Legal Awareness I - Supervising in a Recreation Environment

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires that all workers and supervisors understand and comply with all regulations, directives and best practices associated with their specific work environment. The ORFA Legal Awareness training course builds on the mandatory Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development on-line self-study course for workers and supervisors specific to a recreation work environment. The basic requirement of OHSA remains unchanged; only "competent persons" are allowed to take care and control of a workplace or supervise other persons at work. The OHSA is clear on how competency is defined:

• Be qualified because of their knowledge, training, and experience to organize the work and supervise safe performance.
• Be familiar with the Act, Regulations, Policies and Procedures that apply to the work.
• Have knowledge of any potential or actual danger or hazard to health and safety in the workplace.

What has changed is that competency is merely the first step towards proving qualifications associated with the work. Qualification is a much higher standard that can only be met by obtaining ongoing professional development that is balanced with proven experience. Legal Awareness I is an in-depth review of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other associated recreation regulatory responsibilities. This information forms a strong foundation for all recreation professionals to apply in their day-to-day responsibilities. Once complete, it is strongly recommended that Legal Awareness II be attended as it focuses on the other regulations and policies and procedures that are considered standard within our industry.

Who should attend?

Workers who are required to work alone in their workplaces are considered supervisors under the OHSA or workers whose job description identifies them as a lead hand, supervisor, or manager.

Workplace-Specific Training

A reminder to employers or facility supervisory staff that to complete the educational process successful participants must return to work and be provided with specific workplace-specific training.

This course is worth 14 professional development credits towards recertification of any ORFA professional designation