allegations of unlawful reprisal under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Employers facing claims of unjust reprisal can rely on OEA's experienced legal team for guidance through the stringent timelines and processes of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, including mediation and hearings. This aspect of their service is particularly focused on organizations with fewer than 50 workers, showcasing their commitment to supporting smaller businesses in maintaining lawful and harmonious work environments.
The publications released by OEA, such as their annual reports and business plans, serve as a testament to their ongoing commitment to transparency and the continuous improvement of their services. These documents not only provide insights into OEA's operations and strategic direction but also offer important information that helps employers remain compliant and informed about changes in workplace law and safety protocols.
In essence, the OEA acts as a pivotal support system for Ontario businesses, particularly small enterprises, by offering comprehensive legal, educational, and advisory services. Through their efforts, they ensure that even the smallest employers have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in a challenging regulatory environment, ultimately promoting a safer, more informed, and fair workplace for all involved.
