Safety Consulting Services

Health & Safety Program Review

A health and safety review for your company involves a general assessment of your workplace practices, policies, procedures, and conditions to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and to identify and mitigate potential hazards and risks. The review aims to create a safe and healthy working environment for employees, visitors, and other stakeholders. The specific steps and components of a health and safety review may vary depending on the nature and size of your company.

Workplace Violence & Harassment Risk Assessment

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) of Ontario states that employers must assess and control risks of workplace violence. This needs to be done as often as necessary to ensure that organizational policies and programs continue to protect workers.

For these reasons, a Workplace Violence Risk Assessment (WPVRA) should be completed at least annually, though each organization should have its own processes for determining how often to complete an assessment and when to evaluate the effectiveness of the process. Generally speaking, revisions are needed when there is a change in the nature of the workplace, type of work, or conditions of work. Changes could include increased or decreased staffing levels, increased resident acuity and increased resident population.

Fire Safety Plans

A company fire safety plan is a critical document that outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and protocols to prevent and respond to fire emergencies in the workplace. It ensures the safety of employees, visitors, and property. Here are essential elements that a comprehensive fire safety plan should entail:

Fire Prevention Measures:

Identify potential fire hazards in the workplace, such as electrical equipment, flammable materials, and improper storage practices.

Implement fire prevention measures, including regular inspections, maintenance of electrical systems, and safe storage of flammable materials.

Emergency Contact Information:

Provide a list of emergency contacts, including the local fire department, medical services, and company-specific emergency contacts.

Fire Alarm Systems and Firefighting Equipment:

Detail the types and locations of fire alarm systems (smoke detectors, fire alarms, etc.) installed in the premises.

Specify the location and proper use of firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and fire blankets.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures:

Clearly outline the procedures for evacuating the building in the event of a fire. This includes designated assembly points for employees and visitors.

Establish evacuation routes and exit paths, ensuring they are clearly marked and free from obstructions.

Emergency Communication Protocols:

Describe the communication methods to alert all employees of a fire emergency, including public address systems or other communication tools.

Assign specific individuals or a fire warden responsible for communicating evacuation instructions to employees.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Individuals:

Address the needs of employees with disabilities or other mobility challenges, ensuring they have a designated evacuation plan and assistance, if necessary.

Fire Drills and Training:

Establish a schedule for regular fire drills to ensure that all employees are familiar with evacuation procedures and know how to respond to a fire emergency.

Conduct fire safety training sessions for employees to educate them about fire hazards, prevention, and proper emergency procedures.

Shut Down Procedures:

Outline procedures for safely shutting down operations and machinery in case of a fire incident.

Fire Safety Inspection and Maintenance:

Describe the frequency of fire safety inspections and maintenance of fire safety equipment and systems.

Post-Fire Incident Procedures:

Detail the steps to be taken after a fire incident, such as reporting the incident, conducting investigations, and implementing corrective actions.

Fire Safety Coordinator or Team:

Appoint a fire safety coordinator or team responsible for overseeing the fire safety plan’s implementation and coordinating fire safety activities.

External Emergency Response Coordination:

Coordinate with local fire departments and emergency services to ensure they are familiar with the workplace layout and access points.

Fire Safety Signage:

Ensure that fire safety signs, including exit signs and fire extinguisher location signs, are prominently displayed and easily visible.

We can assist you by regularly reviewing and updating your fire safety plan as necessary, especially when there are changes to the workplace layout, equipment, or personnel. Conduct fire safety drills and provide refresher training to reinforce the importance of fire safety protocols among employees. Additionally, make sure that all employees have access to the fire safety plan and are familiar with its contents.

Hazard Identification / Risk Assessment

Description: Hazard identification is part of the process used to evaluate if any particular situation, item, thing, etc. may have the potential to cause harm.

Risk assessment is a term used to describe the overall process or method where you:

Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause harm (hazard identification).

Analyze and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (risk analysis, and risk evaluation).

Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard, or control the risk when the hazard cannot be eliminated (risk control).

