Legal English
Legal English is quite different than everyday English. Words used in legal language are often defined.
Legalese (legal language) is also difficult to interpret without the proper training.
legalese /ˌlēɡəˈlēz/ (noun) informal
- the formal and technical language of legal documents that is often hard to understand.
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Legal Definitions from Ontario’s Health and Safety Act
“competent person” means a person who,
(a) is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance,
(b) is familiar with this Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and
(c) has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace
“employer” means a person who employs one or more workers or contracts for the services of one or more workers
“supervisor” means a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker;
“worker” means a person who performs work or supplies services for monetary compensation.
“shall” means an action or job-related duty that must be done / mandatory
“may” means there is a choice as to which action needs to be taken / there are options. but one of the options must be taken
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In your own words, describe what one or more of the following 5 legal duties from Ontario’s Health and Safety Act mean:
1. An employer shall ensure that the equipment, materials and protective devices as prescribed are provided;
2. an employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker
3. an employer may appoint himself or herself as a supervisor where the employer is a competent person
4. A supervisor shall ensure that a worker uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the worker’s employer requires to be used or worn
5. No worker shall remove or make ineffective any protective device required by the regulations or by his or her employer
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