Employers can expect to see several changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) in the near future as Bill 190, Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 makes its way through the legislature, says Kristin Onorato, WSPS Health and Safety Consultant. “Some of the amendments will impact employers’ duties under the OHSA, which may, in turn, affect health and safety policies and procedures.”

Introduced into the Ontario legislature on May 6, 2024, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 is the latest in a series of bills designed to “open pathways into the skilled trades, remove barriers to employment, protect frontline heroes and workers and support women at work,” says the Ontario government. The bill also amends other legislation including the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

“Some of the amendments contained in Bill 190 reflect the evolution of workplaces since COVID-19 and support a virtual first work environment,” says Kristin. “We now have virtual workplaces, hybrid workplaces, and traditional workplaces that are increasingly adopting virtual technologies.”

“At the moment, Bill 190 is in second reading,” says Kristin, “But it is expected to pass. We won’t know the fine details until that happens, but employers should start preparing for the changes that affect them now.”

Understanding the amendments

Bill 190 contains five key amendments to the OHSA. Kristin explains what they are and what they may mean for you.

1. Employers can now post copies of the OHSA and other MLITSD health and safety posting requirements electronically. As the legislation stands now, explains Kristin, employers must post a physical copy of these documents in the workplace where they are easily accessible to workers. “Although you can now post documents virtually, you still have to ensure they are easily accessible to workers,” says Kristin. “That means providing direction on where and how workers can access them and ensuring that workers are comfortable on the platform the documents are posted on.”

2. The definition of harassment is being modernized to include protection against virtual harassment, including virtual sexual harassment. “This change is significant,” says Kristin. “Virtual harassment continues to increase in workplaces.” The amendment in all likelihood will apply to any virtual platform that allows remote and hybrid teams to communicate and collaborate, such as Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet,” says Kristin, “as well as social media, such as email, Facebook, Linkedin, X, etc.”

“Companies will need to update all policies and programs as well as training related to harassment to include the new definition. The change could also potentially change the way companies are dealing with and investigating harassment at work.”

3. Joint health and safety committee (JHSC) meetings can now legally be held virtually. The law currently says that JHSC meetings must be done in person. But the rise in home offices and remote work means some committees are not able to do that anymore, says Kristin. “The law is catching up with the reality of what people are doing.”

“If committee members are physically in the same place, I would encourage them to continue to meet in person,” says Kristin. “Face to face meetings are very valuable, and are often more focused, interactive, engaging and productive than virtual meetings.”

4. Washrooms for workers must be kept clean and sanitary, with records of cleaning. This change is designed to support women at work, says the government, and would make Ontario the first province in Canada to require a record of cleaning in its health and safety legislation. “The move is in direct response to advocacy from tradeswomen and other sector stakeholders who have cited better washroom facilities as a key policy to encourage more women to join the building trades.”

“We don’t know how often cleaning will be required or if the cleaning times will be mandated,” notes Kristin, “but employers may be required to adjust procedures, train staff, and develop a system of documentation.”

5. Asbestos-related data will be incorporated into the ministry’s forthcoming occupational exposure registry. “This move is designed to prevent future asbestos-related illnesses,” says Kristin. “The Ontario government is working with the Ontario Centre for Cancer Research (OCRC) to develop the registry.”

Ontario says the goal of the registry is to track harmful exposure levels, help diagnose diseases faster, improve workers’ compensation, and reduce costs to the healthcare system. “We’ll provide updates on the registry as soon as they are available,” says Kristin. “I don’t anticipate that this amendment will affect the employer’s day to day activity. ”

More information

• Backgrounder: Working for Workers Five Act, 2024
• Backgrounder: Occupational Exposure Registry

How WSPS can help

Training

• Health & Safety for Managers & Supervisors (7 hours, eCourse)
• Health & Safety Awareness Training (OHSA) – Ontario Workers (1 hour, eCourse)
• Safety Health & the Law (1 day, Online Instructor-Led Training)
• Supervisor Health and Safety Training (1 hour, eCourse)
• Supervisor Responsibilities & Due Diligence (3-4 hours, eCourse)

