An Important Legal Update on Naloxone Kits in the Workplace

Naloxone Kits in the Workplace - An important updateLast year, Bill 88 or the Working for Workers Act, 2022 introduced a mandate under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) that all Ontario’s provincially regulated employers needed to provide naloxone kits on site if there was a risk of a worker having an opioid overdose. At the time, employers were not given a specific timeline as to when they needed to comply with this legislation. Now, in an ongoing attempt to tackle the opioid crisis, firmer timelines have been implemented. 

By June 1, 2023, employers need to determine whether or not they must provide naloxone kits in the workplace, and if so, they must meet certain minimum requirements.  

Read More

Time to Call in the Pros: When Do You Need an Employment Lawyer?

When Do You Need an Employment Lawyer?When it comes to employment law, there’s no shortage of information out there. From blogs to TikToks to YouTube videos, there’s a wealth of knowledge available at your fingertips. And let’s not forget about the government guides – they’re a great resource for staying up-to-date on the latest employment laws and regulations. While there’s a ton of information that can help employers navigate employment issues DIY, there are still situations where you really need an employment lawyer. 

Let’s be real – running a business can be a real headache sometimes, especially when you throw in all the legal mumbo jumbo. That’s where employment lawyers come in – we’re the legal experts who can help you navigate the murky waters of employment law and protect your business.

Read More

A Fresh Year and a Fresh Look At Your Workplace Policies

Workplace policies: A Fresh Year, A Fresh LookAh, the glow of a fresh new year! It’s human nature to use the holiday season and the start of the new year as a time for self-reflection. As Labour, Employment and Contracts lawyers, we can’t help but suggest you also bring this energy to your business and take a fresh look at your workplace policies.

There are many legally required workplace policies here in Ontario, each with legally required components. Beyond those that are legally required, you likely have or want some other workplace policies in place. Read on for a refresher on those legally required policies and tips and tricks for your review.  

Read More

Accommodating Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental Health in the Workplace - Accommodating EmployeesWhen Mental Health Meets Canada’s Favourite Pastime

A human rights claim alleging discriminatory reasons for a termination is sure to get noticed this week as it intersects with Canada’s favourite pastime: hockey. A former video analyst for the Canucks, Rachel Doerrie, filed a claim alleging that she was told she wasn’t “mentally fit” for the job just days before being terminated by the organization. She is now seeking monetary compensation and asking the human rights tribunal to make orders that will address the discrimination.

Read More

Employer Liability Post #MeToo

Employer Liability Post #MeTooPost #MeToo we have more and more dialogue about sexual harassment and sexual assault. There has been significant discussion in the areas of what constitutes consent and the power imbalances that exist in the workplace. For those reasons, some employers prohibit intimate contact between employees. Employers take this stance, because they know they could be liable for the sexual misconduct of an employee, whether the misconduct was perpetrated against another employee, a client, or otherwise. 

Sexual assault is often discussed as a criminal offence however, frequently we see these allegations arise in the workplace as sexual harassment. Employees can report the conduct in the workplace and/or to the police and pursue a civil lawsuit against the alleged perpetrator and their employer. This can lead to investigations, police involvement, and defending a civil lawsuit. It is best to speak to counsel early in the process, involve your insurer if you have employer insurance or litigation insurance, and educate yourself about the process. Burying your head in the sand will not be effective when dealing with these types of serious allegations. 

Read More

New Boss Law Bootcamp

HR law toolkit: Boss Law BootcampHello Friends of SpringLaw!

We hope your summer has gone well! 

For many of our employer clients, it’s time to get back to business, solidify HR law systems and post-pandemic norms and to gear up for a busy fall.

We want to make that easy for you – we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Boss Law Bootcamp. This comprehensive online program is designed for both new employers not sure where to start as well as boss pros who all need to keep their legal templates and resources up to date.

The Bootcamp includes the up-to-date core HR law contracts and policies you must have in place today, plus bonus guides & checklists AND time with our employment lawyers to customize and help you with the how of implementing the legal infrastructure. We want this to be effortless and quick for you.

And we have an Early Bird price until Sept 15!

Packed with practical knowledge, templates, policies and practices!

Read More
Back To Top