Episódios
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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses mental health in high-risk workplaces, as well as the partnership between IHSA and Opening Minds, a division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, to deliver a new training program, The Working Mind for the Trades. Joining in the conversation are Charles Boyer and Derek Baranowski from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and IHSA's Kathy Martin, as they emphasize the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace.
The Working Mind program focuses on raising awareness and encouraging dialogue about mental health to reduce stigma, as well as equipping employees with coping skills when faced with challenges. The program was adapted from the original program by Opening Minds and customized to resonate more with the industries IHSA serves—construction, transportation, and electrical utilities.
There are two versions of the program: one for workers and the other for management. Both versions have identical first three modules, which address barriers to having conversations on mental health, monitoring and managing mental health in the workplace, and resilience strategies. The management version has a fourth module dedicated to the leadership team to help them incorporate the learning goals from previous modules into their leadership style.
Kathy highlights that the program is for everyone, and the real learning takes place during group discussions and interaction throughout the course. Derek discusses the benefits of the program, emphasizing that maintaining our mental health should be a normal part of our life that should be treated with the same priority as other areas.
Free Resources
The Working Mind for the Trades - Manager
The Working Mind for the Trades - Worker
Workplace Mental Health & Related Topics
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On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Maren Gamble discusses the impact of senior management on the performance of an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). A senior manager’s level of commitment towards their OHSMS is a critical factor to its success. For example, a senior manager's involvement, such as attending meetings, having knowledge of the system, and having a good understanding of the internal audit process, can significantly impact the success of the system.
Maren emphasizes that senior management should lead by example, as their actions send a message that health and safety is important and worth their time. When they visit a construction site, for instance, a senior manager should not only adhere to mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures, but they should also insist that these rules apply to everyone, demonstrating that there are no exceptions to these rules. If a senior manager or president of a construction project were to be seen wearing dress shoes on the jobsite instead of the proper PPE, it sends the wrong message that PPE is optional and the rules are not applicable to everyone.
To ensure that they keep the promise and commitment they made to their workers to support them in making it home safely, senior management should regularly review the proactive controls being developed within their OHSMS to ensure they are comfortable with them and confident in their ability to meet their health and safety obligations.
Free Resources
The Working Mind for the Trades – Manager (Virtual Training)
The Role of a Supervisor
The Competent Supervisor
What Supervisors Need to Know
Property or Facility Manager
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On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Maren Gamble discusses the distinction between two concepts that are often confused in health and safety: corrective action and preventative action.
Corrective actions are taken in response to existing hazards or incidents in the workplace. Preventative actions, on the other hand, take a more proactive approach with the aim to minimize or eliminate hazards and prevent incidents from reoccurring. The difference between the two is that one focuses on dealing with an incident as it happens, while the other focuses on how to stop the incident from happening again.
Maren shares some real-life examples of what a corrective action may look like versus a preventative action. If a fire were to break out, for example, a corrective action would be to put out the fire. A preventative action would be to eliminate the root cause of the fire to prevent future outbreaks.
Maren also emphasizes the importance of considering both corrective and preventative action plans when building an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). If we focus solely on corrective action, there’ll be an increased number of incidents to address in future because of the lack of a preventative action plan in place. If we focus solely on preventative action and an incident occurs that calls for corrective action, we will find ourselves unprepared. Both action plans are necessary for maximizing efficiency and maintaining worker health and safety.
Free resources
Hazards, Risks, Assessment, and Control (IHSA Podcast – Episode 75)
Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: The Plan, Do, Check, Act Model (IHSA Podcast – Episode 66)
The Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) Model: A Deeper Dive (IHSA Podcast – Episode 67)
IHSA Magazine: Plan, Do, Check, Act
Occupational Health and Safety: The Physical Work Environment
Hierarchy of Controls (YouTube)
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For some people, the idea of a "diet" can be unpleasant and misleading. However, a diet has more to do with the choices we make when it comes to what we eat and drink. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Holly Baril discusses practical diet and nutrition tips for food and beverages.
