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Bill 160, the Occupational Health & Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, passes
third reading on May 18th, 2011 |
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Bill 160 will now be presented to the Lieutenant Governor for assent in the Queen’s name (Royal Assent).
Most of the provisions in the Bill will come into force upon Royal Assent.
The other provisions in Bill 160 will come into force at different times. For
more information read the Ministry of Labour press release
here
and Bill 160
here.
May 19th 2011 |
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Upcoming Ministry of Labour Safety Blitzes
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Workplace injuries and fatalities can usually be traced to a few root
causes that may vary by sector. The Ministry of Labour’s proactive
inspection blitzes on sector-specific hazards are designed to raise
awareness and increase compliance with health and safety legislation.
These blitzes are announced in advance and results are reported after
they are completed. The ministry tracks each sector to determine if the
blitzes result in a long-lasting increase in compliance and decrease in
injuries. For a complete blitz schedule click
here or visit the Ministry of Labour’s website
here.
April 25th 2011 |
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National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2011 |
In 1984 CUPE’s National Health and Safety Committee proposed the
idea for a day to honour workers injured or killed at work. This
year will mark the 27th National Day of Mourning and it will be
recognized in more than a hundred countries around the world and
has been adopted by the AFL-CIO and the International
Confederation of Free Trade.
The National Day of
Mourning, held annually on April 28, was officially recognized
by the federal government in 1991, eight years after the day of
remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress and has
been adopted by the AFL-CIO and the International Confederation
of Free Trade.
Typically the Canadian flag on Parliament
Hill is flown at half-mast, and workers and employees observe
this day in various ways including lighting candles, donning
ribbons and black armbands, and observing moments of silence.
The purpose of Day of Mourning is twofold - to remember and
honour those lives lost or injured and to renew the commitment
to improving health and safety in the workplace - to prevent
further deaths, injuries and diseases from work.
Ontario
recognizes the Day of Mourning on April 28 and remembers those
who have lost their lives while working, as well as those whose
lives changed forever because of a workplace injury or illness.
For PSHSA, the reality of workplace fatalities hit close to home
as we experienced recent losses within our police, firefighting
and municipal sectors. For a complete list of ceremonies across
the province,
click here.
If you would like to download the
WSIB event poster, please click on the appropriate link:
English Poster
French Poster
The Day of Mourning is a time to
remember all these workers, but it’s also a time to renew our
commitment to preventing workplace injury, illness, and death.
April 19th 2011 |
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All Regulatory Requirements Respecting Confined Spaces Consolidated
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Please note the Ministry of Labour’s proposal to consolidate all of
the regulatory requirements respecting confined spaces into one
regulation, namely O. Reg. 632/05, under the Occupational Health and
Safety Act (OHSA) has been approved. As a result,.
• the application section of O. Reg. 632/05 is amended to make this
regulation apply to construction projects, health care and residential
facilities, industrial establishments, and mines and mining plants;
• the provisions that apply with respect to confined spaces in the
four sector-specific regulations are revoked; and,
• important
differences between the current confined spaces provisions that apply on
construction projects and those that apply for other workplaces have
been maintained.
Overall, the intent of these proposed changes is not to decrease
worker protections or to significantly affect employer
obligations regarding confined spaces. The proposed amendments
will come into force July 1, 2011.
The amending
regulations are now available in the Source Law section of the
e-Laws website. It is expected that the amendments will be
consolidated into the e-Laws version of O.Reg. 632/05 by the end
of April.
The Ministry of Labour is also in the process
of updating its guideline on confined spaces requirements,
including developing a table of concordance for stakeholders.
Please continue to check the Ministry of Labour’s website at
www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/ and
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca for more information.
April 4th 2011 |
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New Community Care Tool to Reduce Workplace Hazards
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PSHSA is pleased to present an innovative tool to help workers, the
employer and the system to identify and control hazards in the community
care environment.The tool, a hazard reporting form and a webinar to
train workers on how to use the tool are all available free to download
from our website.
Click here to learn more.
As well, Public Services Health & Safety Association is pleased to offer
selected training in the month of March for just $25 per participant
thanks to funding from the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care and
Health Force Ontario.
