Supervisor Due Diligence

"Due diligence is demonstrated by the actions taken before an event occurs, not after."

Supervisor Due Diligence training outlines the the legal and ethical responsibility supervisors and employers have to take all reasonable precautions to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.

What is Due Diligence?

Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), due diligence means that supervisors must demonstrate they have made every effort to identify and address hazards, provide necessary training, and maintain a safe work environment.

Due diligence is more than meeting legal requirements—it’s about holding individuals accountable for both their actions and their failures to act.

According to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the number of work related injuries and instances of occupational disease is on the rise:

Time lost due to workplace injuries can be costly and it affects every type of business sector:

Training Supervisors on Due Diligence will foster a Proactive Safety Culture that Protects Workers and Minimizes Risk

By training Supervisors how to integrate due diligence principles into daily operations— like conducting regular inspections, providing effective training, and keeping detailed records—you can foster a proactive safety culture that protects workers and minimizes risks.

Supervisors will be able to demonstrate strong leadership and accountability through their actions, which sets the tone for the entire organization. Consistent efforts to address hazards, enforce compliance, and improve safety protocols help build trust, reduce incidents, and uphold legal standards.

By integrating due diligence principles into daily operations— like conducting regular inspections, providing effective training, and keeping detailed records—you can foster a proactive safety culture that protects workers, minimizes risks and will proactively save your organization money in the long run.

Employers are required to ensure that supervisors are competent.

Supervisor due diligence requires that:

Supervisors and managers regularly conduct safety inspections of work areas, looking for potential hazards such as wet floors, exposed wires, or malfunctioning machinery.
Immediate corrective actions are taken when issues are found, like cleaning up spills or repairing faulty equipment.
Proper signage is displayed to warn of potential hazards, such as "Wet Floor," "Caution: High Voltage," or "Personal Protective Equipment Required."
Regular training sessions on workplace safety protocols, including handling hazardous materials, using equipment safely, and following workplace emergency procedures for all employees.
Clear and visible instructions are posted so workers know how to take precautions and safely operate specific equipment and machinery.
Supervisors ensure that workers are provided with the necessary PPE (e.g., gloves, helmets, safety goggles, etc.) and that equipment is used whenever required.

Employees Will be Trained How To Ensure Due Diligence By:

Ensuring Training, Inspections, Equipment and PPE are Up to Date

Conducting Regular Workplace Inspections

Reporting, Investigating and Documenting any accidents or unsafe incidents

Encouraging communication and worker involvement to foster a safe environment.

Providing regular training and keep records to ensure workers are competent.

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of incidents and investigations.

Ensuring emergency procedures, protocols and equipment are in place.

Reviewing and updating training, policies and procedures and staying up to date on legislation.

Employees Will Understand the Documentation Required to Show Due Diligence:

Worker orientation, education, and training.
Workplace inspections, including corrective actions taken.
Incident reports, including corrective actions taken.
Audit reports, including evidence of implementing recommendations for improvement.
Risk assessments and evidence of implementation of control measures.
Supervisor notes (e.g., supervisor inspections, meetings with workers or contractors regarding safety, etc.).
Health and safety committee meeting minutes.
Equipment log books and maintenance records.
Emergency response drills and exercises, including evidence of implementing recommendations for improvement.
Instructions or safe work procedures, including any changes.
Forms and checklists are used when following safe work procedures (e.g., confined space entry permits).
Sampling and monitoring records from exposure testing.
Statistics about the frequency and severity of injuries, etc.
Enforcement of health and safety rules and procedures.

Top 10 Work Related Injuries:

HR Proactive Inc. has been helping organizations ensure safe and healthy workplaces through the design and delivery of policies and training since 1997.

Areas to consider when reviewing due diligence?..

Our Supervisor Due Diligence training is customized to meet the specific training needs of your organization and employee. We have developed a training program that covers every aspect that is required to meet the OHSA due diligence requirements for your organization.

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