Job Safety Analysis / Gap Analysis

A job safety analysis helps reduce workplace injuries by helping you identify hazards and determine the safest way to complete the work or process. Benefits from the analysis are clear right in the preparation stage because the process may identify previously undetected hazards and increase the job knowledge of those participating. It might even highlight that a new approach may be necessary. Participating in these programs and exercises can help raise awareness about health and safety in your workplace and improve communication between workers and supervisors.

A safety gap analysis is a systematic assessment conducted to identify gaps or disparities between an organization’s current safety performance and its desired safety objectives or regulatory compliance standards. The analysis aims to pinpoint areas where the company’s safety practices, policies, and procedures may fall short, allowing them to develop targeted improvement plans. By conducting a safety gap analysis, companies can enhance their safety programs, reduce risks, and create a safer working environment for employees.

The process typically involves the following steps:

Establishing Safety Goals: Clearly define the safety goals and objectives the company aims to achieve. These objectives could include reducing the number of workplace incidents, improving safety training, enhancing safety communication, or complying with specific safety regulations.

Reviewing Current Safety Practices: Examine the company’s existing safety policies, procedures, and practices to understand how safety is currently managed and executed within the organization.

Identifying Safety Standards and Regulations: Identify relevant safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices that the company should follow to maintain a safe workplace.

Gap Identification: Compare the current safety practices with the safety goals and established standards. Identify gaps or discrepancies between the current state and the desired state of safety performance.

Root Cause Analysis: Analyze the root causes of identified safety gaps to understand why these gaps exist. This analysis helps in identifying systemic issues, human factors, equipment deficiencies, or other factors contributing to safety shortcomings.

Risk Assessment: Assess the potential risks associated with each identified gap to understand the severity of the safety issues and prioritize them based on their impact on employees and the organization.

Developing Improvement Strategies: Based on the analysis, develop targeted improvement strategies and action plans to address each safety gap. These plans should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Implementation: Implement the improvement strategies by integrating them into the company’s safety program and ensuring proper allocation of resources and responsibilities.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitor the progress of the improvement plans and evaluate their effectiveness. Regularly review safety performance metrics and incident data to assess the impact of the implemented changes.

Continuous Improvement: Safety gap analysis should be an ongoing process. As safety standards evolve or new hazards emerge, companies should conduct periodic safety gap analyses to ensure that safety practices remain up-to-date and effective.

By conducting a safety gap analysis, companies can proactively identify weaknesses in their safety systems and make informed decisions to enhance safety performance, reduce accidents, and protect the well-being of their workforce.

Vital Service Plan – RentSafeTO / Mississauga / GTA

Vital services are essential services that apartment building owners/operators must provide to keep tenants healthy and safe. Vital services include hot and cold water, fuel, electricity, natural gas, and heat. A vital service disruption is an event where any of these services is disrupted.

Vital service disruptions can result in:

tenants remaining in place in an apartment building without access to some vital services (also known as shelter-in-place);

an evacuation of part of a building; or

an evacuation of all of a building.

The decision to evacuate or close a building is made by authorities having jurisdiction, such as by Toronto Fire Services, based on their assessment of risk.

Chapter 354 of the Toronto Municipal Code requires all owners/operators to develop and maintain a Vital Service Disruption Plan.

Under Chapter 354 the City of Toronto (the City) may take enforcement action against owners/operators who do not develop and maintain a Vital Service Disruption Plan or who fail to adequately implement Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 (unit access, fire safety plan, building security) and 7 of their Vital Service Disruption Plan during a vital service disruption. In a situation where an owner/operator does not implement their Vital Service Disruption Plan, the City may deliver the required services to support affected tenants at the owner/operator’s expense.

Under section 3.10 of Chapter 354 it is an offence to:

fail to develop and maintain a Vital Service Disruption Plan;
fail to immediately provide the completed Vital Service Disruption Plan to the

City during an evaluation, audit, investigation or response to a vital service
disruption of any time that the City requests it; and/or
fail to implement the standards and minimum requirements in Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 (unit access, fire safety plan, building security) and 7 of the Vital Service Disruption Plan during a time of prolonged vital service disruption.