The training schedules, including course descriptions, dates,
times and locations are available on our website
e-store. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your place
today.
March 10th 2011 |
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Proposed Amendments to the OHS Act and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act |
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The Ontario Government announced today that it is proposing
amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace
Safety and Insurance Act. These amendments are in response to several of
the recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health
and Safety and are intended to improve the province’s safety system and
increase protection for workers. If passed , the following
recommendations would occur:
• Establish the Ministry of Labour as the lead for accident prevention,
transferring it from the WSIB.
• Appoint a new Chief Prevention
Officer to coordinate and align the prevention system.
• Create
a new prevention council, with representatives from labour, employers,
and safety experts, to advise the Chief Prevention Officer and the
Minister.
The proposed amendments would also give the Minister of
Labour oversight of the province's Health and Safety Associations. The
minister would also oversee the education, training and promotion of
workplace health and safety.
March 3rd 2011 |
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New Protective Equipment Standard Unveiled for Firefighters, Police, Paramedics and Health Care Workers |
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To help protect Canadians, it is essential that first responders right across Canada have access to the right protective equipment in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident.CSA Standards (CSA) and the federal government have announced Canada's first national standard for protective equipment for front-line fire, police and paramedic workers. The standard identifies requirements for protective CBRN equipment, such as respiratory protection and whole-body protection.
It also addresses the differences between a conventional hazardous
material incident and a deliberate CBRN incident in order to understand
how equipment guidelines may differ.
More information is available on the CSA website at
this
link.
February 24th 2011 |
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Interim Prevention Council Announced
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The Ministry of Labour acted on a key recommendation of the Expert
Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety yesterday, announcing
the members of the interim Prevention Council. Paavo Kivisto, a retired
Deputy Minister of the Environment and former Deputy Minister of Labour
will lead the six-member interim Council. p>
The MOL is moving quickly to act on the Panel recommendations. PSHSA
continues to work closely with our system partners to further the
recommendations of the Panel, and we look forward to the opportunities
that it holds to advance health and safety for our clients and partners.
More information about the Council and its members can be found
here at
this
link.
February 16th 2011 |
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Health and Safety Forum: Building an Enterprise-Wide Safety Culture
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Dear Members,
The Public Services Health and Safety
Association is pleased to be partnering with The Conference Board of
Canada on their upcoming Health and Safety Forum: Building an
Enterprise-Wide Safety Culture. As part of our partnership, we’re able
to offer our valued members a savings of $280 off the full registration
fee. Simply use our rebate code PRM2 when you
register to save!
The
Health and Safety Forum: Building an Enterprise-Wide Safety Culture,
on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, will
help you leverage your health and safety program into an enterprise-wide
initiative. Learn how to build a safety culture that will engage
employees, reduce costs, and make you an employer of choice.
This interactive forum features case studies, panels, and discussions of
the major challenges faced by health and safety executives. You’ll meet
the innovators and hear about the health and safety strategies of
General Motors of Canada Ltd., Home Depot of Canada Inc.,
University Health Network, Jacobs Engineering, PepsiCo Canada, Loblaw
Companies Limited, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association,
and many more.
You will also find out how an enterprise-wide safety culture can save
money by reducing lost time injuries, claim rates, and insurance
premiums. The experts will discuss how to:
• Manage lost time rates
to affect your safety culture
• Leverage your health and safety
knowledge to engage your leadership team
• Communicate an effective
safety message to all levels of the organization
• Keep the focus on
safety in the face of other business pressures
• Recruit and screen
for the most effective safety professionals
Don’t forget to use our rebate code PRM2 when you
register to save $280!
Februray 14th 2011 |
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Confined Space Entry and Rescue Procedures DVD
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Confined Space legislation for Ontario Workers now calls for a proper
assessment and hazard identification of all confined spaces a worker may
enter.
PSHSA is proud to present “Confined Space Entry and Rescue Procedures”
DVD. This informative DVD focuses on proper procedures and best
practices for entry into a confined space. It features a rescue team
that has crossed trained with a local fire rescue service.
