Your Complete Guide to Health and Safety in the Workplace

Please check our website for our 2025 course dates!

JOINT HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE CERTIFICATION TRAINING

Wilkens Health and Safety Solutions (WHSS) is the only Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) approved Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification training provider located in Kingston. 

As most workplaces with twenty (20) or more workers must have a JHSC established, we regularly hold training sessions. At least one (1) worker and one (1) management representative of this committee must be certified by completing the prescribed training standards set by the MOL. 

Part One Basic Certification Training 

Part One Basic Certification training provides an overall knowledge of the Health and Safety Legislation that applies to most workplaces. 

Part Two Workplace Specific Training 

Part Two Workplace Specific Certification training focuses on the significant hazards in your workplace and how to assess, control and/or eliminate them.

Refresher Certification Training 

This course is designed to include all sectors and reviews the essentials of the Part 1 and 2 Certification training as well as highlight any legislative changes that have occurred within the last three years.

Visit our website to register for the Part 1, Part 2 or Refresher Certification Courses.

Walk With Us This May for Workplace Safety

Every year, nearly 1,000 Canadian workers lose their lives to job-related injuries or illnesses. On May 3rd, we walk to honour their stories and ensure their families feel supported. Join us in Kingston for Steps for Life, the annual event raising funds and awareness for families affected by workplace tragedies.

Hosted by Wilkens Health & Safety Solutions, this 5-km walk will take place at the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. Let's come together to show our passion for workplace safety and make a difference.

Register yourself or a team: Contact Rosanna Bylsma at rbylsma@whss.ca for more info.

For Sponsorships, please click here! For Walk Registration, click here.

Follow us on Instagram @stepsforlife_kingston for updates! Let’s make our voices heard this May.

Federal Minimum Wage Increases Today April 1^st 2025

Starting today April 1, 2025, the federal minimum wage in Canada will increase from $17.30 to $17.75 per hour—a 2.4% rise to help keep pace with inflation.

This adjustment applies to workers and interns in federally regulated industries, including banking, telecommunications, and interprovincial transportation.

Each year, the federal government reviews and adjusts the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to support a fair and resilient economy. While some provinces may also increase their minimum wage in April or October, others may choose to maintain current rates.

For employers in federally regulated sectors, it’s essential to stay informed and ensure compliance with wage laws.

For more details, visit: Government of Canada.

World Health Day 2025: Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures

On April 7, 2025, World Health Day kicks off a year-long campaign focused on maternal and newborn health. With the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures", this initiative calls on governments and healthcare providers to strengthen efforts to prevent maternal and newborn deaths and prioritize long-term well-being for women and their babies.

Each year, nearly 300,000 women die due to pregnancy or childbirth complications, while over 2 million newborns do not survive their first month. These preventable tragedies highlight the urgent need for better healthcare, stronger support systems and informed care before, during and after birth.

This World Health Day, let’s advocate for high-quality, accessible healthcare that empowers women, supports families, and ensures every mother and baby has the opportunity to survive and thrive.

Learn more and take action: WHO – World Health Day 2025

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22^nd 2025

Earth Day is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet. It’s an opportunity to take action—big or small—for a more sustainable future.

Whether it's reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting green initiatives, every effort counts.

Join the movement and explore ways to make a difference. Learn more about sustainability and how you can get involved at Earth Day Canada.

Honouring the National Day of Mourning

Today, we remember and honour those whose lives have been lost, injured, or forever changed simply by going to work. We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones, acknowledging the deep impact of workplace tragedies—many of which could have been prevented.

This day is a solemn reminder of the fundamental right of every worker to return home safe. As we observe the National Day of Mourning, we take time to reflect, attend ceremonies, light candles, lay wreaths, and wear commemorative symbols. At 11:00 a.m., we pause for a moment of silence to honour those affected.

Together, we commit to safer workplaces for all. Learn more at https://www.wsib.ca/en/day-of-mourning

OHSA Violations: Fines & Penalties Employers Should Know

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) holds employers accountable for maintaining a safe workplace. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development may initiate prosecutions for violations of the Act, failure to comply with inspector orders or ministerial directives (OHSA Section 66). These prosecutions are carried out by the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Penalties for OHSA Violations

• Corporations – Fines up to $2,000,000

• Directors & Officers – Fines up to $1,500,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment

• All Other Individuals – Fines up to $500,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment

• Repeat Corporate Offenders – If a second or subsequent offence within two years results in worker death or serious injury, the minimum fine is $500,000

Stay Compliant & Protect Your Workplace

• Reviewing workplace safety policies and updating them as needed

• Ensuring proper training and protective measures are in place

• Responding promptly to inspector orders and safety concerns

For more information, visit Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development website.

Federal Government Launches Consultation on Equal Pay Regulations Under the Canada Labour Code

On February 22, 2025, the federal government released draft regulations to support the Canada Labour Code amendments in Bill C-86.

These regulations will prohibit employers from paying different wages based on employment status (full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal) for employees performing the same work with similar skills and conditions. Exceptions are allowed for factors like seniority, merit, or quality of work.

Key updates include: 

• A wage review process where employees can request a review if they believe their pay doesn't meet equal pay requirements, and employers must respond within 90 days. 

• New protections for temporary help agency workers, including equal pay for the same work and restrictions on fees and contract clauses. 

• Clarification on calculating wage rates, only comparing identical compensation types (e.g., hourly vs. commission). 

• Record-keeping requirements for employers to justify different wage rates and responses to wage review requests.

Employers should ensure they stay informed and prepare for these changes. A 30-day consultation period is now open.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website.

RELEVANT UPDATES

_{Upcoming WHSS Courses}

_Register Your Employees Today!

All courses scheduled are offered following safe distancing protocols, as well as all other mandated safety protocols - this means fewer people being allowed to register for each course - allowing for safe participation.

Private on-site courses can also be arranged for groups of six (6) or more. Please contact Rebecca Sousa at 613.546.9814 ext. 2224 for more details.

WHSS continues to be a training partner for Working at Heights with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA). Contact us today to arrange your full or refresher course. Courses are scheduled on an as needed basis and can be held at your site or at a suitable training location.

For a complete listing of upcoming courses, click here or contact Rebecca Sousa at rsousa@whss.ca  by email or 613.546.9814 ext. 2224 for more details.

Contact Us

t: 613-546-9814 e: info@whss.ca

www.whss.ca