The Ontario government has announced the appointment of George Gritziotis as the province’s first Chief Prevention Officer, as part of its commitment to workplace health and safety.
The Chief Prevention Officer will be responsible for:
- developing a provincial occupational health and safety strategy
- coordinating and aligning Ontario’s workplace health and safety prevention system
- providing advice on the prevention of workplace injuries and occupational diseases
The creation of the Chief Prevention Officer was one of the key recommendations in a December 2010 report from an expert panel mandated to review Ontario’s workplace health and safety system.
Quotes
“Ontario’s workplaces continue to be among the safest in Canada, but we can always do better. Mr. Gritziotis’ proven skill and vast experience will greatly benefit workers and employers. The appointment of our first Chief Prevention Officer is another step towards healthier and safer workplaces for Ontarians.”
— Charles Sousa, Minister of Labour
“I am honoured and look forward to working together with our health and safety partners and business, labour and other partners to make Ontario workplaces safer.”
— George Gritziotis, Chief Prevention Officer
Quick Facts
- The Chief Prevention Officer position was created following a review of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety prevention and enforcement system led by Tony Dean, professor at the University of Toronto's School of Public Policy and Governance.
- Gritziotis has played an integral role in facilitating collaboration and partnerships, and advancing workplace safety and worker training, and stakeholder engagement among a wide range of industry, and provincial and federal government organizations.
Additional Information