This DVD costs $150 + HST and can be purchased from our online
store at http://store.osach.ca To locate, please type ‘Confined
Space’ into the search engine, or contact a PSHSA representative
at 416-250-7444.
http://store.osach.ca.
January 26th 2011 |
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Expert Advisory Panel on Health and Safety Announces Results of Review
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On Thursday, the Expert Advisory Panel on Health and Safety, led by Tony
Dean, announced the results of its review of Ontario’s occupational
health and safety system. Read the announcement by clicking below:
English
French
Over the course of its work, the panel asked a wide variety of
stakeholders for their views about how to improve the prevention system.
The panel has now made substantial recommendations for improving both
the structure of the system and its work. The report can be found by
following these links to the Ministry of Labour’s web site:
English
French
The recommendations support PSHSA’s work and the work of the
other health and safety associations. We welcome the release of
the panel’s report, and are pleased that the announcement has
raised public awareness about the need to enhance health and
safety in Ontario’s workplaces. We look forward to working with
the Ministry and our system partners on strengthening Ontario’s
health and safety system to eliminate workplace injuries and
illnesses. We are committed to keeping you informed about
developments as we look forward to being part of this new step
forward for Ontario’s workers and employers.
December 17th 2010 |
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Safety Group Rebate Over Half a Million Dollars!
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On Congratulations to our 2009 Safety Group members! As a result of
their efforts in 2009. they are sharing a WSIB rebate of $630,165.55!
Even more importantly, their excellent work brought many enhancements to
their health and safety programs, and a healthier and safer workplace!
It’s not too late to take advantage of the many benefits of Safety
Group. Sign up before December 31st for the 2011 Safety Group – chapter
meetings will be held across the province, in Toronto, London, Hamilton,
Eastern Ontario, and possibly Northern Ontario.
December 17th 2010 |
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PSHSA is pleased to present
the 2011 Healthcare Sector Specific Certification Course Calendar. |
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Designed to complement Basic Certification, Sector Specific
Certification assists joint health and safety committee members with
issues particular to their work environment.
This two-day sector
based program focusing on hazards common to the majority of workplaces
in a sector. OSACH offers 5 Sector Specific Certification programs:
• Acute Care
• Community Care
• Long-Term Care
• Group
Homes
• Laboratories Please note that Sector Specific
Certification training must be identical for both management-designated
and worker JHSC members and that successful completion of both Parts I &
II are required to become certified.
December 16th 2010 |
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Emergency Planning and Preparedness Conference
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On December 9, 2010, the Ontario Hospital Association is hosting a
conference titled “Emergency Planning and Preparedness: Building
Resiliency in the Health Care System”. This conference will highlight
building resiliency in the health care system through collaboration with
an emphasis on being proactive..
November 23rd 2010 |
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NAOSH Week May 1-7, 2011
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In 2011, North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week
will be celebrated from May 1-7. This is an excellent opportunity to
focus, reinforce, and strengthen commitment to occupational safety and
health.
November 15th 2010 |
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MOL Enforcement Blitz
Targets Conveyor Hazards |
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Ministry of Labour inspectors will focus on lockout and guarding
hazards involving conveyor systems from November 1 to December 31, 2010
during stepped-up activity at industrial workplaces across Ontario. More
information and a free poster to download are available from the MOL
website
English
French. If you have questions about conveyor systems in use at
your workplace, contact your
PSHSA consultant.
November 5th 2010 |
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Becoming Bully Free at Work |
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OHA is hosting a training session appropriate for all sectors titled
"Becoming Bully-Free at Work: Information, Inspiration and
Implementation". Speakers are Valerie Cade, author of "Bully Free at
Work", and Henrietta Van hulle, Director Prevention Services with PSHSA.
The session will provide information for employees and employers on what
they can do about bullying in the workplace. This half-day session is
being offered the morning and afternoon of November 24, 2010.
Click here
for more
information and to register.
November 3rd 2010 |
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Recognize signs of domestic violence |
Make It Our Business
is a campaign of the
Centre
for Research & Education on Violence
against Women & Children
(CREVAWC) and adds to information in the
Neighbours, Friends and Families
public education campaign about how to
recognize the signs of domestic
violence.