Holly explains the differences between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, the three main energy sources for the body, and how they contribute to overall health. Carbohydrates are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are found in grains, vegetables, peas, and fruits. Proteins are found in various foods, including meats, dairy products, legumes, and vegetables. Lipids (fats) are found in fats, oils, naturally occurring fats in meats and dairy products, and less obvious plant sources like coconut, olives, and avocado.
Holly discusses what makes up an adequate and balanced diet, as well as how the food we eat affects our overall health and energy levels. Bad food habits, such as eating while watching TV, skipping breakfast, or eating too quickly, are hard to break; however, being aware of these habits can help in making positive changes. Being active also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and balanced living. Any level of physical activity is better than none, and strongly recommended. To develop a more active lifestyle, Holly suggests the following:
· Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time
· Incorporate extra steps everyday
· Incorporate a variety of food choices
· Limit sugar intake
Free resources
MyPlate
Canada’s Food Guide
Myths about Alcohol
Stretching to prevent injury
Stretching exercises
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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s (MTO) Driver Certification Program (DCP), and features Brad Bird, Manager of Health & Safety Education and Accredited Programs at IHSA. The Driver Certification Program is a voluntary program that gives an organization authority from the Ministry of Transportation to train and test their employees for the purpose of upgrading or renewing classified licences and endorsements. Employees who successfully complete the training and testing under the DCP program will obtain an upgraded Commercial Driver’s Licence.
Brad discusses the types of organizations eligible to participate in the DCP, as well as the process of registering for the program, one of which is that a company is required to complete an online application through the MTO’s DCP office. He also discusses the benefits of the DCP program to companies in Ontario, particularly the training of drivers to meet or exceed MTO testing standards.
Brad highlights IHSA’s training programs, all recognized and approved by MTO’s DCP standards:
• 10-day Fleet Signing Authority program
• Fleet Signing Authority Recertification program
• Air Brake Instructor program
Graduates of the 10-day Fleet Signing Authority program and the Air Brake Instructor program are eligible to become a Signing Authority—a ministry-approved trainer and tester—for the purpose of upgrading or renewing classified licences and endorsements.
Free resources
Fleet Signing Authority program
Fleet Signing Authority Recertification program
Air Brake Instructor program
MTO DCP Information package
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Summer in Ontario is typically hot and dry, which can cause heat stress for outdoor workers who work long hours. With Environment Canada predicting warmer-than-usual temperatures this summer in Ontario, it’s critical to take adequate measures to prevent heat stress. Heat stress is a seasonal hazard that can occur when the body's core temperature rises, causing severe dehydration that can be harmful if left untreated. We invite you to listen to a re-launch of Episode 60 of the IHSA Safety Podcast, which discusses heat stress, the different types of heat stress disorders, risks, symptoms, controls, and actions to take when experiencing symptoms.
The Heat Stress Calculator from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) is a calculator that provides three methods of calculation: Humidex-based Method, WBGT Estimate Method, and Detailed WBGT Method. It’s an efficient tool for assessing heat stress and to reference when working in extreme heat conditions.
IHSA offers a range of free resources on heat stress, such as safety talks, manuals, bulletins, and advisories.
Free Resources:
Episode 60—Heat Stress: Understanding the risks, symptoms, and controls
Heat Stress Calculator (OHCOW)
Heat Stress Resources (IHSA.ca)
Heat Stress Awareness Wheel Tool – OHCOW
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Occupational illnesses can result from acute and long-term exposures to hazardous chemical agents. Controlling these exposures can help lower the risk of workers developing a workplace disease. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Jon Lee, Occupational Hygienist with Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), and Jasmine Kalsi, IHSA's Occupational Hygienist, discuss occupational hygiene and the Ministry's campaign efforts regarding exposure to chemical agents.
Jon discusses the Ministry's focus to enforce airborne occupational exposure limits in workplaces. For the current 2024-2025 fiscal year, the Ministry will focus on two initiatives: worker exposures to chemical agents in the workplace, and WHMIS training based on the amended Hazardous Products Regulations.
