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The REGIONAL

Health & Safety News, Events & Information

November 2009

 

What can you do to protect employees from workplace violence?

To start with, be aware that as an employer or supervisor it really is your responsibility to protect workers from possible workplace violence. Bill 168, an Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace, has already received its first reading at Queen's Park in April.

The November issue of The Regional provides more information on Bill 168 and preventing workplace violence; helps you with a few last-minute resources to prepare for the Ministry of Labour's November blitz on slips, trips and falls; offers up an avenue to get back a portion of your WSIB premiums; presents a simple solution to improve training retention and lets you know what health and safety training is available from OSSA in November and December.

 

Prevention System News

Preventing Workplace Violence. Knowledge is key

   

Just how widespread is workplace violence? Consider this:

  • Ministry of Labour inspectors visited 198 workplaces from April to September last year. They actually issued 185 orders related to violence in the workplace
  • A General Social Survey reveals that 17% of all self-reported incidents of violent victimization happened at the workplace. According to Statistics Canada, that represents over 356,000 violent workplace incidents in Canada
  • Volence in Canadian workplaces has increased over the past 5 years. 66% of organizations report an increase in aggressive acts within their workplaces.

Who might be most at risk?  What are the types of workplace violence and harassment?W hat impact does workplace violence have? Where do you get more information?

OSSA's partner, The Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA), is offering workshops that will increase your awareness of the costs of violence to organizations and their employees alike, and provide an overview of the key requirements of Bill 168. Click here to find out more about these workshops and how to register.

 

Ministry of Labour News

November is here. And so is the blitz

In case you've been swamped with work and didn't realize it, the Ministry of Labour has just commenced its inspection blitz covering slips, trips and fall hazards. With the focus being on same-level falls and falls from heights we figured you'd need all the help we can offer. We've put together a bunch of useful resources all in one place to help you prepare. Drop by our Slips, Trips & Falls Blitz page here.

And remember, Inspectors look for commitment and action combined with solid evidence. Just in case you need any further assistance, please feel free to call us at 1-888-478-6772.

 

OSSA News

Fifty-nine firms will be a little richer this November

Last year we presented our 59 Safety Group members with a certificate for completing Year 1. This year they'll get another certificate.....and a cheque from the WSIB.

What did they do to deserve this? First, they enrolled in OSSA's Safety Groups; they then successfully implemented their action plans as required by the WSIB. It was that simple.

You could also be a part of this band of firms that have the opportunity to get back a portion of their WSIB premium and also improve their workplace health and safety track record - which is so important in keeping WSIB premiums low.

Click here for more information.

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TRAINING News

Train staff before it gets real busy, and make the training stick

As a business you're probably bracing for fhe flurry of activity that the holiday season brings. So imagine having to send employees for training just when it's busy. The solution lies in sending your staff for health and safety training in November or earlier so they approach the busy times armed with the appropriate knowledge. But it's also important that staff retain that knowledge even after the holiday season has passed. Make training stick and make your investment in training staff one that builds value for your company. It's as easy as PIE. Read more

OSSA Training Course Schedule by Region

 

Be sure to check out OSSA's free Risk Assessment and Hazard & Compliance Workshops below!  You can find more information here.

Greater Toronto Area and Central Ontario

 

Course Title 
City 
Date
Certification Part 2 Toronto November 16
Certification Part 2 - Off & RS Toronto / Mississauga November 19
Certification Part 1 Toronto / Mississauga December 7-9
FREE! Hazard Assessment & Compliance Workshop Toronto / Mississauga December 8
Certification Part 2 - Retail & Wholesale Toronto / Mississauga December 10

 

Golden Horseshoe Region

Certification Part 2 Welland November 19
Certification Part 2 Burlington December 3

 

South & Western Ontario

Certification Part 1 London November 24-26
Certification Part 2 London December 1
Certification Part 2 Windsor December 1

 

Eastern Ontario

Certification Part 1 Ottawa November 17-19
FREE! Hazard Assessment Workshop Ottawa November 23
FREE! Compliance Assessment Workshop Ottawa November 23
Certification Part 2 Kingston November 24
Certification Part 2 Ottawa December 9

 

Northern Ontario

Certification Part 2 Thunder Bay

November 18-17

 

Click here for details on course venue and pricing.

To register for any of the above courses, please call OSSA at 1-888-478-6772.

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Basic Health and Safety Terms

This glossary provides a quick reference to common health and safety terms used throughout the Six Step Guide to Health and Safety.

Did you know?

WHMIS training has to be reviewed annually by an employer and in consultation with a health and safety representative or JHSC.



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