The goal is to provide
resources to employers to develop
strategies to prevent domestic violence
in the workplace. It also includes
information for victims to keep
themselves Safe and Supported when
Domestic Violence follows you into the
Workplace.
.
October 25th, 2010 |
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WSIB Announces Comprehensive Funding Review and Premium Rates |
Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance
Board (WSIB) is moving forward with a
Funding Review to ensure the long-term
financial stability of the WSIB. The
year-long Funding Review will gather
expert advice and input from workers,
labour and employers on a range of
public policy issues relating to the
WSIB’s financial future including a plan
on how to eliminate the WSIB’s unfunded
liability. Internal administrative
changes at the WSIB are also planned,
including a focus on targeted prevention
of high impact claims (typically
fractures and musculoskeletal disorders
in the shoulder and lower back) and
streamlined case management to reduce
claim duration. For more details, please
visit the links below:
WSIB News Release:
English,
French,
Funding Review Home Page
October 12th, 2010 |
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MOL MSD Blitz - Focus on Ladders |
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October 5th, 2010 |
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Expert Advisory Panel – Update |
The Chair of the Expert Advisory Panel
provides an update on the progress of
the System Review. The panel’s
consultation process is now complete,
and recommendations will be developed
through a series of Expert Panel
meetings beginning in mid-September
through to the early part of November.
As requested by the Minister, the Panel
will provide the Minister with a report
and recommendations before the end of
2010.
Read More - English
Read More - French
September 21st, 2010 |
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Ministry of Labour - Focus on MSD hazards begins
today |
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Between September 15th and November 15th, the Ministry of Labour will
be conducting a heightened enforcement campaign (a.k.a. blitz) on
musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards. To help prepare you for
potential site visits, consider attending one of our fall regional
training sessions on MSD Awareness and Prevention. Click the link below
for session details, dates and locations.
To raise awareness of MSD hazards at your workplace, you can also
download an MSD Awareness Poster in English or in French from the links
below.
To learn about other ways that PSHSA can help you, speak to your PSHSA
field representative. Click the link below for a listing of PSHSA field
staff.
Read more below:
September 15th, 20100 |
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Be Careful Around Giant Hogweed |
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If your work takes you outside this summer near roadsides, streams, vacant lots, conservation lands, parks, transfer stations or landfill sites, be aware of the dangers of giant hogweed. Parts of this plant release a clear watery sap that can cause painful swelling, itching and blistering that can last for weeks. If the sap gets into your eyes, it can cause permanent blindness.
Read more to learn how to control this hazard.
August 5th, 2010 |
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Partners in Prevention 2010 Conferences |
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Welcome to the all-new Partners in Prevention 2010 Conference Series
for Ontario Workplaces – your trusted source for timely, relevant health
and safety knowledge in a community convenient to you.
To learn more, please visit the 'Partners In Prevention' website.
Exhibitor Brochure (PDF)
All Conferences Delegate Brochure (PDF)
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WSIB announces changes to Labour Market Re-entry |
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The WSIB is making significant changes to the Labour Market Re-entry
(LMR) program.
WSIB announces changes to Labour Market Re-entry
New program focuses on quality training and sustainable jobs for injured
workerss
Read More
July 7th, 2010 |
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Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and
Safety |
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As you are aware, an Expert Advisory Panel has been established to
conduct a comprehensive review of the province’s occupational health and
safety system. The Expert Advisory Panel home page has recently been
updated to include:
• “An Update from the Chair” (scroll down to “Panel News”)
• A link to the Institute for Work and Health Reports (scroll down to
“Resources”)
Read More
- English
Read More
- French July 7th, 2010 |
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Revised Workplace Violence DVD Now Available! |
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Price: Members $30 CAD; Non-members $400 CAD
To purchase
Click Here
July 4th, 2010 |
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|
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 Prepared by Carswell, this consolidated edition of the Occupational
Health and Safety Act and Regulations is a handy reference tool for any
workplace. It has been revised to reflect all amendments made up to
January 9, 2010, including:
- Violence and Harassment in the Workplace: Bill 168 (S.O. 2009, c. 23)
- Exposure Limits: O. Reg. 491/09
- Construction: O. Reg. 443/09 amends O. Reg. 213/91
- Needle Safety: O. Reg. 439/09 amends O. Reg. 474/07
Price $23.00 CAD
To purchase
Click Here
June 28, 2010 |
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Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health
and Safety |
As you are aware, an Expert Advisory Panel has been established to
conduct a comprehensive review of the province’s occupational health and
safety system. The Panel will hold regional consultation meetings in May
and June 2010 in different locations throughout the province.