The City can lay charges against owners/operators who fail to provide the Plan, which may result in a fine of up to $100,000 on conviction (or more if a daily fine is imposed).

When to Implement the Plan

A Vital Service Disruption Plan is intended to guide your response to unplanned vital service disruptions that occur in your building. The Vital Services Disruption Plan includes the standards and minimum requirements.

Health & Safety Program Development

Under section 25(2)(j) of the Occupational Health & Safety Act, it states that “an employer shall (section j) prepare and review at least annually a written occupational health and safety policy and develop and maintain a program to implement that policy”. This means that employers shall develop something that defines how the company will manage health and safety in their workplace.  Most refer to this as the company’s Health & Safety Policies and Procedures (manual).

The OHSA further defines a “health and safety management system” means a coordinated system of procedures, processes and other measures that are designed to be implemented by employers to promote continuous improvement in occupational health and safety.  This means that in its simplest terms, that businesses in Ontario must have policies and procedures in place that describes how your company will manage the safety of its workforce.

This only applies to companies that employ more than five workers.

The real question that is asked is, “how comprehensive does this program have to be?” The quick answer is nothing spells out what policies and procedures your company must have in place. It’s up to the company to decide how in-depth they want to get when developing Health & Safety policies and procedures.  As a rule, the more people you employ and the scope of work you do should dictate how comprehensive your program should be.

The good news is that a new piece of safety legislation is in place that promotes those companies that put health and safety as a high priority to its operations. This new section to our Health and Safety Act is titled “Recognition of Employers” (section 7.6.2). It describes that if a business implements a managed safety program that meets a standard set out by the MLTSD, and that company attains an accreditation from a qualified auditor indicating that the company is meeting the requirements of that standard. If this is accomplished, the MLTSD will recognize that accomplishment. Click here to read more on this program.

CPO-Accredited Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

As of November 2019, the CPO has accredited the following standards:

ISO 45001:2018: Occupational health and safety management systems

CSA Z45001-19: Occupational health and safety management systems

BS OHSAS 18001: 2007: Occupational health and safety management system Requirements

IHSA COR™ 2020 – IHSA Certificate of Recognition 2020-Health and Safety Management System-Standard

Click Here to review the guidelines businesses need to follow to have your company recognized by the Chief Prevention Officer. It describes what steps that need to be taken/ followed for accreditation.

There are many ways we can assist companies in developing managed safety programs; we can do as much or as little as you need. Options include:

Our expert consultants can develop all your policies and procedures that align with the standard you want to meet. This would include ISO 45001 or COR 2020 or a program that meets CPO accreditation requirements.  This is an option for those companies that want someone to develop a program that meets a standard and instead implement the program as defined rather than writing it.

We can assist your company in writing specific policies and procedures to fill any gaps you may have. This is an excellent option if you already have a program in place and need it to align with the standard you are trying to achieve.

We can conduct an audit of your current safety program to determine if it would satisfy the requirements of an accredited standard.

Incident and Accident Investigation

In Ontario, incident and accident investigation is a crucial process to identify the root causes of workplace incidents, injuries, or near-miss events. The goal is to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future and improve workplace safety. The investigation process is typically carried out by employers and workplace supervisors in compliance with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations. Here are the key steps and considerations for incident and accident investigation in Ontario:

