"NCA Health & Safety News" provides you with valuable information and assists in your quest to achieve a world-class safety culture. We believe that developing a safe work ethic is a never-ending process that must be part of every business's professional development.
Please do not hesitate to contact the office with your input, suggestions or safety questions.
We value your feedback!
| | Click here for the IHSA monthly news & updates for December. | | |
Building a culture of care in the workplace
An important thing all employers and supervisors must remember is that ensuring all workers are safe on construction sites is their responsibility. A way of doing that is building a culture of care where workers can spot and report hazards, unsafe work conditions, and malfunctioning safety devices.
Here is a video by IHSA explaining why all this matters.
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Click here for the November edition of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development monthly newsletter.
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Emergency Response Procedures
Ontario Fire Code 2026 – Part 4 (Flammable & Combustible Liquids): The Almost Complete Guide to What Actually Changes on January 1
With January 1, 2026, now at our doorstep, here is a plain-English breakdown of nearly every significant change in Part 4 (O. Reg. 87/25) – Ontario’s first full harmonization with the 2020 National Fire Code in over two decades.
If you store, handle, dispense, or process more than 500 L total or more than 250 L of Class I liquids (gasoline, solvents, ethanol, etc.) in a fire compartment, these rules apply to you starting Day 1.
Click here for a full rundown of what this entails
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Controlling health risks on construction sites
Exposure to biological or chemical agents used at construction jobsites can lead to serious injuries and illnesses. Assessing these occupational health hazards is critical—and mandatory—to minimize their risk to workers.
IHSA’s new guide, Preventing Exposures to Occupational Health Hazards (M077), helps workplace parties comply with the laws that keep workers safe from harmful levels of exposure. It provides information on the proper assessment and control of designated substances, including through air quality testing and the use of personal protective equipment.
Click here to download the guideline
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New Washroom Cleaning Rules: What You Need to Do
Ontario Regulation 480/24, "Washroom Facilities — Records of Cleaning," takes effect on January 1, 2026.
This ensures workplace washrooms are cleaned regularly and records are accessible to workers.
Click here for a full rundown of what this entails
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AI: Work, Wellbeing, and What’s Next: A Conversation with Thought Leaders
The Public Services Health & Safety Association recently hosted an expert AI-focused panel discussion. It featured three distinguished thought leaders who brought unique perspectives on the future of work and the role of AI as it relates to health, safety, and wellbeing. The conversation offered valuable insights and practical perspectives on what we can expect from AI now and in the future, how it may impact workplaces—both physically and psychologically—and where opportunity for innovation and efficiency may exist in health, safety, and wellbeing.
Explore how AI is reshaping the workplace—from smarter safety systems to enhanced wellbeing. Join leading experts as they unpack what’s happening now and what’s coming next. You can watch the full panel discussion here
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New AED Requirement
Starting January 1, 2026, a major amendment to Ontario’s Construction Projects Regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) will take effect.
This change requires construction projects lasting more than three months to install and maintain an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site.
This article explains what the new AED regulation means for employers in Ontario’s construction industry, how to comply, and the legal risks of non-compliance.
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Water is a hazard at many surface mining projects—and can play a role in worker injuries and deaths. IHSA’s Guideline for working near water at surface mines (W057) highlights best practices to help you develop a comprehensive water management program for your workplace—based on hazard identification, risk assessment, and the understanding of controls related to ground stability, traffic management, and more.
Download the guideline here
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Winter Driving Safety Tips
As we enter the colder and wetter season, it is important that our behaviour on the road changes as well. There are various measures that should be taken to ensure the safety of all on the road.
Having winter tires, sufficient rest before driving, and your seatbelt on at all times are a few things people forget are important for the safety of all when driving.
This article by Transport Canada, includes tips all drivers should remember when driving this winter season.
Here is a playlist containing videos by IHSA about the best practices for safe winter driving
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Finish the year strong, healthy, and safe. IHSA’s complete eLearning library is free until December 31, 2025. Their 30-plus eLearning courses cover topics ranging from asbestos awareness to defensive driving to the Utility Work Protection Code.
They’re convenient, accessible, and designed to help improve health and safety practices at your workplace, no matter the size or scope of your operations. A number of courses are also available in multiple languages.
Use promo code WS4L100 to take any IHSA eLearning course for free!
