June 2022
"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!
Working outdoors
Source: Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development

Employers have a duty to protect workers who work outdoors. Learn more about the hazards and what you can do to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  1. Overview
  2. What you’re required to do by law
  3. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun
  4. Extreme temperatures and poor weather conditions
  5. Hazardous plants
  6. What to do if a worker is exposed to hazardous plants
  7. Lyme disease
  8. Mosquitoes and the West Nile virus
Protect Against Tick Bites on Construction Sites
Source: https://www.forconstructionpros.com/

An increase in the number of reported cases of Lyme disease and heightened awareness regarding possible long-term health effects resulting from an untreated infection has us ready to help protect outdoor construction workers from these pests. Read More
In case you missed it...

Our 2022 VIRTUAL Niagara Safety Awareness Day held on May 4th was a great success.

Check out the RECORDING, PRESENTATIONS, and SPEAKER BIO'S here: https://conta.cc/3LaPgJN
Keep an eye out for the southwestern Ontario regional blitzes in the following: excavation, electric, falls, pedestrian traffic, musculoskeletal disorders, vulnerable workers, and noise in addition to provincial blitzes - these blitzes will run from May 2022 until March 2023.
4 Dangers of Working In the Sun
Source: Matrix Labour Leasing

Working in extremely hot conditions can be dangerous for anyone, but this escalates for construction workers who spend all day outside. That’s why it’s essential for construction companies to have safety policies in place to keep workers protected.
What are the dangers of working in the heat?
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun’s rays is one of the main concerns during summertime construction, as it can cause a number of serious health problems. These include:
  1. Skin Cancer - Most skin cancers are a direct result of exposure to UV radiation. If construction workers are constantly exposed to sunlight without protection, then their risk of developing skin cancer significantly increases.
  2. Eye Problems - Chronic exposure to UV radiation can lead to many serious eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration which can affect one’s vision.
  3. Weakened Immune System - UV radiation can suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and weaken the skin’s natural defences.
  4. Heat Exhaustion And Severe Sunburns - These are the two most dangerous parts of working outdoors in the summer and both require medical attention as quickly as possible.
4 Summer Safety Tips For Construction Workers
Source: Matrix Labour Leasing

While the risk of outdoor workers developing skin cancer or other sun-related illnesses may seem remote in comparison to other dangers posed by their everyday job duties, it’s important to do all you can to reduce the risk of harm from sun exposure.
Here are four simple changes you can make at your worksite to keep your employees sun-safe:
  1. Switch up the schedule - If possible, try to schedule outdoor work shifts outside of 10am - 4pm, when the UV rays tend to be strongest.
  2. Take a break - Schedule regular breaks. Make sure there’s a place for employees to get out of the sun and into the shade, such as a cooling centre, shelter, or tent.
  3. Be aware of the environment - Some surfaces such as glass, water, and sand reflect UV rays and can intensify workers’ exposure to them. UV rays are also stronger at higher altitudes. You may not be able to change these conditions, but you should be aware that they can pose additional risks and you should increase protection accordingly.
  4. Plan for conditions - The UV index provides a forecast of UV levels in your area and ranks the danger of exposure on a scale from low to extreme. Use this to schedule outdoor shifts at a time when danger is lowest.
SAFETY Bulletin - MLTSD BLITZ on Struck-by motor vehicle and mobile equipment hazards
Source: Rankin Construction Inc.

Reason for Bulletin: The Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development (MLTSD) is conducting a Provincial compliance initiative from April 1 to June 30, 2022. (SAFETY BLITZ)
This initiative will focus on helping to identify and prevent Struck-By hazards associated with operating vehicles and mobile equipment on construction projects.
During the Focused Inspections, the ministry inspectors will visit construction projects where vehicles and equipment may be operated, and workers may be endangered. READ MORE
Making sense of Bill 88, the Working for Workers Act, 2022 (the “Bill”)...

High Stakes Become Higher: Ontario OHSA Amendments Create Historic Director and Officer Fines and Even More Corporate Risk
Source: Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP.

On April 7, 2022, the Government of Ontario passed Bill 88, the Working for Workers Act, 2022 (the “Bill”), which, among other things, contains various amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the “OHSA”). The amendments will make significant changes to the OHSA including substantially increased penalties for directors, officers and individuals, legislated sentencing factors, the potential for additional court orders as part of sentencing, and a doubling of the limitation period. The Bill also introduces obligations for certain employers to maintain naloxone kits and train their staff on how to use them. Read More
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?

Please register for the date and time that works best for you:
Hosted by Niagara, Hamilton and the Central Ontario Labour Management Health and Safety Committees

Theme: Outreach to Small contractors and workers of those contractors. Small businesses represent 95% of all employers in Ontario, and they employ 28% of Ontario’s workers. Business owners know that running a business involves risks and costs; we know that a commitment to health, safety, and fairness makes good business sense.
Purpose: Increased Health and Safety Awareness with the goal of injury reduction
Speakers:
  • Giovanni Cautillo – OGCA
  • Rodney Cook – WSIB on HSEP
  • Ken Rayner – IHSA on Small Business Options
When: Jun 7, 2022 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting - Click Here
MLTSD Labour-Management Report for:


Click above for full reports (critical injuries, fatalities,
Provincial Coordinator's Comment, incidence details and codes, news)
What's New is published by The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

April 2022 issue - Click Here
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY LINKS AND QR CODES:
NALOXONE KIT

The following information was developed by the Niagara Regional Labour Management Health & Safety Committee with the intent of providing information on Occupational Health and Safety.

The links and QR Codes can be opened or shared by most mobile devices. It is important to note that this document is for information purposes only and does not constitute or intend to constitute, legal advice or service. Click Here
Every year scammers target Canadians, many here in Niagara. 
The scams often target vulnerable victims.
The Point Sale Scam Intervention Program (POSSIP) has been designed with detectives from the NRPS Central Fraud Unit to create awareness and education for retail and financial institution employees with the goal of scam intervention at the point of sale.
Retailers and financial institutions are encouraged to download the education program for their employees to view. The education program works in conjunction with an NRPS poster to support the employees.
Retailers and financial intuitions should create internal policy regarding scam intervention and the potential to refuse a sale to protect victims.
H&S Training at the NCA
NCA Training Courses
(membership discounts)

♦ Live Webinars

♦ Online

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 and mention that you are an NCA member to qualify for the member reduced pricing.
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.
WSIB Health and Safety Excellence program

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 join us for information on the WSIB H & S Excellence program.
We are holding an information session via Zoom on Thursday, June 16, 2022 - 4:00 pm
Helpful H&S Resources and Information
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.