Checklists

• What to post: workplaces with 1-5 employees
• What to post: workplaces with 6-19 employees
• What to post: workplaces with 20-49 employees
• OHSA Requirements Checklist for Workplaces with 50+ Employees – Ontario

Other resources

• Employee Violence Risk Assessment Questionnaire 
• Harassment Policy 
• Violence & Harassment policy
• Violence & Harassment Reporting Form
• Violence & Harassment Reporting Procedure 
• Workplace Harassment: Employer To Do List 
• Workplace Harassment Investigations in Small Business: Tips for Employers 
• Workplace Violence Hazards Inspection Form 
• Workplace Violence Policy  

Articles

• Passed: Working for Workers Act, 2022
• Working for Workers Four Act, 2023

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.

Whether it’s innovative technology, specialized skills training, new equipment or quality supplies, you invest in your business knowing that the return will outweigh the initial costs. Investment is necessary for operations to grow and be successful.

“Investment in health and safety is no different,” says Ryan Dick, Health and Safety Consultant with WSPS. “If you aren’t currently investing in your health and safety and the health and safety of your employees, you’re leaving your business vulnerable—particularly since a serious injury could put your business in jeopardy.”

“Imagine an employee suffers a crushing injury from a large machine at a manufacturing facility. Or imagine that an employee gets hit by a forklift and has a critical injury,” says Ryan. “Not only will you be dealing with a serious and tragic medical emergency, but you will also have to figure out how to continue production when you are down workers, deal with an incident investigation, and operate with equipment that is now out of commission. In addition, think about the damage done to your business’ reputation and employee morale, as well as potential financial fines and liabilities. It can be very difficult for a company to recover from something like this.”

What’s your health and safety ROI?

The Institute for Work and Health, an Ontario-based organization that specializes in occupational health and safety research, studied the return on investment (ROI) for Ontario businesses when they invest in health and safety. They took the average health and safety expenditures across 17 sectors and measured them against the financial benefits gained. Their findings showed a return ranging from 24% to 114%, depending on the sector. “A 24% return is great for any investment,” Ryan points out.

The expenditures used in the study included health and safety training, supervision, personal protective equipment (PPE), professional occupational health and safety services, and capital investments related to improving health and safety. The average amount invested per employee across the 17 sectors was $1,303.

When determining the ROI, researchers considered the tangible and intangible financial gains. The obvious costs related to an injured employee include things like medical costs, insurance premiums, lost productivity, and finding and training someone else to do the job. When your investment in health and safety prevents injuries, you save these costs and keep your operation running smoothly. When you factor in some of the more intangible gains, such as employee morale and job satisfaction, along with stable, quality production, it adds even more to the financial return.

Invest in your people and reap the rewards

“In a time when it’s difficult to retain employees, investing in their health and safety by providing training and PPE helps to build up their knowledge, develop their skills, and gain experience,” says Ryan. A recent study also found that organizations that prioritize health and safety help attract employees too.

Healthy, competent workers lead to stable, predictable operations. Ryan offers a few suggestions for where to invest to reap the rewards of a strong occupational health and safety program.

1. Orientation—Provide a detailed health and safety orientation for your workers, even if they are temporary. Make sure to include safe work procedures that address specific tasks.
2. Hazard Assessment—Take the time to complete detailed hazard assessments for each job or task. This will help ensure that your safe work procedures are comprehensive and account for all the hazards workers may face on the job.
3. Training—Required Health and Safety Training must be provided to employees, so make it a priority. New hires must complete the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Health and Safety Awareness Training. Additionally employees must receive specialized training on job-specific hazards, in areas such as working at heights, confined space, lockout/tag out, ladder safety, WHMIS, and equipment operation. Having this knowledge could save a life.
4. PPE—Supply workers with the PPE they need to do their job safely and ensure they are trained on how to use and properly take care of it.
5. Safe infrastructure—Invest in the tools and infrastructure that will make work safer for all workers. Ensure procedures are adjusted to account for new equipment and that everyone is properly trained.