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Holiday Safety Tips
It is said that collision rates across Canada increase during the winter months. With the holiday season right around the corner, it is important we do not let the holiday cheer and celebrations cloud our judgment about conduct acceptable in our various neighborhoods and the road.
This article by the RCMP highlights various safety tips to be remembered this holiday season.
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Cold Stress
As we descend into the colder months, it is important we dress warmly and avoid conditions that result in cold stress. Cold stress happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce. Symptoms of cold stress range from shivering to loss of consciousness and it can result in hypothermia which is fatal.
This article by the CCOHS goes in-depth about working in cold environments and safety measures that should be adopted.
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Layering during Winter Construction
In construction, you are likely to experience the cold. You can be in and out of heated areas, or strictly in the elements. To stay warm, you are advised to layer but layering while doing labour intensive work can be quite tricky.
This article provides information about the dos and don'ts for layering during winter.
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Winter Fire Safety
Although we will be experiencing cold weather, the likelihood of a fire starting on a worksite is still high. Vehicles, heating, fireplaces, and so many other parts of your daily life can start a fire.
This article provides more information about fire safety during winter.
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Workplace safety tips for a safe and healthy winter season
The change in season brings not only a change in the scenery but an increase in various hazards.
This article gives tips for employers to ensure in a safe and healthy winter for their organizations.
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MLITSD Ministry of Labour, Immigration Training & Skills Development Report for: November 2025
Click above for full reports (critical injuries, fatalities, Provincial Coordinator's Comment, incidence details and codes, news)
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GAIN THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF GOLD SEAL CERTIFICATION - Gold Seal Webinars
The Gold Seal Certification program has been the industry’s most trusted, valued, and reliable certification for those in the management of construction. Gold Seal Certified (GSC) credentials demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your expertise through certifying education, experience, and competency.
Ever wonder what it takes to get Gold Seal Certified?
Find out the answers to these questions and more:
• Do I qualify to write the Gold Seal exam?
• Do I need more experience or training?
• What information do I need to apply?
• What is the application process through the online portal?
Watch a recording of a Gold Seal information session here.
Here are the next dates for this certification:
March 20, 2026
- Time: noon Eastern time.
- Enroll by February 27, 2026.
- For new enrolled applicants and in-progress applicants, the deadline for GSC applications is March 11, 2026.
- The last date for approved GSC applicants to choose this exam date is March 11, 2026.
June 12, 2026
- Time: noon Eastern time.
- Enroll by May 22, 2026.
- For new enrolled applicants and in-progress applicants, the deadline for GSC applications and final reviews is June 3, 2026.
- The last date for approved GSC applicants to choose this exam date is June 3, 2026.
September 18, 2026
- Time: noon Eastern time.
- Enroll by August 28, 2026.
- For new enrolled applicants and in-progress applicants, the deadline for GSC applications and final reviews is September 9, 2026.
- The last date for approved GSC applicants to choose this exam date is September 9, 2026.
November 20, 2026
- Time: noon Eastern time.
- Enroll by October 30, 2026.
- For new enrolled applicants and in-progress applicants, the deadline for GSC applications and final reviews is November 11, 2026.
- The last date for approved GSC applicants to choose this exam date is November 11, 2026.
For more information, click here.
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Please request the most recent training newsletter here.
| | Safety courses created to enhance health and safety awareness and help prevent injures to workers, e.g. Confined Space Safety Awareness, Pipeline Construction Safety Training and more - safety and management courses. Contact us for more information. | |
| Helpful H&S Resources and Information | | Ministry of Labour, Training & Skilled Trades NEWSROOM | | Stay up to date with the latest industry safety news and training by clicking here. | | Check out this valuable resource by clicking here. | |
Check out this valuable resource by clicking here.
| | Click Here for WSIB Newsletter | | |
NCA has made safety awareness a primary initiative for our Association.
We have launched our PATHS initiative, Partners Aligned Together for Health and Safety, formally making a stronger commitment to safety awareness and training.
P.A.T.H.S includes:
- NCA Health & Safety Newsletter
- NCA New Safety Training Partners
- NCA WSIB Health & Safety Excellence Program
- NCA Membership Appreciation Day & Safety/Member Tradeshow
- NCA Safety Resources and Guidelines
- NCA Guidance to become "Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers" (SOSE) eligible
- NCA Partners with Audit Companies
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