1. Reporting the Incident: Under the OHSA, employers are required to report certain types of workplace incidents to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). Incidents that result in a critical injury, fatality or involve uncontrolled hazardous substances must be reported immediately.
2. Securing the Scene: Once an incident occurs, it’s important to secure the scene to prevent further injuries or damage. If necessary, first aid should be provided to any injured individuals.
3. Notifying Relevant Parties: Notify appropriate personnel, including management, supervisors, and any health and safety representatives or joint health and safety committees, about the incident.
4. Gathering Information: Collect as much information about the incident as possible, including statements from witnesses, photographs, video recordings, and any relevant documents or records.
5. Immediate Causes and Root Cause Analysis: Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the immediate causes of the incident, as well as the underlying or root causes. Root cause analysis helps identify the systemic factors contributing to the incident.
6. Corrective Actions and Preventive Measures: Based on the investigation findings, develop and implement corrective actions and preventive measures to address the identified root causes and prevent similar incidents in the future.
7. Documenting the Investigation: Record all investigation details, findings, and actions taken in an incident report. This report should be kept for reference and for potential future review by regulatory authorities.
8. Communicating Findings: Share the investigation findings and recommendations with relevant stakeholders, including employees, supervisors, and the joint health and safety committee (if applicable). Open communication is vital for fostering a safety culture within the organization.
9. Review and Continuous Improvement: Regularly review incident and accident investigation processes and make improvements as needed to ensure the effectiveness of safety measures.

It’s important to remember that incident and accident investigations should be conducted without blame or fear of reprisal. The focus should be on understanding what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent similar incidents in the future. By prioritizing safety and using investigation findings to implement effective preventive measures, companies can create safer work environments for their employees in Ontario.

Ministry of Labour Guidance & Liaison

We can assist your company in communicating with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). This is the government department responsible for labor-related matters in the province of Ontario. It plays a crucial role in promoting and enforcing workplace health and safety standards, employment standards, and labour relations regulations. The MLITSD offers guidance and liaison services to both employers and employees to ensure compliance with these regulations and promote safe and fair workplaces and we can assist you in navigating the process.

1. Guidance: The MLITSD provides various forms of guidance to employers and workers to help them understand their rights and responsibilities under labor and employment laws. This guidance can come in the form of written documents, online resources, workshops, and training sessions. The MLITSD aims to make the information easily accessible and understandable, so individuals and organizations can effectively comply with the regulations.

Common areas of guidance include:

Workplace health and safety regulations, policies, and best practices.

Employment standards, such as minimum wage, hours of work, vacation entitlements, and public holidays.

Information about workers’ rights, including health and safety, leaves of absence, and employment termination.

1. Liaison Services: The MLITSD serves as a liaison between employers, workers, and other stakeholders. They respond to inquiries, address concerns, and provide clarification on labor-related matters. Employers and workers can contact the MLITSD to seek guidance, report workplace issues or violations, and request information on their rights and responsibilities.
2. Inspections and Enforcement: The MLITSD conducts inspections to ensure that employers comply with health and safety regulations and employment standards. They investigate workplace accidents, complaints, and reports of potential violations. When necessary, the ministry may take enforcement actions, such as issuing fines or orders to address non-compliance.
3. Employment Standards Claims and Resolution: The MLITSD facilitates the resolution of employment standards disputes through various means, including mediation and hearings. Workers who believe their employment rights have been violated can file a claim with the ministry, and the MLITSD will investigate and attempt to resolve the issue.

WSIB Claims Management & Rebate Assessment/Guidance

WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) provides workplace insurance coverage to workers and helps employers manage workplace injuries and illnesses. It offers a rebate program for employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to health and safety in their workplaces. Here’s some guidance on WSIB rebate assessment and claims management:

1. WSIB Rebate Assessment: The WSIB’s Rebate Program, also known as the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program, is designed to reward employers who implement effective health and safety practices in their workplaces. The program offers financial incentives to eligible employers based on their commitment to health and safety, as demonstrated through specific metrics and achievements.

To participate in the WSIB Rebate Program, employers need to follow these general steps:

1. Registration: Employers must first register for the program through the WSIB website or by contacting WSIB directly.
2. Health and Safety Self-Assessment: Employers need to complete a health and safety self-assessment that covers various aspects of their workplace, such as policies, training, hazard identification, and incident reporting.
3. Action Plan: Based on the self-assessment results, employers create an action plan to address any identified gaps or areas for improvement.
4. Implementation: Employers implement the action plan and work towards achieving specific health and safety goals.
5. Validation and Certification: After implementing the action plan, employers may undergo a validation process where a qualified professional verifies their health and safety achievements. If the validation is successful, the employer is awarded a WSIB rebate.