Click
here to view
more info.June 2, 2010 |
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H1N1 Recovery Phase
Announced |
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In Ontario the status has changed to Recovery, and pandemic influenza
H1N1 guidance documents are no longer in effect. Health care providers
should refer to the
Routine Practice and Additional Precautions in all Health Care Settings
document from the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee.
Click here to view
additional H1N1 resources and to learn more.
April 29, 2010 |
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Ontario Prevention System Review – An Update |
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Members
of the expert advisory panel were appointed on March 18, 2010 and met
for the first time on March 29, 2010. This is the panel that will review
the province’s occupational health and safety (OHS) prevention and
enforcement programs.
A consultation paper is now available at
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/eap/index.php. This paper
provides background information on the occupational health and safety
system and outlines the issues being examined by the expert panel.
Associated with each issue is a series of questions inviting stakeholder
input.
As a stakeholder, you may respond to the questions or submit comments
electronically through online feedback forms. You may also send
submissions by e-mail, fax or regular mail, as outlined at the end of
the consultation paper.
Responses and submissions are requested by June 30, 2010.
We hope that you will participate in the review.
April 28, 2010 |
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Day of
Mourning—April 28,2010 |
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On
April 28, 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress proclaimed the first Day of
Mourning. The date coincided with the 70th anniversary of the day the
first Ontario Worker’s Compensation Act was approved by government. In
1991, the Day of Mourning was enshrined in national legislation.
Since then, Ontario recognizes the Day of Mourning on April 28 and
remembers those who have lost their lives while working, as well as
those whose lives changed forever because of a workplace injury or
illness.
The Day of Mourning is a time to remember all these workers, but it’s
also a time to renew our commitment to preventing workplace injury,
illness, and death.
For more information on the Day of Mourning and to download a free
poster, visit the WSIB website – click
here.
April 27, 2010 |
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New and Young Worker
Safety |
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On April 16, 2010, the Ministry of Labour announced a Heightened Enforcement Campaign (aka Blitz) targeting young and new worker safety (read more
here). In Ontario, any new worker, of any age on the job, is up to four times more likely to be injured during that month than any other time performing that job (Institute for Work and Health).
New workers include:
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Any new hire – permanent or temporary, including supervisors, with or without experience in your sector
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Your current workers who are assigned new jobs/tasks
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Student workers, co-op placements or apprentices
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Contractors and/or subcontractors
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Visitors to your workplace who need to know the general rules
New workers need special attention to ensure they understand how to do the assigned tasks safely. Take time with your new workers.
To learn how PSHSA can help you, speak to your
PSHSA field representative (click
here for a listing of
PSHSA field staff).Also, click
here for resources on the Ministry of Labour website.
April 27, 2010 (Modified June 14,2010) |
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MOL Compliance
Guideline for Workplace Violence |
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The Ministry of Labour has recently released a
compliance guideline for workplace violence and harassment. This
guideline explains what every worker, supervisor, employer and
constructor needs to know about workplace violence and workplace
harassment requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It
describes everyone's rights and responsibilities and answers, in plain
language, the questions that are most commonly asked about these
requirements.
View the English version
here View the French version
here
As well, the MOL offers a two page Fact Sheet on
the Bill 168 amendments to the OHS Act.
View the English version
here View the French version
here
HSAGS offers in-person workshops as well as
webinars on this topic, to assist clients in implementing steps to
satisfy the amendments. To view current offerings, visit our websites or
contact your local consultant.
April 01, 2010 |
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Clean Your Hands
Day - May 5th |
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The Canadian Patient Safety Institute and Accreditation Canada invite you to participate in
"STOP! Clean Your Hands Day on Wednesday, May 5, 2010".
