Construction Health and Safety Program Report

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) puts together a report for the Provincial Labor Management Health and Safety Committee each month with an overview of events, court bulletins, and statistics. This report is generally available the first week of the month and when it is available it will posted on the IHSA website.

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2023-2024 Industry compliance campaigns

Construction inspectors will be focusing on struck-by equipment hazards in specific settings and falls from heights in the single-family residential sector. Learn more

To assist stakeholders with achieving compliance during the year-long MLITSD campaigns, IHSA is highlighting the following resources this month:

• Falling Object Checklist
• Traffic Control Temporary Work Zones Training
• Working at Heights Training
• Falls Awareness Week
• Residential Frames: How to Prevent Falls
• IHSA Safety Podcast episode 26: Supervisor Series –Training requirements

The MLITSD also has a specialized Professional Services Compliance Plan which will be focusing on ergonomics, respiratory protection, and asbestos in building structures.

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Changes to SkillsPass

New certification management system for mandatory safety training

On February 26, the ministry launched a new system to manage certification records for mandatory working at heights and joint health and safety committee certification training. Records in the current system will be moved to the new one from February 23 to 25, and links will be updated on the ministry’s website. Users will notice a change in the look and feel of the new system, but learners will still be able to access records, find training providers and register for courses, while training providers will still be able to manage courses and apply for approval of their programs.

The change incorporates user feedback to make the system more responsive and easier to use. Ministry staff are available to support users during this transition.

Proposed regulatory amendments to the O.Reg. 570/05 (Licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians Regulation)

The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (MPBSD) is proposing regulatory amendments to O.Reg. 570/05 (Licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians) to support the Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) initiative to modernize its licence renewal process for master electricians and licensed electrical contractors. 

Proposal to create regulation to support implementation of the GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023

The GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023 (the Act) came into force on December 4, 2023. This Act allows the Minister of Infrastructure to approve the use of an optional funding tool called the Station Contribution Fee, to allow prescribed municipalities within the GO rail service network to fund the design and construction of new GO stations. This investment can then be recovered through a charge on new development in specified areas surrounding those new stations.

IHSA is excited to partner with BadgeCert

The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) is excited to partner with BadgeCert on a new digital badge system that recognizes the accomplishments of those with National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO®) and National Health and Safety Administrator (NHSA™) designation.

Struck-by Awareness Week

IHSA is launching its first Struck by Awareness Week, aligning with the National Work Zone Awareness Week set for April 15-19, 2024, and urging employers to join the National Stand Down to Prevent Struck By Incidents initiative

The IHSA will distribute a daily schedule of tasks for employers to undertake throughout Struck-by Awareness Week, aiming to educate workers on the risks associated with struck-by incidents. Meanwhile, feel free to download the Struck-by Toolkit to get ready for these activities.

Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be taking place. This eclipse will be visible from Southern Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador, with the rest of Canada having the partial eclipse visible. Depending on where you are located in Ontario, the eclipse is expected to take place approximately between 2 pm-4:30 pm EST.

Learn how to protect your workers

A Call to Action: Opioid Harm Prevention

Join IHSA as we discuss the unique challenges when it comes to taking a proactive approach to reducing the harms related to opioids among the trades. 

IHSA is offering a free, one-hour virtual session delivered via ZOOM titled: Opioid Harm Prevention – A Call to Action for Leadership within the Trades. Through small group participation, we will explore opioid use and workplace implications for the trade sector while focusing on practical real-life scenarios and peer learning. We hope you walk away empowered to make a difference in your workplace and equipped with tools and resources for your journey.

Join this powerful conversation and learn more about:

• Workplace challenges that can be a catalyst to problematic opioid use
• Solutions-focused action steps you can take right away to make a difference
• Why we need to focus on building a culture of support through talking about difficult issues together
• How using the new Opioid and Mental Health Safety talks and other tools can support the conversation and help you build solutions. 

New Safety Talk Video looks at concrete saw safety

When using a concrete saw or quick cut saw, it is important to take several safety measures to ensure the safety of the user. This Safety Talk video delves into the personal protective equipment (PPE) required, such as safety glasses, anti-vibe gloves, respiratory protection, and hearing protection. It also details the proper way to inspect and position the equipment before and during use.

Occupational health resources

Everyone has the right to return home healthy at the end of each day. In the same way that we need protection from hazards such as falls, we need protection from work-related illnesses such as lung cancer.

These illnesses can range from acute to fatal. In some cases, symptoms can be reduced or reversed. But too often they become something people have to live with for the rest of their lives. The most important thing to know is that they are all preventable.

The IHSA website provides the information you need to prevent occupational illness at your workplace. It's divided into four sections to help you find the information that applies to your work.

Latest podcast episodes available

The IHSA Safety Podcast is a free podcast that seeks to improve the lives of workers in Ontario.The latest episodes include:

Episode 76: Working Outside in a Canadian Winter

Episode 77: Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR)

Small businesses: Reimbursement for HSR training ends March 31

A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) is required in most workplaces with 6-19 workers. Their role is to support health and safety in the workplace.

Eligible small business employers can apply to be reimbursed for the HSR's training cost through the Ontario Small Business Health and Safety Training program. This program will be ending March 31, 2024.

OEA: Upcoming webinars for employers

The Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA) is hosting a series of free webinars on various WSIB topics:

• March 5: Completing The Form 7: Learn about an employer’s obligation to complete their “report of injury/disease,” the WSIB's Form 7. Find out what information the WSIB is looking for and best practices for answering the form questions.
• March 19: Claims Management Tips: Learn practices to better manage your workplace safety and insurance needs, including hiring practices, injuries in the workplace and an injured person’s return to work.

OHCOW: Upcoming webinars and a hybrid conference

• Thursdays in March: Attend a free lunch-and-learn session on how to use the new Ontario Silica Control Tool. Registration required.
• April 19: Spring into ACTion will be a hybrid conference with the in-person component in Kanata. More details to come. 

Fleet safety and transportation news

Access monthly updates, news, and events from the Fleet Safety Council and the transportation industry that IHSA supports.