IHSA Safety Podcast

In 2022, Ontario recorded the highest number of transport truck collisions in a decade, causing 71 fatalities due to inexperienced drivers, risky moves by some truck drivers, and mechanical failures. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Kim Richardson, senior advisor with The Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC), discusses the crucial need for smarter and more thorough training in the trucking industry.Kim, a long-time truck driver in Ontario, explains that the PTTAC is calling for a major shift in recognizing truck driving as a Red Seal trade, which would mean stricter standardized training across the country and potentially lead to safer roads for everyone. The Red Seal certification program, which is being developed by the Red Seal committee, aims to make commercial truck driving a principal trade in five provinces, with Alberta taking the lead. The program will require drivers to attend an approved school and carrier involved in the Red Seal program, and a minimum of 2,000 hours behind the wheel before a written test can be taken. To further raise awareness for the program, the Red Seal committee, consisting of industry leaders, carriers, insurers, and schools, developed a three-part approach: educate, advocate, and support. Industry leaders should educate their industries on the benefits of the Red Seal apprenticeship, while government and association leadership at high levels should advocate for the program. Carriers' support is also essential, as their involvement is crucial for the program's survival.Kim further discusses what a ‘misclassified driver’ represents, how a Red Seal certification addresses international drivers and their eligibility to operate in Canada, and how interested parties in the Red Seal approach can get involved. Free resourcesProfessional Truck Training Alliance of CanadaTrucking Operations: Your Personal SafetyStruck-by Hazards in TransportationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Michele Beckstead-Jackson from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) discusses the importance of asbestos awareness in Ontario workplaces and the required training for workers and supervisors to ensure they are well-equipped to recognize asbestos hazards and know how to safely control them.Asbestos remains a dangerous material, particularly in construction and renovation projects. Proper training for workers and supervisors is not only best practice—it’s a legal requirement. Michele states that general awareness training by a competent person is required regardless of whether a worker is performing Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 operations. For Type 3 asbestos abatement work, 253W and 253S are required modular trainings under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which means workers and supervisors must complete one of these courses before performing or overseeing any Type 3 abatement work. Without a valid 253W or 253S certificate of completion card, a worker or supervisor is not legally permitted to engage in Type 3 work.Michele mentions a separate training, 253H, which is an apprenticeship program designed to provide apprentices with basic training to handle various hazardous materials in the workplace. However, it does not include the specialized training required for Type 3 abatement work and therefore is not an acceptable substitute for 253W or 253S.Michele also explains the similarities and differences between the modular and apprenticeship programs, as well as the registration process for trainings.  Free resourcesAsbestos Awareness and Training Requirements for Workplace Safety (Ep. 99)Asbestos on Construction Projects - Reporting and Notification Responsibilities (Ep. 82)Health and Safety Advisory: Asbestos in Elevator ComponentsHealth & Safety Advisory: Heat Stress and Type 3 Asbestos OperationsAsbestos Work in Construction Hazard AwarenessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One common mistake organizations often make is using the terms "assessment," "inspection," and "audit" interchangeably. These terms have different meanings and serve different purposes in health and safety, making it essential to not confuse them. This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the differences between assessments, inspections, and audits in workplace safety and features Michael Falls, health and safety management systems consultant with IHSA in the COR® department.Michael addresses each term and explains that assessments are systematic evaluations used to identify hazards and risks associated with specific tasks, processes, or environments. Inspections are routine checks of the workplace, looking at equipment, processes, and unsafe conditions. Audits are systematic, independent, and documented processes for gathering evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine how well an organization meets pre-established criteria.Michael states why each of these processes matters in workplace safety, providing real-life examples of each process, as well as explaining how they are tied to legal compliance. Common mistakes organizations make in assessment, inspection, and auditing processes can be avoided by understanding and applying the terms accurately. Misusing these terms introduces risks that can lead to gaps in safety practices, missed opportunities for improvement, and unclear roles and responsibilities.Michael also emphasizes