For specific details on eligibility criteria, assessment metrics, and the application process, employers should refer to the official WSIB website or contact WSIB directly for up-to-date information.

1. WSIB Claims Management: WSIB Claims Management involves the process of handling workplace injury and illness claims filed by employees. Employers play a crucial role in this process to ensure that workers receive appropriate support and that claims are managed efficiently. Here are some essential aspects of WSIB Claims Management:
2. Prompt Reporting: Employers should promptly report any workplace injuries or illnesses to WSIB. This reporting helps initiate the claims process and ensures that injured workers receive the necessary benefits and medical attention.
3. Cooperation with WSIB: Employers should cooperate with WSIB during the claims process, providing all required information and supporting documents.
4. Modified Work Program: Employers can participate in a Modified Work Program, which involves offering suitable work to injured workers while they recover, if it is safe and practical to do so. This helps workers return to work faster and reduces the cost of claims.
5. Appeals and Dispute Resolution: If an employer disagrees with a WSIB decision related to a claim, there is a process for appeals and dispute resolution. Employers should be aware of their rights and responsibilities in this regard.
6. Injury Prevention: Employers should focus on injury prevention through effective health and safety programs, as fewer workplace injuries lead to lower WSIB costs.

It’s important for employers to stay updated with the latest WSIB policies and procedures related to claims management to ensure they are in compliance and can effectively support their employees during the claims process.

Please note that WSIB policies and processes may change over time, and we can assist you with these changes with our licensed paralegals.

COR™ Services and Assistance

COR™ (Certificate of Recognition) is a safety certification program designed to promote and improve health and safety practices in various workplaces. It is primarily used in Canada but has influenced similar programs in other countries. The program is typically relevant to industries like construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and other high-risk sectors where workplace safety is of paramount importance.

COR™ certification is achieved through a rigorous process that includes the following steps:

Preparation: Employers interested in obtaining COR™ certification typically start by developing and implementing a health and safety management system that meets the standards set out by the program.

Internal Audit: Once the management system is in place, an internal audit is conducted to assess how well the organization complies with its own safety policies and procedures.

External Audit: After successfully passing the internal audit, a certified external auditor, often from a recognized safety organization, conducts an independent audit of the organization’s safety management system.

Certification: If the organization meets all the required criteria during the external audit, they are awarded the COR™ certification.

Benefits of COR™ certification may include:

Demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety to clients, employees, and stakeholders.

Potential reduction in workplace incidents and accidents.

Eligibility for contracts that require COR™ certification.

Recognition by regulatory authorities and industry peers.

It’s important to understand that COR™ certification and the process involved may be subject to updates or changes over time. With our “COR™ Services and Assistance” plan we can assist you with the latest information, accurate and up-to-date details on the program and available services. If you are looking for specific assistance or services related to COR™ certification, we can help you with you prepare for the COR™ certification process. We can also offer guidance, training, and support throughout the certification journey.

Below are some common COR™ FAQs:

What is COR™?

COR™ stands for Certificate of Recognition. It is a safety certification program designed to promote and improve health and safety practices in workplaces, particularly in industries with high-risk activities.

Who administers the COR™ program?

The COR™ program is typically administered by regional safety associations or regulatory bodies in different provinces or territories in Canada. Each region might have its specific program guidelines.

What are the benefits of obtaining COR™ certification?

COR™ certification demonstrates an organization’s commitment to workplace safety and may lead to a reduction in workplace incidents and accidents. It can also enhance the company’s reputation, open doors to new contracts, and improve eligibility for certain projects that require safety certification.

Which industries can participate in the COR™ program?

COR™ certification is commonly applicable to industries such as construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, transportation, and other high-risk sectors. However, the program’s availability may vary by region.

What is involved in the COR™ certification process?

