Understanding employer duties with respect to workplace harassment under the OHSA
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November 25, 2019
As workplaces across Ontario prepare for holiday parties and social gatherings, we encourage all employers and managers remind everyone in the workplace about Ontario's workplace violence and harassment legislation.
In this article, we review: |
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Creating an Injury Prevention Culture
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November 15, 2019
Injury Prevention culture is more than a set of policies and procedures, it is the integration of safety into every aspect of your business. Creating an Injury Prevention culture starts with the support of senior managers who choose to make safety a core corporate value by providing the support for employees to become actively involved in ongoing health and safety training. To help set the foundation, consider promotion workplace safety role models and incorporating safety messages and education information into regular workplace communications.
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Safety Talks & Creating a Culture of Injury Prevention
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November 1, 2019
Short safety talks or Tool Box Talks are designed to provide a quick reminder to workers about the hazards that they face everyday to prevent complacency. These quick safety talks are often referred to as Tool Box Talks, Safety Moments, Safety Briefings, Safety Pep Talks or Tailgate Meetings.
Tool Box Talks should take only 3-4 minutes to read over -- they are not intended to replace employee training or provide a complete description of all hazards. The purpose is to keep safety at the front of employees’ minds and foster a culture of workplace safety and injury prevention. Depending on workplace requirements, a Tool Box Talk might be given in person by a supervisor on the shop or office floor, or you could use a blend of online videos, emails and in-person talks. |
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Learning Management Systems, Due Diligence and a Strong Internal Responsibility System
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October 18, 2019
In this article we review the essential concepts related to due diligence for employers, managers and supervisors, including:
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Policy and Training Review: Cannabis in the Workplace
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October 4, 2019
The Occupational Health and Safety Act, section 25(2)(h), states that employers must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. Due diligence to protect workers and provide safe working environments, including addressing safety risks due to cannabis impairment, are a critical component of the employer’s responsibility.
68% of employers have updated alcohol and drug policies because of Canada’s legalization of Cannabis – have you? |
 Employers have the right to regulate cannabis usage at work.
Workers have the right to a safe workplace. |
JHSC Refresher Training: One 6.5 hr class every 3 years to maintain your Certification
September 6, 2019
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JHSC Refresher training was established by Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) as one part of Ontario's new JHSC certification training program. The new standards came into effect on March 1, 2016, but there are provisions for individuals who have completed JHSC training under the old standards.
JHSC members who completed training on/after March 1, 2016 have to complete a 1 day (6.5 hr) JHSC Refresher Training every 3 years. Frequently asked questions about JHSC Refresher Training:
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The importance of Human Resources training​ & development
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August 23, 2019
Training and development are essential to support your organization’s strategic growth. Development, management, implementation and monitoring of employee training and career development is important for employee satisfaction and growing organizational capabilities.
Human resources (HR) professionals have a particularly important role in an organization because they are involved in the hiring and training of employees, monitoring of policies, and handling disputes. Investing in training your HR team will benefit the entire company! |
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Is your workplace ready for the MOL's Fall 2019 inspection blitz focused on musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomics?​
August 8, 2019
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From September to December 2019, the Ministry of Labour will be running inspection blitzes focused on Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This initiative will run across all sectors: industrial, healthcare, manufacturing and construction.
What will MOL inspectors be looking for?
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 MOL Inspection Blitzes by Sector
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MOL Inspection Initiatives for Summer and Fall 2019
July 5, 2019
The MOL undertakes a series of workplace inspection initiatives every year, and summer is a busy season for inspections!
The inspection initiatives target specific sectors to protect workers' rights under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act. The MOL also focuses on increasing employers' awareness of their responsibilities.
Remember, due diligence requires more than just checking off a list of safety courses! Contact MidSoutWest to schedule a workplace H&S audit today!
To ensure that employees stay safe, MidSouthWest recommends that employers and workers participate in regular refresher training classes even if it is not mandated by the MOL. Refresher training can help remind employees of safe practices and prevent bad habits from creeping into the workplace.