How WSPS can help

Take steps today to improve your health and safety ROI. Learn from WSPS experts to identify where and how to invest in your health and safety program.

Training

• JHSC Certification Part One (3 days, live online training or new eLearning option)
• Business Case for Health and Safety (30 minutes, eCourse)
• Hazard and Risk: Identify, Assess, Control, and Evaluate (3 hours, eCourse)
• Supervisor Responsibilities and Due Diligence (3-4 hours, eCourse)

Resources

• Use the Health and Safety Handbook Generator to create a comprehensive resource for your business.
• Learn to identify and assess your hazards using this Hazard Assessment Tool. This video offers a step by step guide on how to use the tool.
• Health and Safety Policy and Program: The Elements is a tool to help you build your policy and program, element by element.
• WSPS 2023 Health & Safety Leadership Survey: Safety Sustainability in a Time of Transformation (white paper)

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common workplace hazard that should be top of mind for Ontario businesses. These injuries of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves are the most frequent cause of injury claims in Ontario. Not only are they one of the largest contributors to lost time claim costs, but they also take a financial toll, with sprains and strains alone accounting for 38% of all WSIB claims in 2023, amounting to a staggering direct cost of $115,600,641. The low back is the most commonly affected area, followed by the shoulders. The neck, elbows, hands, and wrists are also common.

To help workplaces address these injuries, The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) has redeveloped the Ontario MSD Prevention Guideline to help employers tackle MSDs in their workplaces.

CRE-MSD, which is affiliated with the University of Waterloo and funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, redesigned the Ontario MSD Prevention Guideline website to improve navigation and accessibility. “Our goal with this update was to make the website a more user-centred and easier-to-use platform,” explains Jacklyn Kurt, Ergonomics Research Coordinator with CRE-MSD.

Designed for workers and employers

While the original Ontario MSD Prevention Guideline contained a wealth of valuable information, feedback from users indicated that it was difficult to find the resources they were looking for. The redeveloped guideline addresses that problem. “To help people quickly find what they need, we created worker-centered pages to bring people directly to what is most relevant to them,” says Jacklyn.

Jacklyn explains that the top navigation of the website lists the following categories:

• I perform work
• I supervise workers
• I represent workers
• I manage workers
• I evaluate and/or design work, and
• I support and/or care for workers.

When you select the option that best describes what you do, you are immediately taken to a page that pulls out the most relevant resources from the Guideline for your role,” says Jacklyn. She points out that this is particularly helpful for people who may not know exactly what they need. “This feature saves a lot of time,” she says.

Making the website more visual was another focus of the redevelopment. When you visit the Ontario MSD Prevention Guideline website you will now find detailed diagrams, images, posters, and videos. These visual resources were added to improve the accessibility and understanding of key concepts. They clearly illustrate right/wrong examples of how to perform common tasks and walk workers through proper movement patterns.

6 new features of the updated website

Get started by checking out these six features on the new MSD Prevention Guideline website.

1. Guideline Selector – There are four different MSD Prevention Guidelines. The Guideline Selector is a tool that helps people determine which guideline is most applicable to where they are in their MSD prevention journey. “The Guideline Selector asks a few questions about your organization, such as how many employees you have and what type of work they do. Then, it directs you to the specific Guideline that corresponds to your needs,” explains Jacklyn.
2. Quick Start Guidelines – These visual guides provide workers and employers with practical things they can start doing right away to reduce their risk of developing an MSD. Use them to kickstart your MSD prevention program.
3. Types of MSD (Interactive Diagram) – This diagram is an engaging way for people to become more familiar with specific MSD injuries and their symptoms. When you click various parts of the body, you learn which MSD are associated with that area. It’s a perfect resource for a health and safety meeting.
4. What is an MSD? Introductory Video – This video is ideal for new worker orientation. Make it a component of your onboarding training or health and safety meeting. It explains the signs and symptoms of MSD.
5. Health and Safety Program Poster – Learn how to integrate each step of the Guideline into your existing health and safety program by following the framework outlined in this resource.
6. Cost-benefit Calculator – If your organization is considering implementing a specific control to reduce MSD risk, use this cost-benefit calculator to determine the most cost-effective way. The calculator compares different ergonomic interventions with cost estimates and payback periods.