the crucial roles employers, supervisors, and workers play in assessments, inspections, and audits, as their input and overall participation are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the processes. Free resourcesIHSA – Certificate of Recognition (COR®)COR® ResourcesCOR® TrainingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) and features Kevin Brown and Kristen Lindsay from Ontario's Office of the Worker Adviser.The Office of the Worker Adviser is a resource that supports injured Ontario workers and ensures their rights are respected and enforced. The OWA team provides assistance in filing claims and navigating appeals, helping injured workers understand their rights and standing up for fairness. There is no charge for OWA services or any contingency fees, and workers keep all benefits they win.The OWA has been providing services since 1985, with staff members being mostly lawyers and licensed paralegals. Their staff are recognized as experts within the field and frequently present at law society trainings or the Ontario Bar Association Workers' Compensation section.Kevin highlights three reasons why OWA is a valuable resource: expertise, accessibility, and effectiveness. People can easily reach an experienced OWA representative quickly for advice through various methods, including email, phone, virtual, and in-person. The wait time for representation services is relatively short—between three and four months. They also have offices throughout the province.Kevin and Kristen also answer some frequently asked questions from workers, such as advice with return-to-work meetings, understanding medical evidence needed for claims, and how workers’ WSIB benefits relate with other forms of disability benefits like employment insurance and CPP. Free resourcesThe Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA) is a little-known resource in Ontario that’s been quietly saving employers time, money, and stress, and it does not cost a thing. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, OEA’s Director, Susan Adams, and one of their Employer Specialists, Dunstan Francis, discuss what the OEA does and how they assist Ontario employers.The OEA offers expert guidance, representation, and support to employers. They provide legal services and advice at no cost to help employers safely bring their workers back to work following an incident. The OEA primarily serves Ontario small businesses, as these employers often struggle with the challenges of running a small business and usually have limited resources. They collaborate with system partners—like IHSA—and employer associations to address the challenges faced by small businesses, participating in consultations about changes to policies and processes and providing feedback based on their experiences.Dunstan explains the main reasons why a small business in Ontario would want to work with the OEA: they offer free legal services and advice, they save employers time and money, and they provide representation for an appeal or return-to-work process. The OEA is easily accessible, and employers can connect with them through phone, email, social media, in-person events, and virtual meetings.In addition to discussing the reasons the OEA has services specific to construction employers and the construction industry, Susan and Dunstan also answer some frequently asked questions from employers, such as whether employers need to register or pay premiums to WSIB, the length of time they have to keep a person employed following an injury, and whether certain worker claims should be their responsibility or that of another party.Free resourcesThe Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA) Return to Work Regulation for ConstructionBuilding Bridges with Small BusinessWSIB Health and Safety Excellence ProgramMandatory WSIB coverage in ConstructionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast continues the discussion on the importance of an effective road safety program in preventing motor vehicle incidents (MVIs) and features IHSA’s Michelle Roberts.Michelle continues with the Plan–Do–Check–Act Model within a road safety program, emphasizing the importance of driver assessment and vehicle maintenance as crucial parts of the program. She highlights the need for regular assessments to ensure qualified drivers understand their responsibilities and apply necessary skills to prevent motor vehicle incidents. Employers should offer training in various formats, such as in-person, virtual, and eLearning, using interactive methods like hands-on assessments and simulators.Regular vehicle inspections are crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and ensuring the vehicle's roadworthiness. It’s essential for drivers to report any potential defects or unsafe conditions early, notify their supervisor, and work through the necessary steps to ensure the vehicle meets all safety requirements. Proper inspections and maintenance, including daily pre-trip inspections, play key roles in reducing the likelihood of incidents or collisions.Michelle also discusses the importance of monitoring road safety programs to ensure their effectiveness, as well as best practices for implementing changes, such as evaluating data, prioritizing resources, and celebrating successes. Road safety is an ongoing commitment, and with the right policies, training, and resources, employers can create safer driving environments for their workers.The Road Safety Solutions page on IHSA.ca offers free resources to help employers build an effective road safety program, and it includes customizable templates, sample policies, e-learning programs, safety talks, and toolkits for addressing top driving-related hazards like distracted driving and fatigue.  