April 2024

"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.
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SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFETY

IHSA offers tips for safe solar eclipse viewing

Source: www.ihsa.ca

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, briefly turning day into darkness for a portion of the continent—including southern Ontario. Depending on where you’re located in the province, the eclipse will be visible between 2 and 4 p.m.


A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, appearing to completely cover it for a few minutes. It’s a rare event that captures many people’s attention, but for that reason it also presents safety concerns.


Looking directly at the sun can damage your eyes—even when the sun is covered during an eclipse. If you want to view the eclipse, do not do so without specialized eye protection. READ MORE

Certified eclipse glasses - Find suppliers of safe solar filters and viewers.

Struck By Awareness Week April 15-19, 2024 

Source: https://www.ihsa.ca


From January 1, 2017, to Dec 31, 2023, there were 232 critical injuries and 25 fatalities resulting from Vehicle and Equipment Struck-bys in Ontario Construction Workplaces.

 

Struck-by is the term that Ontario’s prevention system uses for the various injuries that occur when workers are hit—or struck—by tools, materials, equipment, or vehicles. Just like falls, struck-by is a leading cause of injury in the industries that IHSA serves.

 

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.

 

To prepare for Struck By Awareness Week, employers should;

 

Download IHSA's Struck-By Toolkit

Plan a Moment of Silence to pay respects to those workers who have been unable to return home after a workplace incident.

Plan a Site Safety Standdown with a focus on Struck-by hazards and how to effectively control them.

Using the day-by-day guide below, plan your site activities for Struck By Awareness Week. READ MORE

MLITSD Compliance Campaign

Source: www.ihsa.ca


Struck-by The MLITSD will be continuing the focused campaign on Struck-by from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025.

 The campaign will focus on:

- Single-family residential

- Multi-family residential

- Industrial

- Commercial

- Road/sewer/water

It will include:

- Focused inspection blitz: Inspectors conduct field visits to check that employers are complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, and to raise awareness about specific issues at the workplaces they are visiting.

- Inspectors will engage with workplaces to promote compliance.

- IHSA will continue to provide compliance support.


Visit the IHSA's Struck-by Hazards page to access many additional FREE resources to consider in controlling the hazards associated with struck-bys. 

2023-2024 Industry compliance campaigns

Source: www.ihsa.ca

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:



The MLITSD also has a specialized Professional Services Compliance Plan which will be

focusing on ergonomics, respiratory protection, and asbestos in building structures.

Learn more

6 Spring Safety Toolbox Topics for April

Source: https://safestart.com/


April is a time that most people associate with spring—and spring cleaning. Spring cleaning isn’t just limited to your home—whether you work in an office or on a construction site, cleaning and organization are vital to maintaining production. In addition to higher productivity, a clean workplace can also reduce injuries, lower absenteeism and promote better health and safety practices.

To start April off on the right foot, why not discuss 5 Ways to Optimize Housekeeping Procedures as a toolbox talk? April also has a number of national days that you can focus your attention on for toolbox talks, as detailed below. Read More

Ontario’s Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2023 (“Bill 149”) received Royal Assent on March 21, 2024.


Bill 149 amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) benefits under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (“WSIA”). 


The attached briefing note outlines key changes to the ESA and WSIA made by Bill 149. Some of these changes come into force immediately, others will come into force on June 21, 2024, and some will only take effect upon proclamation at a future date.


Provided by: SHERRARD KUZZ LLP | Employment & Labour Lawyers.

MLITSD Ministry of Labour, Immigration Training & Skills Development Report for:

February 2024


Click above for full reports (critical injuries, fatalities, Provincial Coordinator's Comment, incidence details and codes, news)

DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH HAPPENS EVERY APRIL

MULTITASKING IS A MYTH: WHY DISTRACTED DRIVING CAN BE DEADLY

Source: https://weeklysafety.com/


When behind the wheel, drivers should always be fully aware of their surroundings, remain focused solely on driving and avoid all types of distractions. A distraction is anything that directs your attention away from something else. Distracted driving occurs when a driver is attempting to do one or more other tasks in addition to driving and their attention becomes divided. READ MORE

NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING

Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/


Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy.


We remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job.


We commit to protecting workers and preventing further workplace tragedies.


#DayOfMourning


READ MORE

Are you looking for registration for the following courses?



  • Working at Heights - Full Course or Refresher
  • Elevated Work Platform - EWP
  • Joint Health and Safety Certification Refresher Training
  • Joint Health and Safety Certification (Part 1 & 2 and Refresher training)
  • First Aid Standard
  • First Aid Recertification
  • Confined Space


To register: Please call our training partner: Langlois Safety Training and Consulting Services at 289-271-8623.

WSIB Health and Safety Excellence program
 
IF YOU ARE A SMALL BUSINESS (99 or fewer employees), YOU'LL WANT TO FIND OUT MORE! 
 
The WSIB is offering an extra financial incentive to small businesses, in addition to the regular Rebate!
 
You may have received a phone call or email from the WSIB informing you about the WSIB H & S Excellence program. We are pleased to bring this to our members in partnership with Safety Works Consulting Inc., as the WSIB-approved Provider.
 
If you would like more information on another WSIB Rebate, please CONTACT US for information on the WSIB H & S Excellence program.

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.

What's New is published by The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.


March 2024 issue - Click Here

H&S Training at the NCA

NCA Training Courses

(membership discounts)


♦ Live Webinars


♦ Online


Please see 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. Click HERE for available courses.
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.

2-Minute News


March Network News

Check out this valuable resource by clicking here.
Check out this valuable resource by clicking here.
Click Here for WSIB Newsletter

And subscribe to their newsletter!

PARTNERS ALIGNED TOGETHER FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

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.

Visit the NCA website
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