The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) defines a supervisor as a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker. This definition is very broad in scope. The reality is that the definition of supervisor applies to many different people within a workplace. It can apply to people in management, on the shop floor, in a bargaining unit, and individuals whose job title does not include the word "supervisor". Employers must ensure that all supervisors are deemed “competent”. Competence implies the appropriate knowledge, training, and experience to handle the requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