The first initiative, the Compliance Assistance phase, which runs from April 1st, 2024 until March 31st, 2025, will provide some guidance to workplaces and help them understand compliance issues, as well as prepare them for the next phase. The second initiative, the Focused Inspections phase, starts on July 2nd, 2024 until March 31st, 2025, and will take a more targeted approach to check for compliance and issue orders. Both initiatives focus on industries like construction, transportation, and electrical utilities where workers may be exposed to hazardous chemical agents.
Jasmine mentions common chemical agents that can pose significant risks to workers in various industries, such as silica, VOCs generated from paints and solvents, dusts, fuels, epoxy, welding fumes, and diesel engine exhaust. She highlights the importance of identifying potential exposure sources—which sometimes can be overlooked—and carrying out the appropriate risk assessment to ensure the hazards are controlled appropriately.
Free Resources
Silica Control Tool | OHCOW
Silica Exposure in the Workplace | IHSA Safety Podcast
Occupational Health | IHSA.ca
Current occupational exposure limits for Ontario workplaces under Regulation 833 | MLITSD
Occupational Illness Exposures | OHCOW
Amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations | Health Canada
WHMIS 2015 Fact Sheets | CCOHS
WHMIS 2015 eLearning | IHSA
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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast takes on a more conversational tone as host Ken Rayner, IHSA’s VP of Market Development and Communications, and Jennifer Kahn, EllisDon's VP of Inclusive Diversity, discuss diversity and inclusion. Jennifer shares her personal experiences with diversity and inclusion, stating that diversity is a fact but inclusion is a choice that requires intention and effort.
Jennifer also explores the concept of privilege, a controversial term, and its potential to promote diversity and inclusion in its own way. Everyone has threads of privilege, both good and bad; however, it is important to acknowledge and understand where one holds privilege and how to share it with others.
Ken discusses the role curiosity plays in fostering openness and embracing diversity in others’ backgrounds. If we focus only on the first few layers when getting to know someone, we fail to fully understand their perspectives and experiences. Approaching diversity with a curious mindset can lead to a better understanding and appreciation for it.
Jennifer discusses her role in diversity, equity, and inclusion at EllisDon, which involves finding the right balance for underrepresented individuals. She also raises key points for workplaces when it comes to diversity, such as creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives, and stressing the importance of supporting other diversity factors that may be invisible, such as neurodiversity and disabilities.
Free Resources
The Role of Leaders in Building Inclusive Workplaces
People Try the "Check Your Privilege" TikTok Challenge
Inclusive Diversity | EllisDon
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion: A call to action
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Maintaining good health is crucial for workers, particularly those in the construction industry who face physical demands and potential hazards on a regular basis. This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses ways in which construction workers can build and maintain a healthy lifestyle and features Cori Toshack, CAT(C), BPHE, Certified Health Coach, and Scott Laing, Stakeholder Relations Coordinator at IHSA.
Cori and Scott highlight the importance of taking care of one's body today, as it will be felt 10 or more years later. Cori discusses the short- and long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as less pain, increased strength, less fatigue, longevity, and overall happiness, and Scott, a former worker in the construction industry, shares his experience with injuries and surgeries and how applying a more athletic mindset changed his feelings.
Cori emphasizes on the crucial role certified athletic therapists play in keeping athletes healthy, and encourages construction workers to consider seeking help from athletic therapists, chiropractors, or osteopaths to manage pain and improve their overall health. The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association offers information on health and wellness, and firsthand one-to-one conversations with a professional can provide valuable guidance.
Free Resources
Guide to Developing a Fit for Work Policy
Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Civil Construction
Occupational Health and Safety: The Physical Work Environment
CATA | Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (athletictherapy.org)
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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses reporting and notification responsibilities for asbestos on construction projects in Ontario and features Michele Beckstead-Jackson, Provincial Specialist with the Construction Health and Safety Program of the Occupational Health and Safety Branch, at the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).
Michele discusses the various reports and notifications required for submission to the Ministry, such as the Owner Report and the Asbestos Worker Report, among others. The Owner Report requires the owner of the building to report to the Ministry before tendering, arranging, or contracting work for demolition, alteration, or repair operations where asbestos will be handled. The employer must submit an Asbestos Worker Report to the Ministry for each worker involved in type two or type three removal operations. They must provide a copy of the report to the worker at the time of submission and upon termination.
