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.
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That's it, I'm staying: Retracting retirement.
November 16, 2023
Geoffrey Lowe – What to do when the last day doesn’t mean the last day.
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Unemployment rate rises in October to 5.7%: Stats Can.
November 3, 2023
John Dujay – Job gains in Alberta offset by losses in Quebec disputes.
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In the community: Team Building at the Partners in Mission Foodbank - Kingston |
On November 28, 2023, the team at Wilkens Health and Safety Solutions spent their day outside of the office for a great cause. We helped with the tangible donation distribution at the Partners in Mission Food Bank (Kingston.) So far this year, the Partners in Mission Food Bank in Kingston has helped 7400 people, and they want to make that number grow as we head into the season of giving!
Our local foodbank branch provides nourishment, hope and support to our community with an opportunity for all to share. Being the food distribution centre for this area, they also donate surplus provisions to local hot meal and shelter programs in the Kingston area. Please visit www.kingstonfoodbank.ca to learn more about how you can get involved including ways to give and organizing a food drive. We encourage you to give whatever you can, because any amount, no matter how small, could be life changing for someone in need.
A big thank you to Dan Irwin and his team for hosting us and for their continued dedication to providing a much-needed service to our community.
Keep an eye on our social channels to see more about this great team building day, and wonderful local cause.
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Freedom, Equity and Justice: December 10 is Human Rights Day |
On December 10, 2023, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) turns 75! The UDHR is a revolutionary document that enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Did you know? This declaration is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages!
The United Nations has promoted a year-long initiative focusing on universality, progress and engagement, which will culminate in a high-level event to announce global pledges and ideas for a vision for the future of human rights. The theme of this year is Freedom, Equality and Justice for All. We will be sharing some relevant resources on our social channels this month.
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Have a great (and responsible) Holiday Party! |
Holiday parties are a wonderful chance for employers to engage with their employees in a comfortable atmosphere. It’s important we enjoy ourselves leading up to the holidays, however, employers have the responsibility of finding the balance between a good time, while remaining professional, and above all: safe. If your company party is coming up, here are 4 easy tips you can follow for having a holiday party that is merry, bright and memorable for all the right reasons!
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Manage Alcohol Use: Hosting the party off-site is a great first step to help manage alcohol-related risks, since servers can be instructed to not serve alcohol to people who appear intoxicated. Be sure to have alternative transportation options advertised and if possible, assist helping individuals who may not have transportation lined up. You can even choose to provide taxi vouchers to employees at the start/during the event.
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Promote Alternative Drink Options: Some individuals choose not to drink to due health, religion or any number of personal reasons. Making sure employees feel like they aren’t being discriminated against for choosing other drink options is essential to creating an inclusive environment. Having a fancy mocktail as an option will impress your non-drinking employees and are a great idea for drinking employees who don’t wish to overdo it.
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Create an Inclusive Invite List: Be sure to include all departments – even if you think they will decline – to your holiday events to remind your employees of their worth. Remind employees that their presence at the holiday party is completely optional, so they don’t feel as though they need to attend out of obligation, yet still feel wanted and included. Around the holidays, that notion alone can make a big difference in someone’s life.
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Zero Tolerance on Violence and Harassment: Your holiday party may take place outside of the office, however as an employer, you are responsible for any inappropriate actions that happen at the party. This is a perfect opportunity to remind employees about your company’s violence and harassment policy. Employers/managers can use this opportunity to act professional at the party so that employees will hopefully be inspired to do the same. It also helps of be mindful of things (i.e., holiday decorations such as mistletoe) that could contribute to inappropriate behaviours.
Follow these tips and celebrate your hard work with a holiday party everyone can enjoy!
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Ontario focuses on veterans and in-demand careers |
The Ontario government wants to ensure that military veterans can obtain rewarding careers once they get out of the service. To help, Ontario is investing $4.3 million into innovative training projects to help Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members prepare for in-demand jobs as they transition to civilian life. A total of 356 CAF members will benefit from the investment. The True Patriot Love Foundation is heading the first project that will help 130 jobseekers land meaningful jobs in healthcare.
Additionally, the foundation will be partnering with 40 Ontario employers from several sectors to educate them on the benefits of hiring veterans and best practices for reducing barriers to employment. Other foundations are included in this initiative to help veterans find employment in industries like software development, IT and construction, and also offer trauma and resilience programs, and mental health support through the creative arts.
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Working in a Winter Wonderland
If you work outside in extreme cold temperatures, you must be extra cautious when it comes to your safety. While working in a cold environment, most of the energy your body produces will be used to keep your core temperature warm. The body then begins to shift blood flow to the skin and to the hands, feet, arms, legs, chest and abdomen. The shift allows the exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly which increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Watch for signs and symptoms of cold stress and illnesses, which include:
· Fatigue
· Nausea
· Dizziness
· Irritability
· Weakness/stumbling
· Severe shivering, then stopping
· Pain in extremities
· Skin turning numb and white
· Mumbling/trouble speaking
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development of Ontario (MLITSD) advises employers to implement a cold stress prevention program for healthy work environment. This program should include a system to train workers on cold-related hazards, how to identify early signs and symptoms of cold stress, prevention, and ways to act on wind chill warnings issued by Environment Canada.
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Fight Fire Hazards this Holiday Season |
We wanted to provide a quick reminder on the importance of fighting fire hazards this holiday season. As we fill our homes with the sights and smells of the holiday season, it’s crucial to be aware of the increased fire hazards that come along with all this holiday cheer.
Please remember to:
- Inspect lights for damage before use, don’t overload outlets or extension cords with too many lights, and remember to unplug your lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
- Ensure real trees are watered on a regular basis, check artificial trees for any damage to wiring or insulation and keep all trees away from heat sources.
- Consider using battery-operated LED candles.
- Make sure your cooking area is well-ventilated and you never leave your cooking unattended.
Looking for more information? Just visit whss.ca or call us at 613-546-9814.
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A Holiday Greeting from our Team! |
In case you don’t see our holiday greeting when it hits our social channels, the team at Wilkens Health and Safety Solutions wants to wish you a very joyous holiday season with family and friends. Take this moment to reflect on all the positives of this past year, and what you’re looking forward to in the year ahead! We look forward to another great year of helping you achieve a safe and happy workplace. |
Upcoming WHSS Courses
Register Your Employees Today!
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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 Danielle Charlebois at 613.546.9814 ext. 2223 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 Danielle Charlebois at dcharlebois@whss.ca by email or 613.546.9814 ext. 2223 for more details.
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