Safety, Liability & Leadership: A Condo Corporation’s Role in Preventing Tragedy

Earlier today I was speaking with a condominium manager about an unrelated matter when our conversation shifted to workplace safety. I mentioned a court decision from just last week: a supervisor had been sentenced to several years in prison under the Criminal Code’s Bill C-45 provisions for their role in a worker’s death.

It is a tragic case—that underscored the critical importance of workplace safety inspections, hazard identification, and accountability. The lessons and impacts from this case can be applied to Condominiums

The manager paused, then asked a series of questions that I suspect many condominium corporations and Condo Managers have also asked themselves:

  “Our condominium is a workplace—what legal obligations do I have to keep staff safe?”

“Who is responsible for ensuring our building superintendent is working safely?”

“How does a Manager deal with workplace harassment?”

What Every Condominium Needs to Know About Workplace Safety

Many condominium corporations and Managers may not see themselves as “employers” in the traditional sense, but under Ontario’s Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), if you oversee a workplace, employ staff, or direct work being performed, you are responsible for ensuring safety compliance.

#1: Every Condo in Ontario Must Have Health & Safety Procedures.

This isn’t optional —it’s a legal requirement under the OHSA. A condominium’s Health & Safety Policy is the foundation of its workplace safety program. While only some condominiums require a written Policy, all are required to have an active Health & Safety Program. The extent of this program is based on the size of the workplace, the hazards in the workplace and others areas of focus. Outlining roles, responsibilities, reporting structures, and risk management strategies are the best practice. Having a one page policy is 25 percent of compliance, the other 75 percent is the hazard assessment, procedures, training and inspections at your building.

#2: Is the Licensed Condominium Manager considered a Supervisor?

As a Condominium Manager, you provide daily interaction and direction to building staff such as superintendents and concierge personnel. That means you have a duty to ensure they are working safely and in compliance with all safety requirements.  This includes providing proper training, enforcing safe work practices, and conducting regular inspections.  Failing to do so can result in serious consequences.

In practice, the condominium Manager implements and enforces the condominium corporation’s health and safety policy and procedures.  It allows a Manager (and staff members) to have clear directions for safety, to follow on behalf of the corporation.  Further, it allows a Condo Corporation to have written evidence of their safety program to defend against claims.

#3: Workplace Violence & Harassment Procedures Are Mandatory.

Correct.  Every condominium corporation must have written Workplace Violence and Harassment Procedures, while a written “Policy” is not required for some smaller condominiums, written procedures are required, focussing on your Condo’s procedures for reporting incidents, investigating complaints, and enforcing those procedures. If your condominium has a one page “policy” on Violence and Harassment – this alone does not meet the requirements – You as the Supervisor need the written procedures to follow / implement that policy.  In a high-traffic residential setting where staff interacts with residents, contractors, and visitors, proactive safety measures are critical.

#4: Workplace Inspections Are a Legal Requirement

Under OHSA, all condominium corporations must conduct internal workplace inspections on a routine basis. In fact, Inspections are required in every condominium to meet the demands of the OHSA, the Ontario Fire Code and the Occupiers Liability Act.   These internal inspections range from daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspections.   Regular inspections are not just a legal checkbox—they are the first line of defense in preventing hazards, identifying compliance issues, protecting both staff and residents. Records of these inspections provide evidence of compliance - as required by OHSA (and others), and further provide both the Manager and Corporation a defendable risk posture against claims.

Building a Safer Future for Your Condominium

Workplace safety in condominiums is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a fundamental responsibility that protects all in your community. A strong Health & Safety Program provides clear guidance on roles, responsibilities, hazard management, training, and ongoing compliance.

If your condominium does not have a written, site-specific Health & Safety Procedures in place—or if existing procedures lack proper implementation—now is the time to take action. Consider the following next steps:

Engage a third-party health and safety expert to assess your building’s compliance.
Obtain three quotes from qualified professionals to ensure a balanced approach.
Present the options to your Board at the next meeting to support informed decision-making.

By prioritizing safety, condominium corporations can not only meet their legal obligations but also foster a secure and well-managed environment for everyone.

Jason Reid is Senior Advisor; Fire, Safety & Emergency Management with National Life Safety Group, a dedicated team passionate about providing real solutions to protect people, operations, assets, and reputations. We specialize in integrating fire, safety, and emergency management strategies that enhance resilience, ensure compliance, and drive meaningful results for our clients.

www.nationallifesafetygroup.ca