August 20, 2021
Items of interest from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
The Ministry periodically sends out a newsletter that contains a variety of information for employers.
This edition includes three items in particular that may be of interest to you:
- Ontario keeping workers safe as province reopens
- The Ontario government is investing $10.5 million to provide up to 60,000 small businesses across the province with free health and safety training over the next three years.
- The Ontario government is investing $10.5 million to provide up to 60,000 small businesses across the province with free health and safety training over the next three years.
- Free Roadmap to Reopen webinar, info about workplace screening and more
- Workplace Safety & Prevention Service (WSPS) news and updates
- Workplace Safety & Prevention Service (WSPS) news and updates
- PSHSA: Free workplace violence webinars and information about preventing heat stress
- Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) news and updates
You may find other items of use as well. I have included the ‘teasers’ of all articles in the newsletter for you below with links that will open more information on the Ministry’s website in your browser.
| Ontario keeping workers safe as province reopens |
| The Ontario government is investing $10.5 million to provide up to 60,000 small businesses across the province with free health and safety training over the next three years. The new Small Business Health and Safety Training Program will improve health and safety awareness to help prevent illnesses and injuries by training health and safety representatives of small businesses on how to keep workers safe in the retail, construction, health care, accommodation and food services, and other sectors. Businesses will also be reimbursed for the time the representatives are away from work. Learn more |
| Free Roadmap to Reopen webinar, info about workplace screening and more Workplace Safety & Prevention Service (WSPS) news and updates: This free, pre-recorded webinar provides the latest information on Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen. Topics include: how to reassess safety plan requirements for Step Three, recommendations on safe work practices during COVID-19, and more .Free articles and resources about workplace screening and why it’s more important than ever. Free articles and resources on COVID-related workplace violence. Includes information on how to deal with threats, verbal and physical assaults. Article on helping employees overcome pandemic weariness. Features seven suggestions on how you can help employees reenergize, improve their mental health, and recover their motivation during the pandemic. New Small Biz Safety podcast episode teaches businesses with 6-19 employees how to access free training for health and safety representatives, offers tips on chemical safety and more. |
| PSHSA: Free workplace violence webinars and information about preventing heat stress Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) news and updates: |
| Ontario’s Second Career program helping workers start new careers The Ontario government is increasing financial supports available and simplifying the application process for individuals applying to the Second Career program. As the province’s economy begins to reopen, these changes will make it easier for laid-off and unemployed workers to pursue training and start new and better careers. Learn more |
| Ministry consulting on requirements for use of tower cranes On July 14, the Ministry posted a consultation on the Regulatory Registry for a proposal to modernize and clarify existing requirements relating to the use of tower cranes, as set out in the Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91) and O. Reg. 420/21: Notices and Reports Under Sections 51 to 53/1 of the Act – Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Learn more |
| Mining health & safety regulatory amendment consultations underway The Ministry is consulting on changes to Regulation 854 (Mines and Mining Plants) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The proposed changes would increase flexibility, better reflect current technology and reduce regulatory burden, while maintaining or improving worker health and safety. Learn more |
| Additional ministry consultations: Head protection and Notice of Project RequirementsThe Ministry is consulting to harmonize head protection requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and consulting on a proposal to modernize the Notice of Project Requirements under Ontario Regulation 213/91 – Construction Projects. Head protection | Notice of Project Requirements |
| Chief Prevention Officer releases five-year Occupational Health & Safety StrategyIn line with Ontario’s commitment to preventing injuries, illnesses and fatalities in workplaces, the province has released its next five-year strategy, called Prevention Works. The province is taking an evidence-informed approach to understand how to better protect workers in the future and cultivate a workplace culture of health and safety. Learn more |
| Simplified, streamlined JHSC Certification Program & Provider Standards now in effectAs of June 30, the Chief Prevention Officer has amended the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Program and Provider Standards to include the requirements of the JHSC Certification Distance Learning Standard. These changes simplify the requirements for new applicants and approved providers, and streamline the administrative and application processes. Learn more | JHSC Certification Training Provider Standard| JHSC Certification Training Program Standard |
| IHSA: Free presentation on preventing falls in trucking and new safety podcastThe Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) news and updates: This five-part series of podcasts looks at what IHSA is and what it does. Episodes cover information about IHSA, safety training and three important programs: the Certificate of Recognition, Health and Safety Excellence program and the National Construction Health and Safety Officer program. Free online program helps employers and workers in the transportation industry identify hazards and strategies to minimize the risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace. |
| IWH: Unemployment benefits linked to lower death rates, mentoring project and moreThe Institute for Work and Health (IWH) news and updates: Here are 5 things IWH thinks you should know—based on its research findings from the past year. Family health-care practitioners treating patients with work-related injuries or illnesses will get advice from occupational medicine experts in a mentoring pilot program launching in September and hosted by IWH. Unemployment benefits are linked to lower death rates over 10 years, according to an IWH study. |
| Court bulletins View bulletins on recent court decisions that resulted in fines and other penalties under Ontario’s workplace laws. Read more |