Free resourcesRoad Safety SolutionsHealth & Safety PolicyPolicy and program templatesBuild Strong PoliciesRoad Safety Plan TemplateSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Motor vehicle incidents (MVIs) are a leading cause of workplace injuries in Ontario. With thousands of Ontario workers driving daily, including professional and non-commercial drivers, it is crucial for employers to invest time and effort in building a road safety program. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Michelle Roberts discusses how employers can build and implement an effective road safety program that can save lives and boost efficiency.Michelle states that employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees, including when driving. An effective road safety program protects workers, improves operational efficiency, reduces costs related to vehicle damage and insurance claims, and meets regulatory requirements. The Plan–Do–Check–Act Model is a straightforward approach employers can use to build a road safety program that fits their workplace.Hazard identification and risk assessment are crucial steps in developing effective safety programs, including road safety programs. Employers should involve drivers, supervisors, joint health and safety committee members, and fleet managers in the hazard assessment process to ensure a well-rounded perspective.Michelle also emphasizes the importance of creating policies that provide clear expectations and guidelines to manage identified hazards effectively. Employers can develop driving-related policies by building them from scratch or adapting existing ones to fit their workplace. IHSA offers various resources that include policy templates, sample programs, and road safety guides that employers can customize.Free resourcesRoad Safety SolutionsHealth & Safety PolicyPolicy and program templatesBuild Strong PoliciesRoad Safety Plan TemplateSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning—a time to honour those whose lives have been forever changed by workplace tragedies. It’s a time to remember, but it’s also a time to renew our commitment to safer workplaces for everyone. On this special National Day of Mourning episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, we welcome back Eugene Gutierrez to share his story of resiliency, hope, and the work being done across Canada to create safer and healthier workplaces.Eugene lost his father in a workplace accident in 2017, a tragedy that turned his family’s world upside down. With help from Threads of Life, he found support and healing, and for the past seven years, he’s been giving back by volunteering, participating in Steps for Life walks, and raising awareness about workplace safety.Now the new executive director of Threads of Life, Eugene says his work at Threads of Life is a mission, not just a job. He’s focused on making sure others don’t have to go through traumatic experiences like losing a limb, getting sick, or losing their life on the job. His passion for helping people and making a difference is what drives him to pursue this mission.Eugene discusses the services offered by Threads of Life, and one key program is Volunteer Family Guides, which offers one-on-one peer support through calls, chats, or in-person meetings. Threads of Life also hosts annual regional events called Family Forums—safe spaces where spouses, parents, siblings, and close friends can connect, learn, and heal. In addition to various other valuable programs, Threads of Life holds annual Steps for Life community walks, which are five-kilometre walks held across Canada to raise funds, share stories, and walk in support of one another.Free resourcesThreads of LifeKeep your promise to those who count on youSee Something, Say Something: Heartfelt stories of families affected by workplace tragedySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast is the final segment on the roles and legal requirements of Joint Health and Safety Committees (provincial legislation) and Workplace Health and Safety Committees (federal legislation) in Ontario, featuring IHSA’s Alain Leger and Doug Heintz.JHSCs & WHSCs play vital roles in Ontario workplaces. Alain and Doug iterate that a key function of both committees is to conduct regular monthly inspections in the workplace. On the provincial level, worker committee members choose a certified member to inspect the workplace, and it is recommended that management workers complete inspections as well. From the federal perspective, no one individual is selected; every member is trained so they can identify hazards and concerns that other workers might overlook.Once a source of danger is reported after inspections, the committee members investigate the issue and make written recommendations to the employer to address the identified hazards. Certified members and their worker representatives can order the employer to stop work if it is considered too dangerous until hazards are properly controlled.Alain and Doug also address questions on best practices, such as steps to take if a committee cannot reach a consensus on a recommendation, what happens in the event of a