In Ontario (Labour) v. United Independent Operators Limited, 2011 ONCA 33, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that independent contractors are considered to be "regularly employed" for the purposes of determining whether a company has an obligation to establish a joint health and safety committee (JHSC).

The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act requires a JHSC to be established at a workplace at which 20 or more workers are regularly employed.

• You can read Fasken Martineau's summary of the case here: "Independent Contractors Considered Workers for Health and Safety Purposes" (February 23, 2011)

• You can read Lancaster House's summary of the case here: "Independent contractors are employees under health and safety legislation, Ontario Court of Appeal rules" (February 16, 2011)