This national event coincides with the World Health Organization's 2nd Annual Global Save Lives, Clean Your Hands Day. Get involved and your results could be showcased and prizes will be awarded for participation:
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National Hand Hygiene Observation Day
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National Peer to Peer Review Day
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National Patient /Family Observation Day
-
National Healthcare Worker and Volunteer Hand Hygiene Training Day
To Join the Canadian Clean Hands Campaign, sign up
as a participant and receive new tools and information by clicking
HERE.
To Join the World Health Organization’s Campaign for Improved Hand Hygiene World register online or at
their
website. All facilities registering will receive a commendation letter from Professor Didier Pittet, leader of the First Global Patient Safety Challenge.
March 25, 2010 |
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Leadership
Summit - May 3, 2010 |
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As part of the Partners in Prevention Conference, attend the
Leadership Summit on May 3rd. Now in its fifth year, the summit brings together business leaders from across Canada to network and exchange best practices for healthy workplaces. It’s your best opportunity to learn from companies pursuing excellence in their health, safety, wellness and environment systems – activities synonymous with sustainability and profitability.
Click
here for more information and to register.
March 24, 2010 |
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Small Business Forum – May
3, 2010 |
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As part of the Partners in Prevention Conference, attend the Small Business Forum on May 3rd 8:30-11:30, a special pre-conference event designed exclusively for small business.
Click here for more information and to register.
March 23, 2010 |
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Listeriosis: Important
Health Notice |
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Click here to read more! March 19, 2010 |
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Workplace Violence Legislation effective June 15, 2010 |
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We, along with our system partners, are ready to
support your implementation of Bill 168 and the amendments to the
Occupational Health and Safety Act. For a better understanding of the
changes to the legislation, review our Fast Facts titled
Workplace
Violence: Complying with Amendments to the OHS Act.
We also have a number of resources that are free to
download. Check it out here!
March 18, 2010 |
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MOL to review OHS prevention and enforcement programs |
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Expert advisory panel to make recommendations this fall
Click here to read
more! March 16, 2010 |
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Health and Safety Management Systems
Updated Fast Fact |
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 OSACH’s Health and Safety Management Systems (HSMS) is designed
specifically for Ontario’s health and community care sectors. Its
purpose is to help employers achieve organizational health, safety and
wellness through two key steps;
1. Integrate health, safety and wellness into an organization’s core
business
2. Motivate an organization to achieve employee health, safety and
wellness, provide quality care and embrace public safety.
Simply
click here to download this fast fact for free! March 11, 2010 |
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New OHSCO Domestic
Violence Resources |
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Domestic violence in the workplace has been identified as the fastest
growing type of workplace violence in Canada.” (Alberta Council of
Women’s Shelters 2008) The Occupational Health and Safety Council of
Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Women’s Directorate has recently
produced two pamphlets for addressing domestic violence in the
workplace:
Domestic Violence Doesn’t Stop When Your Worker
Arrives at Work: What Employers Need to Know to Help
Click HERE
Domestic Violence Doesn’t Stop When Your Worker
Arrives at Work: How to get Help or Support a Colleague who may Need
Help
Click HERE
These pamphlets are free to download from our website, to
distribute widely at your organization. To print as a pamphlet – select
“Booklet Printing” from the Page Scaling option in the Print menu box.
February 23, 2010 |
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HealthForceOntario Funded
Projects |
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HealthForceOntario recently announced eighteen successful applicants
who submitted proposals in September 2009 and are receiving funding
through the Healthy Work Environments Innovation Fund Grant Program.
OSACH is partnering in three of the projects:
- The development and piloting of a 3-tier Community Risk
Assessment Tool, that will profile ten common hazards found in the
community and provide suggested control measures at the system,
service provider and the worker level. This project is being
completed in partnership with the Ontario Community Support
Association (OCSA) and St Clair West Services for Seniors (SCWSS).
- The update of the OSACH DVD titled Workplace Violence Prevention
in the Health and Community Care Sector, to include information on
the upcoming amendments to the OHS Act. This project is being
completed in partnership with Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor.