Asbestos management planning is a shared responsibility that should be clearly communicated to all parties involved. Employers, contractors, and workers who are dealing with asbestos must ensure they are working safely and are in compliance with the laws in Ontario.
Free Resources
Asbestos in the workplace | ontario.ca
A guide to the Regulation respecting Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations | ontario.ca
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Disclaimer: This episode discusses a sensitive topic that may be challenging for some listeners.
On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, we remember and honour Dean Maguire, a devoted father, brother, and husband who tragically lost his life during a construction project in Toronto on March 27th, 2018. The Maguire family—Heather, Connor, Mae, and Tim—joins this episode to share their personal experiences of the grief of losing Dean, describing him as a kind, gentle, and loving man. Dean’s passing has had a profound impact on the family, and is a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing workplace safety.
Threads of Life, a Canadian charity that supports families affected by work-related injuries and fatalities, has been a lifeline for the Maguire family, providing information, support, and understanding during their difficult time of loss and grief. They have attended the Threads of Life convention and been involved in fundraising walks to help spread awareness about workplace safety.
The Maguire family also discusses the importance of having conversations about complacency in the workplace and breaking down cultural barriers, especially around the trades industry. Safety needs to be prioritized because it saves lives. Workplace safety is everybody's responsibility.
Dean contributed to building the Rogers Centre, Toronto’s skyline, and many other structures across Ontario. Dean’s legacy lives on and continues to inspire and impact the lives of many.
Free Resources
Fall Prevention and Working at Heights
Safety Talks
IHSA - YouTube Safety Talks videos
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On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, three members of IHSA's management team discuss women in construction health and safety. Maren Gamble, manager of Strategic Programs, Deb Moskal, manager of Regional Operations North and East, and Jennifer McKenzie, director of Stakeholder and Client Engagement, address the long-standing gender disparity in the construction industry.
Maren shares her experiences as a female in a largely male-dominated workplace, specifically in construction health and safety spaces. Jennifer acknowledges the progress made in breaking down barriers in the construction industry and discusses the roles leadership and management play in encouraging gender equality in the workplace. Deb emphasizes the immense value female workers bring to the industry and the need for more inclusivity.
Maren, Deb, and Jennifer further highlight the importance of addressing gender diversity in the workplace. Maren applies the hierarchy of controls formula to tackle the issue of gender bias and stereotypes about women in construction, one of which includes fostering a gender-inclusive culture. While the skilled trades and construction industry continues to evolve and there has been remarkable progress in attracting more women to the industry, workers, employers, and the construction industry as a whole can do more collectively to create a more equitable future.
Free Resources
Workplace health promotion
Challenging stigma and preventing mental harm
Safety talk: Toxic masculinity
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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Utility Work Protection Code (UWPC), a set of rules and regulations that play a crucial role in worker safety across Ontario, and features Sandy Morrison, Utility Work Protection Code coordinator at IHSA. The UWPC, owned by Hydro One and updated every five years, ensures that rules, tags, forms, and communication are consistent. The UWPC helps create an environment where hazards are reduced or eliminated by providing rules for workers working on or above 750 volts. It is based on the understanding that the safest way to work is to isolate an area and work around it using different permits and tags to create a safe work environment.
Sandy addresses the importance of training in the UWPC for crews working around high voltage. Training is only valid for 27 months and must be retaken after two years. This ongoing training process allows workers to learn new skills and address new questions or scenarios. IHSA offers four training courses in the UWPC: Overview, Core, Recertification, and Train the Trainer.
Sandy also discusses the UWPC’s significant changes in 2024, which include new code changes that match the Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR), implementation of a signature rule, an annual management review, creation of a new PC3 tag, and more.