The inspection initiatives target specific sectors to protect workers' rights under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act. The MOL also focuses on increasing employers' awareness of their responsibilities.
Remember, due diligence requires more than just checking off a list of safety courses! Contact MidSoutWest to schedule a workplace H&S audit today!
To ensure that employees stay safe, MidSouthWest recommends that employers and workers participate in regular refresher training classes even if it is not mandated by the MOL. Refresher training can help remind employees of safe practices and prevent bad habits from creeping into the workplace.
Summer & Fall 2019 Inspection InitiativesMay - August
July - September
September - December |
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Working at Heights Refresher Training is Practical, Hands-on Training
June 21, 2019
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All workers who work in workplaces covered by the Construction Projects Regulation (O.Reg 213/91) are required to have completed a Working at Heights Training. Workers who completed their training in advance of the initial deadline of October 1, 2017 are rapidly approaching the deadline to complete Refresher Training.
In this article, we cover the basis of Working at Heights Refresher Training, including:
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SafeTapp is your personal safety training wallet app
June 7, 2019
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Having problems when your employees go out on job sites? Or with employees losing their certification cards?
MidSouthWest can help! SafeTapp is your personal digital wallet app included with our online software. Download and store your training certificates on your phone or tablet. Sync with your MidSouthWest online account. Scan, search, and verify certificates on any work site. All with one convenient app. |
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Forklift safety training is an essential part of workplace training for both operators and non-operators
May 24, 2019
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If you work in a warehouse setting or any environment where heavy loads are stored at great heights, forklifts can be an absolute necessity.
That said, there are substantial risks associated with any piece of heavy equipment. In this article we discuss: |
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Answers to commonly asked questions about Joint Health and Safety Refresher Training requirements in Ontario
May 10, 2019
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New governments and government departments are known for creating new workplace health and safety training standards. Over the past decade, the Ontario government has made several changes to the Joint Health and Safety Committee certification and recertification (refresher training) requirements.
In this article we answer commonly asked questions about JHSC Refresher Training, including:
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Creating a positive company culture improves performance
April 26, 2019
This article has been contributed by Angela Ferris of Redback Travel, a member of our Partners of MidSouthWest Program.
This article has been contributed by Angela Ferris of Redback Travel, a member of our Partners of MidSouthWest Program.
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When it comes to positive company culture and the importance of social events in the workplace there are many contributing factors, including: These factors are beneficial for not only the individual employee but for all employees and for employers who want to create a positive company culture to improve workplace performance. Social events are a great way to improve staff morale by creating opportunities for networking and positive recognition.
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How to Comply with Machine Guarding Requirements in Ontario
April 12, 2019
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Machine Guarding is important and strategic for Ontario industries – compliance is enforced by the Ministry of Labour. In the past year, the MOL has fined multiple companies for improper machine guarding and conducted an Inspection Blitz focused on machine guarding.
In this article we review: By the Numbers: Machine Guarding Injuries in Ontario
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Download MOL & WSIB Posters, Due Diligence Checklists for Managers and First Aid Resources
March 22, 2019
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Download our free workplace health and safety posters, checklists and information sheets.
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Canada-Ontario Job GrantThe Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides employers with up to $10,000 per person in government support when they invest in employee training programs delivered by an eligible trainer such as MidSouthWest Training and Consulting.
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8 documents that you are legally required to post on your workplace safety bulletin board
March 8, 2019
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Employers in Ontario are required to post health and safety information in a prominent location in the workplace. There are 8 things that every company should have posted on the Health and Safety Bulletin Board. In this article we've included a summary of the essentials components, as well 4 additional recommended items, and included links to free downloads.