How WSPS can help

WSPS has experts and free resources to help you implement the controls and strategies outlined in the MSD Prevention Guideline.

Consulting

Connect with a WSPS ergonomist to identify MSD hazards in your workplace and explore control options.

Resources

• MSD Hazards Checklist
• How can workers identify lift hazards? (video)
• MLITSD material handling inspections on now: be prepared
• Five evidence-based tools and initiatives focused on ergonomics 
• Safe Lifting: 10 tips and videos
• Business in Motion: Managing Material Hazards

Training

• MSD Prevention Awareness (1 hour, eCourse)
• Office Ergonomics Assessment (1 day, Online Instructor-Led Training)
• Safe Lifting and Manual Materials Handling (0.5 days, Online Instructor-Led Training)

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.

If you’re not already aware of the recent amendments to Canada’s Hazardous Products Regulations, it’s time to familiarize yourself. Employers need to understand what these amendments involve and how they may impact operations—especially since they are currently the focus of a Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) occupational hygiene campaign.

“We’re currently in the middle of a three-year transition period,” says Gordon Pajuluoma, Health and Safety Consultant with WSPS. “Suppliers have until December 14, 2025, to comply with the amended Hazardous Products Regulations. However, Ontario’s MLITSD has already started a focused inspection campaign to ensure employers are providing, or have plans to provide, updated WHMIS training to their workers that incorporates the amendments.”

Gordon explains that these amendments are part of Canada’s ongoing alignment with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). “These updates bring Canada in line with the seventh edition of GHS,” says Gordon. There are new categories, as well as requirements to include more specific details in some cases. “These changes ultimately benefit workers because they require more comprehensive health and safety information to be outlined on labels and safety data sheets (SDS), which will help ensure the proper controls are in place to protect workers,” says Gordon.

Keep in mind that during this transition period, you can’t have some labels and SDSs under the old system and some under the new system. “Suppliers must continue to operate under the old system until they are ready to flip completely over to the new system. They can’t have half of one and half of the other,” explains Gordon. He recommends taking the time now, to review and update all of your documentation. This will help with training and adoption among workers as well.

Follow these steps to comply with amendments

1. Contact your suppliers. Every WHMIS label and SDS will need to be updated, so start reaching out to your suppliers to get the new versions. “It may not be as quick as going to the website to download an updated SDS, so give yourself some time,” advises Gordon.
2. Replace labels and SDSs. For each chemical in your workplace, replace the old workplace labels and SDS (as necessary) with the new ones. If you store the same chemical in different locations, don’t forget to replace the labels on all the containers. The same goes for SDSs—replace them in multiple locations, if necessary.
3. Revise your WHMIS training. Complete a thorough review of your WHMIS training and revise it to include the updated information. Do the same for any related procedures.
4. Train your workers. One of the things MLITSD inspectors will look for is evidence that employees have received training that incorporates the amendments. Once you have an updated program, train your workers. “Don’t wait until the current WHMIS training expires to retrain. Be proactive to ensure everyone understands the new SDSs,” suggests Gordon.

   Find out more about the latest amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations. For details about the MLITSD’s current occupational hygiene campaign, check out their Compliance page.

