Answer to Question #274570 in Psychology for Dipalesa Makosholo

Question

Briefly explain why the the mining industry is excluded from the ambit of the OHSA.

Answer 1

With the increasing demand for minerals, more and more people are employed in this industry which involves hazardous tasks and thus, proper safety training and measures are required to protect the workers from the dangerous diseases or disabilities that can result from them. OHSA applies to almost every worker, supervisor, employer and workplace in Ontario, including workplace owners, constructors and suppliers of equipment or materials to workplaces covered by the Act. The OHSA applies with some limitations and exceptions, to all farming operations. It does not apply to farms operated by a self-employed person without any workers, such as a family farm run by a couple with no other workers.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace, as well as the procedures for dealing with workplace hazards and for enforcement as needed. The mining industry does not involve OHSA since it has casual employees.