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Answers to Your Top 10 Questions about WSIB First Aid Requirements in Ontario
February 21, 2019
First aid and CPR training can provide life saving benefits in the workplace and in the community. Our safety trainers have answered the most commonly asked questions about the WSIB's first aid and CPR requirements to help you navigate the certification and recertification requirements for workplace first aid and CPR training in Ontario.
Do your in-house trainers have the knowledge and skills they need to effectively deliver training?
February 8, 2019
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How many people in your organization participate in employee training? Whether it is your in-house training specialist or supervisors and managers who share their knowledge with their team members, the effectiveness of your internal safety trainers can impact workplace safety outcomes.
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The leadership team's role in creating a cohesive workplace environment
January 25, 2019
This article has been contributed by Mike Hillman of Simply Advanced, a member of our Partners of MidSouthWest Program.
This article has been contributed by Mike Hillman of Simply Advanced, a member of our Partners of MidSouthWest Program.
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Alignment, vision, expectations, goals and accountability are all things that any great organization and leader strives for when leading people.
However, most teams fail in achieving many of these or have difficulty sustaining a cohesive environment. In this article, Mike Hillman from Simply Advanced will answer key questions about workplace leadership: |
Does your bridge look like this?
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Understanding the Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Refresher Training Requirements
January 11, 2019
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Refresher training requirements for JHSC members depend on when they completed their training and which JHSC certification course they have completed. JHSC members who completed training on/after March 1, 2016 have to take refresher training every 3 years.
Find out more: Upcoming JHSC Classes
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Ongoing
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Ontario Traffic Council Book 7: Temporary Work ConditionsDecember 14, 2018
A work area is any area where work takes place and/or equipment and materials are stored. For employees who work on public roadways, the work area is not necessarily a fixed location. Employers are required to provide adequate traffic control devices and worker safety training to protect employees who work in temporary work zones that result from construction, surveying, maintenance, utility and unplanned event response within a public road allowance. Ontario Traffic Council Book 7 provides basic guidelines for traffic control to ensure safety of workers and motorists.
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 Did you know?
It is still considered a work area even if work is temporarily stopped if the road has not returned to its normal operating conditions. |
Developing a Strong Internal Responsibility System
November 9, 2018
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Cannabis in the Workplace
October 11, 2018
When the Cannabis Act comes into effect on October 17, 2018, it will create a legal framework for the sale and possession of cannabis in Canada, including for recreational use. Although the Government of Canada has initiated a public awareness campaign about the health effects of cannabis use and stated that individuals should not drive or work while impaired, 81% of human resources managers believe that legalization will have an effect on their workplace [1].
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45.9% of workplaces do not think that their current policies are ready for the legalization of recreational marijuana
Recommendation - Use the legalization as an opportunity to review policies. Consider how your current policy needs to be amended or extended to deal with the legalization. Read more about how the Cannabis Act impacts Ontario workplaces. Get Trained - Ensure that supervisors have been properly trained to observe, document, confront and test for employee impairment in the workplace. Get trained. |
It is a terrible thing to say, but I think everyone’s waiting with baited breath to see the first test that comes to either the Human Rights Tribunal or a civil suit. My one recommendation is, don’t be the test case; don’t come to work high,” |
Worker training and preventative workplace inspections can help prevent Ontario's most common injuries
September 14, 2018
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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common lost time injuries at work in Ontario, representing more than 40% of all lost time injuries and resulting in more than 345,000 days lost in 2015. MSDs affect tissues of the musculoskeletal system such as muscles, joints, bones, tendons, nerves and disks of the spine. The key risks factors for MSDs are force, repetition and posture.
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Injury prevention strategies by sector
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Are you prepared for the WHMIS 2015 Transition Period to End?
August 8, 2018
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WHMIS stands for the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. WHMIS is a comprehensive system for providing information about the use, storage and handling of hazardous products in Canadian workplace. All workers who work with or may be potentially exposed to hazardous products in the workplace must complete WHIMS training.