- The development of a workplace violence risk assessment tool to
assist in improved communication between emergency departments,
police and EMS. The project is being completed in partnership with
Lakeridge Health Corporation.
For more details about the newly funded projects as well as other HWE
information, please visit the HealthForceOntario website at
http://www.healthforceontario.ca/WhatIsHFO/hwe.aspx
February 18, 2010 |
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Fast Fact- Workplace Violence:
Complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act |
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 As
of June 15, 2010, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act include
employer responsibilities for addressing violence, harassment and
domestic violence in the workplace. This Fast Facts provides
organizations with guidance on complying with the changes.
Click here
to access this Fast Fact free to download from our Website.
Click here to purchase this Fast Fact in packages of 20 from our
online store
February 16, 2010 |
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MOHLTC funds Violence
and SEMS sessions! |
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The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has just announced that
they will support the upcoming Workplace Violence Prevention and Safety
Engineered Medical Sharps education sessions being offered by the HSAGS
Community and Healthcare Team. This means that we can now offer these
sessions at no cost! The workplace violence prevention sessions:
- Provide an overview of upcoming amendments to the OHS Act as
they relate to workplace violence, as well as outline the elements
of an effective workplace violence prevention program
- Provide sample tools and program elements
- Assist organizations in understanding how to address horizontal
violence (bullying) and domestic violence in the workplace
Our free webinars are now closed! Thank you to all who attended our
sessions! Attend the Safety
Engineered Medical Sharps (SEMS) session to learn about:
- Definitions of safety engineered medical sharps (SEMS) and
safety engineered needles.
- Available statistics and research related to sharps and
injuries.
- How to implement a sharps safety program ˇ The Needle Safety
Regulation (O.Reg 474/07) under the Occupational Health and Safety
Act (OHSA)
Our free webinars are now closed! Thank you to all who attended our
sessions!
February 9, 2010 |
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New Product!
Addressing Domestic Violence in the Workplace |
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 Effective
June 15, 2010, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act will
require employers who are aware, or who should reasonably be aware, that
domestic violence may occur in the workplace to take every precaution
reasonable in the circumstances to protect a worker at risk of physical
injury. This newly revised booklet, "Addressing Domestic Violence in
the Workplace: A handbook" provides information and suggestions on how
to meet these requirements. This new edition replaces the former booklet
"Personal Relationship Violence". Free to download,
click here to access this valuable workplace resource.
January 28 2010 |
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Ministry of Labour - Focus on Falls |
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Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors will check for hazards
involving suspended platforms at construction sites during an
enforcement blitz starting in mid-January. Ministry inspectors will have
zero tolerance for non-compliance. The review will be completed within
90 days. Your organization might also use suspended platforms during
window cleaning.
Click here to learn more about the Focus on Falls.
Click here
for a MOL Q&A on Falls.
January 21 2010 |
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Ministry of Labour Alert: Suspended Work
Platform |
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Click here for more information!
January 7 2010 |
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Workplace Violence
Prevention becomes law June 15, 2009 |
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Bill 168 received Royal Assent on December 15, 2009. This means that
the proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act to
include violence and harassment in the workplace will come into force on
June 15, 2010. Be prepared. Attend an OSACH education workshop to
learn about these amendments and the steps you can take to satisfy the
new legislative requirements.
December 17 2009 |
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Amendments to the
Needle Safety Regulation (Phase 3) |
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On July 1, 2010 the Needle Safety Regulation will be extended to
community work environments where workers use hollow-bore needles on
persons for a therapeutic, preventive, palliative, diagnostic or
cosmetic purpose:
- Doctors’ and dentists’ offices, community health centres, family
health teams and independent health facilities.
- Other workplaces where health-related services are provided,
including home care services, ambulance services, public health
programs, health support services to students in schools, and
healthcare/first aid services to workers or individuals in
industrial and other workplaces.
Under this regulation, employers are required to provide workers with
a safety-engineered needle for work that requires the use of a
hollow-bore needle. Employers should conduct a risk assessment on the
use of hollow-bore needles in the workplace and document the findings.
