Quick Question,
I work for a Rail transportation company as an entry level site supervisor.
... conductors come to us as already qualified conductors from some of the major railways
...
My question is, if I sign off on these employees as being capable to work on their own and then their is an accident causing harm or death. Can I be held responsible in any way?
Not a lawyer and don't even play one in TV.
Under Ontario health and safety legislation, the new employees' previous experience is moot if they haven't received current health and safety training at your employer. Are you signing off as the "competent supervisor"? That has a specific meaning. Have you had YOUR supervisory health n safety training?
Does your company have a health n safety committee? Can you talk to the employER cochair about your discomfort?
If you're looking for free advice, you can always call the ministry of labour and ask to talk to an inspector. You don't have to identify yourself or your company to ask about responsibility and liability from their POV.