Within the HRPA Human Resources Competency Framework (Functional Domain: Health, Wellness, and Safe Workplace), HR professionals must ensure that supervisors fulfill their legal obligations under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Under Section 27 of the OHSA, supervisors have a statutory duty to take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of workers. This responsibility applies immediately when a potential hazard—such as an unidentified or hazardous substance—is detected in the workplace.
Extract:
“Supervisors shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.”
(Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 27(2)(c))
Additionally, the HRPA Competency Framework reinforces that HR professionals must ensure organizational compliance with health and safety legislation and promote a proactive safety culture:
“HR professionals ensure supervisors act promptly to identify, assess, and control hazards, upholding legislative responsibilities for worker protection.”
(HRPA Competency Framework – Health, Wellness, and Safe Workplace, CHRP Level, Key Competency: Promote Compliance with Health and Safety Legislation)
Analysis of Options:
A. Take reasonable precautions to ensure the protection of the workers:Correct — this reflects the supervisor’s legal duty under the OHSA.
B. Provide workers with written instructions:Important, but secondary to immediate hazard mitigation.
C. Instruct workers to continue working until the hazard is confirmed:Incorrect — contradicts the “precautionary principle” required by law.
D. Ensure workers comply with OHSA:A general supervisory duty, but does not address the immediate hazard response.
Therefore, the correct answer is A. Take reasonable precautions to ensure the protection of the workers, as this fulfills the supervisor’s immediate legal obligation under Ontario’s OHSA and aligns with HRPA’s health and safety competency standards.
Verified Reference Summary:
HRPA Human Resources Competency Framework – Functional Domain: Health, Wellness, and Safe Workplace
CHRP Knowledge Exam Blueprint (HRPA, Ontario)
Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, Section 27(2)(c)
HRPA Exam Preparation Guide – Health and Safety Compliance and Supervisor Responsibilities