February 23, 2021
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development sends out a newsletter that contains a variety of information for employers.
I have included the ‘teaser’ items of the newsletter for you below.
Clicking on any of the articles will open the full article on the Ministry’s website in your browser.
Retailers show improvement in complying with public health guidelines: Workplace inspections are helping create safer workplaces in Ontario
Ontario’s provincial offences officers have visited more than 2,308 big-box stores and other essential retail businesses across the province in 2021, and those complying with public health guidelines have increased by almost 19 per cent over three consecutive weeks. In addition to inspecting retail stores, occupational health and safety inspectors and employment standards officers from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development have launched an inspections blitz in the warehousing and distribution sector in Peel Region, which has been particularly hard hit by COVID-19.
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New and updated COVID-19 resources for workplaces on Ontario.ca
- New COVID-19 Safety Checklist for Workplaces helps with creating or reviewing COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plans. Checklist also available in Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
- Set of three workplace posters now available in 19 languages to print and post, to help remind workers and clients about safe behavior during COVID-19, in languages appropriate for every business.
Recent news releases from Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
Ontario taking steps to better protect workers: First aid consultations extended to March 11
The Ontario government has launched a consultation in order to modernize first aid requirements, with a focus on a proposal to enhance health and safety training standards at all workplaces.
COVID-19 webinars: Information for employers & workers about the ESA and OHSA
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, in partnership with organizations across Ontario, is hosting webinars to help workers and employers better understand their rights and obligations under the Employment Standards Actand the Occupational Health and Safety Act as they relate to COVID-19. These free, online sessions are delivered by subject matter experts from the ministry and multiple sessions are available.
Infection Prevention and Control at Work: Basic Awareness Training
A new, free e-learning program, Infection Prevention and Control at Work: Basic Awareness Training, is now available for workers and employers across all sectors. This 30-minute program equips workers with knowledge in how infections spread and what action can be taken to protect workers from infections in the workplace.
Employment Services Transformation: Reference group on employment services for people with disabilities
The inaugural meeting for the ministry’s new reference group on employment services for people with disabilities took place in December. The group will provide feedback to the ministry and service system managers to help ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are supported as employment services in Ontario are transformed.
Consultation on amendments to pre-start review requirements for factories
The ministry is proposing to amend section 7 of the Industrial Establishments regulation (Regulation 851) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires that a pre-start health and safety review be carried out on certain machinery, protective elements, structures and processes in factories before they are put into service for the first time or if modifications are needed.
WSIB: Online direct deposit and address changes
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) news and updates:
- People with claims can now sign up for direct deposit online.
- Don’t forget to notify WSIB about changes in a mailing address or business address.
OHCOW: Repetitive-stress injury day, COVID webinar series and new podcasts
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) news and updates:
- Weekly webinar series in February to mark Repetitive Strain Injury day.
- Occ-COVID, the weekly webinar series on topics related to COVID-19, continues in March.
- OHCOW’s latest podcast, a fun and scientific conversation on occupational health and nail or hair salon services during COVID-19.
WSN: Free resources on battery electric vehicle safety and dementia webinar
Workplace Safety North (WSN) news and updates:
- View free webinar recordings, presentation and resources from January symposium on battery electric vehicle safety in mines.
- New, free webinar recording discusses dementia in the workplace.
IHSA: Winter considerations during COVID-19
Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) news and updates:
- New document provides resources, tips and best practices to help employers and employees prevent the spread of COVID-19 and work together safely.
PSHSA: Building resilient workplaces
Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) news and updates:
- Free, one-day pilot of distance learning program designed to help leaders promote resilience in their organizations.
IWH: New study on workplace COVID-19 outbreaks, and webinar on the future of work and the impact on vulnerable workers
Institute for Work and Health (IWH) news and updates:
- January 2021 Issue Briefing found that during the current second wave of COVID-19 in Ontario, workplace outbreaks—not including outbreaks in health care, congregate living (e.g. correctional) and educational settings—represent slightly over five per cent of all cases among working-age adults.
- Free February 25 webinar on trends shaping the future of work and what they might mean for vulnerable people.
WSPS: COVID-19 resources, small business safety podcast and mental health supports
Workplace Safety & Prevention Service (WSPS) news and updates:
- Free WSPS Prevent COVID at Work app, on Apple and Google Play, provides plain-language answers to commonly asked questions and quick access to health and safety information.
- Learn how your business can keep up with evolving COVID-19 requirements in this free article from WSPS.
- Expert insights and online resources to help answer five workplace concerns inthis free COVID Q&A article.
- The latest episode of WSPS’s free podcast, Small Biz Safety, covers expanded enforcement initiatives, what the state of emergency means for small business, improving your safety program and tips on setting annual safety goals.
- Comprehensive list of mental health resources and online tools to support employees during COVID-19 and beyond.
OCRC: New study on COVID-19 among paramedics
Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC) news:
- New study led by researchers from OCRC, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia investigates COVID-19 occupational risk factors, infection rates, vaccination and immunity among paramedics in Ontario and B.C.
CRE-MSD: Free March 10 webinar on preventing work-related MSD
The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disease (CRE-MSD) news:
- Free 30-minute webinar on data-driven, individualized interventions forprevention of work-related MSDs.
Court bulletins
View bulletins on recent court decisions that resulted in fines and other penalties under Ontario’s workplace laws.