The COR™ certification process typically involves developing and implementing a health and safety management system, conducting an internal audit to assess compliance with safety policies, and then undergoing an external audit conducted by certified auditors to evaluate the safety management system’s effectiveness.

How long does it take to get COR™ certified?

The time required to obtain COR™ certification can vary based on the organization’s readiness and the complexity of its safety management system. It may take several months to complete all the necessary steps successfully.

Is COR™ certification mandatory?

COR™ certification is generally voluntary; however, some construction projects or contracts might require participating companies to hold a valid COR™ certificate.

How often is recertification required?

COR™ certification is usually valid for a limited time, often three years. After this period, companies need to undergo a recertification process to maintain their certification status.

Are there any financial incentives for obtaining COR™ certification?

Some regions or government bodies may offer financial incentives or rebates to companies that achieve COR™ certification as part of their commitment to promoting workplace safety.

How can I find a certified COR™ auditor?

To find a certified COR™ auditor, you can reach out to the regional safety association responsible for administering the program in your area or check their official website for a list of approved auditors.

Small Business Safety Consulting

We can assist your small business with specialized safety services and guidance to help establish and maintain effective health and safety practices. These consulting services are aimed at helping small businesses comply with safety regulations, minimize workplace hazards, prevent accidents and injuries, and foster a safe working environment for their employees.

We can offer expertise and support in various areas related to workplace safety, including:

Safety Assessments: Conducting thorough assessments of the workplace to identify potential safety hazards and risks. This may involve reviewing processes, equipment, and work practices.

Safety Program Development: Assisting in the development of comprehensive safety programs tailored to the specific needs and nature of the small business.

Policy and Procedure Development: Creating safety policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with industry best practices and relevant regulations.

Employee Training: Delivering safety training sessions to employees to ensure they understand safety protocols and know how to respond to potential hazards.

Safety Audits: Conducting periodic safety audits to evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs and identify areas for improvement.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the small business complies with local, state, and federal safety regulations.

Incident Investigation: Assisting in the investigation of workplace incidents and accidents to determine their root causes and prevent recurrence.

Ergonomic Assessments: Evaluating workstations and processes to optimize ergonomics and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Safety Equipment Recommendations: Providing advice on appropriate safety equipment and personal protective gear based on the nature of the business.

Emergency Preparedness: Developing emergency response plans and procedures to handle potential crises effectively.

Safety Culture Enhancement: Promoting a positive safety culture within the organization by fostering a proactive attitude towards safety among employees and management.

Small businesses often have limited resources and may not have dedicated safety personnel. We can offer specialized expertise, help create a safer workplace and mitigate potential legal and financial risks associated with safety violations and workplace accidents, all for very affordable prices. We have an excellent reputation of helping businesses in their industry and we are very knowledgeable about relevant safety regulations and best practices.

Workplace Safety Audits

In Ontario, a workplace health and safety audit, is a thorough assessment of an organization’s health and safety management system, practices, and procedures to ensure compliance with the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations. The main objective of the audit is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the company’s health and safety program, promote a safe work environment, and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

A workplace health and safety audit in Ontario typically involves the following steps and considerations:

Legal Requirements: The audit ensures that the company is complying with all relevant provisions of the OHSA and its associated regulations. This includes identifying and addressing any gaps in compliance.

Internal or External Audit: The audit can be conducted internally by the company’s health and safety personnel or by hiring an external health and safety consultant like ourselves. External audits provide an independent perspective and can offer valuable insights.

Review of Health and Safety Policies: The audit begins with a review of the company’s health and safety policies and procedures to ensure they are comprehensive, up-to-date, and aligned with legislative requirements.

Inspection of Workplace Conditions: Auditors physically inspect the workplace to identify potential hazards, unsafe practices, and any other health and safety concerns. This includes examining machinery, equipment, workstations, and general housekeeping.

Worker Interviews: Auditors may conduct interviews with workers to gather insights about the effectiveness of safety practices, training, and communication within the organization.

Documentation Review: The audit assesses the organization’s documentation related to health and safety, including training records, incident reports, safety committee meeting minutes, and inspection records.