Free Resources
Utility Work Protection Code Overview
Electrical Utilities Safety Rules (EUSR)
Electrical Hazards
Electrical Safety Awareness (eLearning)
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Employers often provide training to ensure workers are equipped for a job, with formal training requirements and courses being especially important. However, there are differences between training and competency, and it is essential to explore the distinction between the two terms when building an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses training and competency and features Maren Gamble, Manager of Strategic Programs at IHSA.
Maren highlights that training involves learning new skills to properly perform a specific job or activity, but may not cover all the necessary knowledge for the specific task. Competency, on the other hand, encompasses knowledge, experience, and training, ensuring a person is ready to safely perform tasks. It involves having accurate, current information, the right training, and applicable experience to organize and perform work, know the laws associated with it, and understand potential dangers or hazards.
Maren further discusses the layers involved in developing competency, including both internal and external factors such as licensing or certifications. Maren also stresses the need to verify competency—in addition to verifying training—through evaluation, interview, or observation of work to help identify any gaps in understanding.
Free Resources
The Role of a Supervisor
Basics of Health and Safety for Small Businesses (eLearning)
NCSO Health and Safety, Policies, Practices, and Procedures Webinar
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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR), which have been the foundation of health and safety education in the electrical utilities industry since 1914, and features Jeff Ellery, a member of IHSA's Power Line Apprenticeship and training team. The EUSR, initially created by the Electrical Employers Association of Ontario, laid down a set of rules for safe work for electrical workers who work on or near electrical distribution or transmission systems in Ontario. These workers include power line technicians, utility arborists, and high-voltage electrical workers.
Jeff explains that the EUSR was established in 1914 because of the critical need for a documented set of safety rules due to the high number of incidents and workplace fatalities in the electrical utility sector. The EUSR can be credited with contributing to the foundational elementsfound in the current Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, such as workers' rights, competent supervision, requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE), and worker resuscitation and first aid. The EUSR is regarded as a best practice within the electrical utilitiessector.
The EUSR has undergone significant revisions since its formation, and Jeff discusses the parties involved in its evolution, as well as the recent changes that went into effect on January 1, 2024.
The 2024 edition of the EUSR is now available in print and online at IHSA.ca.
Free Resources
Electrical Utilities Safety Rules (EUSR)
Electrical Hazards
Electrical Safety Awareness (eLearning)
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During the winter months in Canada, the weather can get extremely cold, and workers in industries such as construction, transportation, and electrical utilities face the risk of experiencing cold stress. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Jasmine Kalsi, IHSA’s Occupational Hygienist, discusses cold stress, which occurs when the human body's core temperature drops below 37 degrees Celsius. Cold stress can result in cold-related illnesses, tissue damage, and even death.
Jasmine explains that extended exposures to cold can occur in locations such as roofs, unheated cabs, bridges, projects near large bodies of water, high buildings open to the wind, and working in refrigerated rooms, vessels, and containers. Cold stress can result in two major illnesses: hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when the body cannot maintain its core temperature due to constricting blood vessels, while frostbite is caused by exposure to severe cold or contact with extremely cold surfaces.
Jasmine further discusses the responsibilities of employers to take reasonable precautions to protect workers from cold stress. Controls that can be implemented include training, safety talks, providing appropriate protective clothing, providing hot beverages and heated shelters or breakrooms, and creating a cold stress prevention plan.
Free Resources
OHCOW Cold Stress Calculator
WorkSafe Saskatchewan - Working in Cold Conditions
CCOHS Cold Environments – ACGIH Wind Chill Temperature Index
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To build an effective occupational health and safety management system, it is crucial to adopt a proactive approach to risk prevention rather than a reactive one. This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the basics of hazards, risks, assessment, and controls within an occupational health and safety management system and features Maren Gamble, Manager of Strategic Programs at IHSA.
Maren discusses the proactive approach in depth, which focuses on predicting and foreseeing potential risks before the job starts. Maren compares this to baby-proofing or pet-proofing a house by identifying potential hazards to an infant or a new pet and putting control measures in place.
Maren further emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between hazard, risk, assessment, and control. The hazard in a workplace is what causes harm, while the risk is the type of harm it can cause. It’s important to consider the hazard that existed to cause that risk, as this helps identify other risks associated with the same hazard.