worker’s critical injury or death, and the kind of support the employer is expected to provide to the committee.Free ResourcesWorkplace InspectionsInspections ChecklistJoint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)JHSC/Health & Safety RepresentativeGuideline for Health and Safety RepresentativesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast continues the discussion on the roles and legal requirements of Joint Health and Safety Committees (provincial legislation) and Workplace Health and Safety Committees (federal legislation) in Ontario, and features IHSA’s Alain Leger and Doug Heintz. JHSCs and WHSCs play crucial roles in identifying hazards, improving workplace conditions, and ensuring compliance with legislation. In Ontario, one half of the committee members must be worker members chosen by the workers or, if in a unionized environment, they would come chosen by the trade union or the union itself. The other half of the committee members must be workers who exercise managerial functions, such as managers and supervisors.On the provincial side, certification is required for at least one worker and one management member of the committee. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has a training standard for JHSC certification, which is completed in two parts: Part One covers general knowledge and legislative requirements, and Part Two covers sector-specific hazards. On the federal side, it’s mandatory for all WHSC members to be trained.Alain states that JHSC meetings must occur during regular working hours, which aligns with paid time. The minimum requirement for JHSC meetings is once every three months, while federal requirements for WHSC meetings are nine times annually. Alain and Doug also address other questions about committee meetings, such as how meeting agendas are prepared, how members are informed of upcoming meetings, and if a quorum is necessary to hold a meeting.  Free ResourcesJoint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)JHSC/Health & Safety RepresentativeGuideline for Health and Safety RepresentativesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the roles and legal requirements of Joint Health and Safety Committees (provincial legislation) and Workplace Health and Safety Committees (federal legislation) in Ontario and features IHSA's Alain Leger and Doug Heintz.A Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) and a Workplace Health and Safety Committee (WHSC) are composed of workers and employee representatives who are mutually committed to improving health and safety conditions in the workplace. They help raise awareness of health and safety issues in the workplace, recognize and identify workplace risks, and develop recommendations to the employer to address those risks.Alain and Doug explain the differences in legislative requirements for a health and safety committee in provincial and federally regulated workplaces. For workplaces in Ontario with 20 or more employees, a Joint Health and Safety Committee is required, and it must have at least two members. For those with 50 or more employees, a committee must have at least four members. For federal requirements, workplaces with 20 or more employees require a Workplace Health and Safety Committee; however, there is no specification on the number of members required.Alain and Doug mention and define other committees in the workplace, such as the Worker Trades Committee (provincial) and the Policy Committee (federal). They also discuss the definition of ‘regularly employed’ from both provincial and federal perspectives, to help determine if a Joint/Workplace Health and Safety Committee is required in a workplace. Free ResourcesJoint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)JHSC/Health & Safety RepresentativeGuideline for Health and Safety RepresentativesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A health and safety representative (HSR) plays a crucial role when it comes to workplace safety, and IHSA’s Deb Moskal and Doug Heintz return to the IHSA Safety Podcast to discuss their importance in the workplace. On Episode 102, Deb and Doug explained the legislative requirements for a health and safety representative in Ontario small businesses. On this episode, they discuss the importance of having a health and safety representative and how employers can help them flourish in their role.The role of a health and safety representative is not only to relay information from the employer but also to take concerns and ideas from fellow workers and communicate them to the employer. Deb emphasizes their critical role in monitoring and identifying hazards, such as unsafe equipment, chemicals, and ergonomic issues. HSRs help create awareness among workers about safety procedures and strengthen the safety culture from the worker's perspective.Employers are required to provide resources and support to HSRs to help them fulfill their role effectively. This includes providing them with the time needed to conduct inspections and investigations, and access to all locations that need to be inspected. Resources should also include tools and equipment necessary to carry out their tasks, basic health and safety training, and ongoing training and certifications, such as IHSA’s Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) certification training.It’s important that employers encourage an open line of communication between the HSR, workers, and the employer, which