To view the Needle Safety Regulation,
click here. To assist clients in preparing for the upcoming
changes, OSACH will be offering education sessions across the province
in February and March of 2010. All sessions have expired!
December 17 2009 |
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Amendments to the
OHSA to include workplace violence … |
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The proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act
(known as Bill 168) passed Third Reading in the Legislature on December
9, 2009. Once the Bill receives Royal Assent from the legislature, it
will become law six months following. To view the proposed amendment,
click here!
To assist clients in preparing for the upcoming changes, OSACH will
be offering education sessions across the province in February and March
of 2010.
December 15 2009 |
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Safety Groups Registration
Deadline Extended! |
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We have extended the registration deadline to December 23, 2009.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with other organizations while
reducing workplace injuries and illnesses at your workplace.
Register for the 2010 Safety Group (print the application form and
fax back to OSACH)
December 9 2009 |
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Effective Leadership Series
hosted by OHA |
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The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and the Ontario Safety
Association for Community and Healthcare (OSACH) offer this very
informative three day course. Participants will acquire the tools to
create a culture of health and safety in their organization through
effective leadership skills.
Click here
for more information and the registration form.
December 8 2009 |
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Safety Groups Advantage
Programs Q & A |
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The Safety Groups Advantage Program (SGAP) is a temporary program
developed for firms who have successfully completed 5 years in the
general Safety Group Program and want to strive towards the proposed
WSIB Accreditation Program.
If you have already completed five or more years in Safety Group, you
may continue for an additional year –
review the
Safety Groups Advantage Program Q & A here or speak to your OSACH
Consultant.
December 3 2009 |
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2009 OSACH Special
Meeting of the Members December 3rd, 2009 |
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Download file for more details (3.3mb)
November 23 2009 |
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OSACH Safety Group Rebate
Over Half a Million Dollars! |
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Congratulations to our 2008 Safety Group members! Their
efforts in 2008 resulted in a 92% WSIB achievement score and as a
result, they are sharing a WSIB rebate of $508,131.96!
Even more importantly, their excellent work brought many enhancements
to their health and safety programs, and a healthier and safer
workplace!
It’s not too late to take advantage of the many benefits of Safety
Group. Sign up before December 4th for the 2010 Safety Group
– chapter meetings will be held across the province, in Toronto, London,
Hamilton, Eastern Ontario, and possibly Northern Ontario.
Learn more about the
2010 Safety Group
Register for the 2010
Safety Group (print the application form and fax back to OSACH)
If you have already completed five years in Safety Group, you may
continue for a sixth year –
review the eligibility requirement here.
November 23 2009 |
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JOIN the 2010 OSACH Safety
Group! |
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In 2007, members of the OSACH Safety Group shared a WSIB rebate of
$372,567!
Although we don’t yet know the actual rebate for 2008, it will be
significantly higher as the OSACH Safety Group achievement score was 92%
and our rebate is based on this score.
But beyond the rebate, there are so many additional benefits to
joining our safety group including:
- networking with similar organizations
- presentations on timely topics
- guidance on health and safety program improvement and applying a
system structure to components
As well, in 2010 we will be offering chapter meetings in Toronto,
London, Hamilton, Eastern Ontario, and possibly Northern Ontario.
Register for the 2010 OSACH Safety Group before December 4th.
Learn more about the
2010 Safety Group
Register for the 2010 Safety Group (print the application form and
fax back to OSACH)
If you have already completed five years in
Safety Group, you may continue for a sixth year –
review the eligibility
requirement here.
October 8 2009 |
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OSACH Launches Ergonomic
Services |
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Download flyer
October 1 2009 |
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Effective Leadership
Series session hosted by OHA |
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Download brochure from OHA website
October 1 2009 |
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The new HSAGS
announces CEO appointment |
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Louise Logan has been appointed as the inaugural CEO of the Health
and Safety Association for Government Services (HSAGS). All three HSA
boards (OSACH, ESAO & MHSA) will be holding a special meeting of their
members to approve the amalgamation. The OSACH meeting will take place
on December 3rd 2009. In January 2010, the HSAGS will be assuming all
designated sector and governance responsibilities of the three legacy
associations.
Click here to
read the full announcement
October 1 2009 |
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