How WSPS can help

Training 

• WHMIS 2015 Online Training (eCourse, 1-hour)
• WHMIS 2015: Awareness for Agriculture

Resources

• WHMIS – Hazardous Projects Regulation Amendment 

Ontario is looking to fill gaps in its labour market by welcoming newcomers to the province at historic levels. This, in addition to temporary foreign workers, means tens of thousands of new Canadians will be entering our workforce, bringing with them a varied understanding of health and safety rights, responsibilities, and workplace hazards. Language barriers may also complicate their ability to communicate with their employer about health and safety and integrate into the workforce safely. Many may also be hesitant to speak up and ask questions.

“As a result, many newcomers lack proper awareness of the hazards on the job, how to stay safe, and their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act,” says Bill Chen, WSPS Account Representative. “This puts them at higher risk of injury than their Canadian counterparts, which is bad news for these workers and their employers.”

In response to this challenge, WSPS has launched two new sets of multi-language resources for the high-risk sectors of manufacturing and agriculture. These resources are designed to increase awareness of common hazards that often lead to serious injuries and fatalities. “Providing health and safety information in a worker’s first language is the best way to ensure they fully understand what’s being taught, and can protect themselves from hazards,” says Bill.

“Workplaces can use these free resources for new hire orientation, health and safety training, health and safety talks, daily communication or pre and post-shift chats,” notes Bill.

Mobile-friendly hazard awareness

WSPS’ new resources  – a collection of mobile-friendly videos and visual tip sheets – provide information on common hazards in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors and use animation, plain language, graphics, subtitles and other means to engage workers in their first language.

Resources for the manufacturing sector are available in French, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog and English, and address five hazards that may lead to serious workplace injuries:

• loading and unloading trailers safely
• lockout/tagout – staying safe with hazardous energy
• machine and conveyor safety
• safety around cars, vans and trucks
• slips, trips and falls

Resources for agriculture are available in Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese and English, and address:

• ladders and heights
• safely working with machines
• safely working with tractors

You can also download two QR code posters, one for manufacturing and another for agriculture. These provide an easy way for employers, health and safety managers, human resources, joint health and safety committee members or health and safety representatives to connect workers to these resources via their mobile devices.

The benefits to your workplace

Misinterpretation of health and safety information because of language barriers can lead to injury, loss of life, and higher costs for businesses. Bill recommends that businesses of all sizes take advantage of WSPS’ multilingual resources to:

• improve health and safety communication;
• develop a better understanding of health and safety compliance;
• increase understanding, knowledge and awareness of hazards;
• reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities; and
• improve the workplace’s safety culture.

Bill notes, however, that the new resources don’t replace job-specific training. “Businesses should always take a three-pronged approach to training all workers, including those who don’t speak English: teach them how to do it, make sure they understand, then have them demonstrate how to do it.”

More actions you can take

Businesses with non-English speaking workers can take additional steps to ensure understanding of health and safety information.

• Provide access to English language training.
• Use translation services for important documents.
• Encourage employee participation and let employees know they can ask questions about safety in the workplace.
• Take advantage of new technologies, like Google Translate, Bing Translator or ChatGPT, but be mindful of their limits and possible inaccuracy
• During training,
  • use simple language, no jargon or acronyms, speak slowly, and enunciate clearly.
  • check for comprehension by providing quizzes. Have a translator in the room to help if possible.
  • be available for questions after the training session ends – many newcomers may not feel comfortable asking questions in class.

How WSPS can help

Connect with a consultant to help your workplace develop training courses aimed at a multilingual workforce.

New Multilingual Resources

• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Multilanguage material handling resources for workers. Please note English resources are also available for managers and supervisors.

Free 45-Minute Webinar

• Safety Connection – Breaking Language Barriers: Worker Safety in Manufacturing (Multiple dates: June 5, 2024, September 26, 2024 and January 23, 2025)

Articles

• New Canadians in your workforce? This manufacturer’s approach can help protect them and you
• 5 tips to protect the health and safety of new Canadians
• Protecting new and young workers: this orientation tool sets the bar
• Do New Canadians Feel Psychologically Safe in Your Workplace? 

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.