will provide opportunities for the HSR to receive feedback from workers on safety concerns and share updates from management. Free ResourcesGuideline for Health and Safety RepresentativesJHSC/Health & Safety RepresentativeLegislative Requirements and Best PracticesHealth and Safety Representative eCourseJHSC Certification TrainingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Deb Moskal and Doug Heintz discuss the role of health and safety representatives (HSRs) in Ontario small businesses. Deb and Doug explain when a workplace requires a health and safety representative, how they are selected, and their functions according to workplace health and safety legislation.There are similarities between federal and provincial legislation regarding health and safety representatives, but there are also differences. Within provincial legislation, a health and safety representative is required in a workplace with six to 19 employees, with no requirement for a joint health and safety committee (JHSC). From a federal perspective, a health and safety representative is required for less than 20 employees in a workplace, with additional requirements depending on the nature of the work.The process for selecting and electing a health and safety representative is the same for both provincial and federal legislation. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) does not set specific formal qualifications or certifications for a health and safety representative, but there are several key requirements:·      The individual must be a worker at the workplace, but not an employer, supervisor, or manager.·      They are typically elected by workers through an open and transparent election process.·      They must be willing to learn about health and safety issues, regulations, and workplace hazards.The duties of a health and safety representative include, but are not limited to, identifying any actual or potential workplace hazards, inspecting the workplace at least once a month, and making recommendations to the employer about health and safety concerns or initiatives. Free ResourcesGuideline for Health and Safety RepresentativesJHSC/Health & Safety RepresentativeLegislative Requirements and Best PracticesHealth and Safety Representative eCourseJHSC Certification TrainingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Maren Gamble discusses the importance of understanding legal and other requirements when building an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). Employers, supervisors, and workers need to understand their obligations under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) or the Canada Labour Code Part 2.To determine which requirements should be addressed, Maren suggests brainstorming with the right stakeholders, such as Joint Health & Safety Committees, project managers, supervisors, frontline staff, health & safety staff, HR staff, worker trades committee, and union representatives, if applicable.Maren states that the process of determining these requirements can be approached systematically—a good starting point would be to consider every project and identify what applies. For example, if a company works under provincial legislation and is covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), they should consider the Green Book, First Aid regulations, and others. Another consideration would be company requirements, such as audits, participation in the WSIB HSEp rebate program, and other mandatory measures. This systematic approach helps in creating a comprehensive inventory of requirements for any project.IHSA offers resources such as the Construction Safety App, Training Requirements Chart, COR/HSEp requirements, manuals, and safety talks to help employers address their requirements effectively.  Free Resources IHSA Construction Safety App  Training Requirements ChartConstruction Health and-Safety ManualIHSA safety talksCOR requirementsHSEp requirementsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

During the winter months in Canada, the weather can get extremely cold, and workers in industries such as construction, transportation, and electrical utilities oftentimes endure frigid temperatures and face the risk of experiencing cold stress.On this 100th episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Jasmine Kalsi, IHSA's Occupational Hygienist, revisits the topic of cold stress, a highly important topic that was discussed in depth on Episode 76 of the IHSA Safety Podcast. Cold stress occurs when the human body's core temperature drops below 37 degrees Celsius, which can result in cold-related illnesses, tissue damage, and even death.We invite you to listen to this relaunched episode of Episode 76, which provides additional resources on cold stress as well as guidance for Ontario employers on how to manage the risks of working outside in the winter to ensure worker safety.IHSA offers a range of free resources on cold stress such as safety talks, advisories, articles, and a dedicated topic page on winter hazards.Free ResourcesWinter Weather is Upon UsSafety Talk on Cold StressWinter Hazards Topic PageEpisode 76: Working Outside in the Canadian WinterThe Four Ps of Safe Winter DrivingGive Cold Stress the Cold ShoulderBest Practices for Building and Working Safely on Ice Covers in OntarioOHCOW Cold Stress CalculatorCCOHS Cold Environments – ACGIH Wind Chill Temperature Index  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.