Training and Competency: The audit evaluates the adequacy of health and safety training provided to employees and ensures that workers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their tasks safely.

Emergency Preparedness and Response: The audit reviews the company’s emergency preparedness plans and evaluates how well employees are trained to respond to emergencies.

Incident and Accident Investigation: Auditors assess the company’s incident and accident investigation procedures to ensure that they are thorough and effective in identifying the root causes of incidents.

Safety Culture and Employee Participation: The audit considers the safety culture within the organization and the level of employee involvement in health and safety initiatives.

Audit Report and Recommendations: Following the audit, a detailed report is prepared, outlining the findings, identifying areas for improvement, and providing recommendations to enhance the health and safety program.

Follow-Up and Continuous Improvement: The organization implements the recommended improvements, and follow-up audits may be conducted to track progress and ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.

Workplace health and safety audits are essential for organizations in Ontario to demonstrate their commitment to employee safety and to meet the legal requirements outlined in the OHSA. Regular audits help create safer workplaces, reduce incidents, and foster a strong safety culture.

Workplace Health & Safety Inspections

Workplace health and safety inspection are done to evaluate the workplace’s safety conditions, practices, and compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations. The purpose of the inspection is to identify potential hazards, ensure the organization’s adherence to safety standards, and promote a safe working environment for employees.

During the inspection, the following areas may be assessed:

Physical workplace conditions, including equipment, machinery, and facilities.

Safety policies and procedures, including written safety programs and hazard control measures.

Worker training and competency in health and safety practices.

Use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Emergency preparedness and response plans.

Incident and accident records, including reporting and investigation procedures.

Workplace health and safety inspections also serve as an educational opportunity for both employers and employees. We can provide guidance and resources to help improve workplace safety practices.

In Ontario, workplace health and safety inspections are essential for promoting a culture of safety, reducing workplace injuries and illnesses, and ensuring compliance with the OHSA.

Health and Safety Training

In Ontario, health and safety training is a critical aspect of workplace safety, mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that their workers receive appropriate health and safety training to protect them from workplace hazards and prevent injuries or illnesses. The type and frequency of training required depend on the nature of the work and the specific hazards present in the workplace.

We offer both Onsite and Online Training options and below are some key aspects of health and safety training in Ontario:

1. Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training: All workers, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees, are required to complete worker health and safety awareness training. This training covers fundamental health and safety information, including the rights and responsibilities of workers, supervisors, and employers under the OHSA. It ensures that workers are aware of their safety rights and how to report workplace hazards and concerns.
2. Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness Training: Supervisors and managers are required to complete additional health and safety training specific to their roles. This training focuses on their legal responsibilities under the OHSA, including ensuring the safety of workers they supervise, identifying and controlling hazards, and enforcing workplace safety policies.
3. Workplace-Specific Training: Employers must provide workplace-specific health and safety training to employees, tailored to the particular hazards and risks in their work environment. This training includes topics such as equipment operation, handling hazardous materials, emergency procedures, and safe work practices.
4. New Worker Orientation: Employers are responsible for providing new workers with orientation training that covers workplace-specific health and safety information, emergency procedures, and other relevant safety protocols.
5. Refresher Training: Health and safety training should be periodically refreshed and updated, particularly when there are changes to work processes, equipment, or safety regulations. Regular refresher training helps reinforce safety knowledge and practices among workers.
6. Certification Training: Certain jobs or tasks may require specific certifications, such as working at heights training or forklift operator training. Employers must ensure that workers obtain the necessary certifications before performing these tasks.
7. Record Keeping: Employers are required to maintain records of health and safety training provided to workers, including the dates and topics covered. These records help demonstrate compliance with training requirements during inspections or audits.
8. Training Providers: Health and safety training can be conducted by qualified companies like ourselves, who specialize in workplace safety.

It is essential for employers to prioritize health and safety training in their organizations to empower workers with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and their colleagues from workplace hazards. By investing in proper training, companies can create a safer and more productive work environment while complying with legal requirements.