In 2015, the Canadian Government announced changes to the WHMIS requirements, and since then there has been a transition period from “old WHMIS” (WHMIS 1988) to “new WHMIS” (WHMIS 2015). On December 1, 2018 the transition period ends, which means that all employers, manufacturers, distributors and importers must comply with the new WHMIS 2015 requirements. |
Best Practices in Health & Safety Training: How to Avoid the Top 10 Safety Violations
July 13, 2018
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Organizations such as manufacturing, construction and mining companies, to name a few, that use dangerous equipment and hospitals exposed to deadly diseases use safety training to inject safety into the workplace culture. The importance of safety training extends well beyond dangerous equipment as well as a worker's introduction to the job. Compliance and enforcement are both integral components to an ongoing H&S system that must be maintained consistently. It also encompasses situations when employee jobs change or when working conditions change. Without an understanding of safety practices related to each job, a worker will be at a higher risk for workplace injury, illness or death.
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Best practices in establishing a new employee orientation program
June 13, 2018
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New employee orientation training is the process of introducing a new worker to the organization, their supervisors, co-workers, work areas, jobs, and health and safety. Providing information is critical to any employee, regardless of age, because they are not familiar with the hazards of the workplace. During orientation, each worker develops knowledge, skills and abilities to work in a safe manner. New employee orientation training should always be provided when an employee is:
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2018 Ministry of Labour Inspection Blitzes
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May 9, 2018
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has announced that it will conducting two dozen inspection blitzes to ensure that employers are meeting health, safety and employment standards. They will be targeting sectors that employ new and young workers, temporary help, and have a history of low compliance, including:
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has announced that it will conducting two dozen inspection blitzes to ensure that employers are meeting health, safety and employment standards. They will be targeting sectors that employ new and young workers, temporary help, and have a history of low compliance. |
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Health and Safety Fact and FictionApril 11, 2018
Dispelling common fallacies about workplace health and safety can help create a culture of workplace injury prevention.
► Fallacy: Minor injuries and accidents cannot be prevented ► Fallacy: Head office takes care of all of health and safety training ► Fallacy: We don't need more training because we just had a training course |
 
Test your knowledge about worker trainingA worker is using a 10-foot step ladder to change a light fixture in the ceiling during an office renovation.
Is the employer required to provide fall protection equipment?
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Proposed Amendments to the Industrial Establishments Regulation
March 14, 2018
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What do offices, factories, shops, restaurants and logging operations have in common?
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Sexual harassment in the workplace
February 8, 2018
Allegations of sexual harassment in both the private and public sector have dominated the headlines in 2018. From celebrities and politicians, no workplace is immune from sexual harassment allegations.
Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) provides protection for workers against workplace violence and harassment, including sexual harassment. It is the employer’s responsibility to take all reasonable precautions necessary to ensure employees know the laws and understand how to best protect themselves.
In this article, we examine the case of former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi, which played out in the public eye in from 2014–2016. The Independent Investigator who was hired to examine the CBC’s handling of Ghomeshi found that the CBC failed to provide its staff a workplace "free from disrespectful and abusive behavior."
Read more.
Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) provides protection for workers against workplace violence and harassment, including sexual harassment. It is the employer’s responsibility to take all reasonable precautions necessary to ensure employees know the laws and understand how to best protect themselves.
In this article, we examine the case of former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi, which played out in the public eye in from 2014–2016. The Independent Investigator who was hired to examine the CBC’s handling of Ghomeshi found that the CBC failed to provide its staff a workplace "free from disrespectful and abusive behavior."
Read more.
Ambitious changes to Ontario labour laws
January 17, 2018
The minimum wage increase is just one of many big changes that the Ontario Liberal government is rolling out for 2018. Ontario is also enhancing protection for workers by increasing maximum fines for individuals and businesses that do not meet the requirements set by workplace health and safety laws. As of December 14, 2017 the maximum fines for an offence under the OHSA increased to:
- $100,000 for an individual or unincorporated business
- $1,500,000 for corporations.