Maren also discusses the best way to address risks, which is to implement controls. Some types of controls are better than others, leading to the control hierarchy as follows: Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Free Resources
Hazard Identification and Control Awareness in Construction (eLearning)
Intro to Hazard and Risk Management (eLearning)
Hierarchy of Controls (YouTube)
Hazard Assessment, Analysis, and Control (COR® Podcast – Episode 6)
Trauma Management in the Workplace (IHSA Podcast – Episode 70)
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On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, we celebrate the career of an occupational health and safety professional, Tom Nicolls. Tom started his career in the Electrical Utility industry 38 years ago with Hydro One, and has been a significant contributor to occupational health and safety in Ontario through various channels and roles.
Tom shares his experiences over the length of his extensive career, including his inspiration to pursue a career in health and safety after witnessing severe accidents as a lineman at Ontario Hydro and recognizing the critical need for safety protocols. He went on to become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist with the Power Workers Union, which represents 90% of electrical workers in distribution, transmission, and generation of power across Ontario.
One memorable moment from Tom’s career was his involvement in standardizing the Utility Work Protection Code across the province after an ice storm in Toronto. The code ensures the safety of workers in distribution and transmission systems in Ontario, and its standardization has had a long-lasting effect across the province.
Tom has dedicated a lot of his time to volunteer activities, committees, and boards, including serving as chair of Section 21 Utility Provincial Labour Management Committee, as well as co-chair on the Board of IHSA.
Free Resources
Learn about the dangers of working around electrical hazards (ihsa.ca)
Occupational Health and Safety: The Physical Work Environment
IHSA COR® Podcast
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Worker misclassification can have ramifications for all parties involved. When a worker is misclassified, it prevents them from receiving the full benefits and protections they are entitled to under the Canada Labour Code. This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast (the final in a three-part series) discusses worker misclassification in transportation and features Liz Tavares, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)—Labour Program/Government of Canada, and Michelle Roberts, Vice President, Stakeholder and Public Relations at IHSA.
Worker misclassification, as explained by Liz, is the improper designation of an employee and occurs when an employer intentionally treats a worker who meets the criteria to be an employee as someone other than an employee. As a result, the worker or driver is not afforded the same rights and protections as other employees in the industry.
Liz and Michelle further highlight the risks associated with misclassification for both workers and employers, as well as the steps by which misclassification can be addressed. The first is through guidance and counselling, followed by other compliance measures such as Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC), Compliance Order, and more.
Free Resources
Reporting requirements for federally regulated firms
Legislative Requirements and Best Practices
Transportation: Links & Resources
What supervisors need to know
Misclassification in the Trucking Industry - Government of Canada
ESDC Tool Kit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/labour/programs/labour-standards/reports/misclassification-trucking.html
ESDC Video: Misclassification Know your Rights: https://youtu.be/HdQdNTcvvVA?si=rDDM4ZCWlt1zYHmh
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A federally regulated small business must have an occupational health and safety (OHS) program with components that promote a workplace safety culture. This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast (the second in a three-part series) discusses the first steps a federally regulated business should consider when building their OHS system and features Liz Tavares, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)—Labour Program/Government of Canada, and Michelle Roberts, Vice President, Stakeholder and Public Relations at IHSA.
Liz explains the necessary steps to establish a federal occupational health and safety program, which include finding a health and safety expert who is well-versed in the Canada Labour Code Part II, developing a comprehensive OHS program that incorporates a hazard prevention program, and reviewing the program every three years or whenever necessary.
Liz and Michelle also emphasize the importance of training as another necessary step. Employers have the duty to train managers and supervisors in health and safety, while employees must be informed and trained on workplace hazards, the use of personal protective equipment, and reporting hazards.
IHSA offers customized training programs and a number of free resources for federally regulated small businesses to assist them in identifying and addressing their most critical workplace hazards, developing a successful OHS program, and ensuring a healthy and safe working environment.
Free Resources
Reporting requirements for federally regulated firms
Legislative Requirements and Best Practices
Road Safety Solutions (ihsa.ca)
What supervisors need to know
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