Health and Safety > FAQs
FAQs
HEALTH & SAFETY FAQs
This is a piece of provincial legislation that deals with health and safety in the workplace. It outlines the Internal Responsibility System that is designed to operate in each workplace, fines for contraventions of the Act and in the regulations prescribes, among other things, safe handling of dangerous substances.
The employer must post in an accessible location (e.g. - lunchroom) for employees the following items. Items marked in bold may be posted to an easily accessed digital platform.
Copy of the (Pocket) OH&S Consolidated Act & Regulations
Copy of the OH&S Policy Statement signed and dated (less than 1 year old)
Copy of the Violence and Harassment Policy Statement signed and date (less than 1 year old)
Copy of the WSIB 1234 Poster (Form 82) (if practice/company is part of the WSIB)
List of the Joint Health and Safety Committee member names & work locations
Orders from a MOLITSD inspector and notice of compliance to a MOLITSD order (if applicable)
Results of monitoring of airborne concentrations of a designated substance (if applicable)
Copy of the most recent workplace inspection
Copy of the most current Joint Health & Safety Committee minutes (if practice/company has a JHSC)
Visitors' Log Book and a copy of their requirement to abide by their policies, should be located at the front entrance reception desk/entrance to the workplace
Copy of the Employment Standards Act Poster (version 9.0)
Provincial Human Rights poster
Prevention Starts Here - MOLITSD poster
Additional Requirements
Designated First Aid Station
Posted Names of First Aiders, and a copy of the valid certificate
First Aid Log
Emergency Contact Numbers
Floor Plan with designated Emergency exits
Maintenance Log of all equipment on site (should be a binder with inventory and the maintenance work on each piece of equipment
Ministry Inspectors perform both reactive and proactive inspections. These are not pre-scheduled; workplaces are not notified in advance as to when the inspector may visit. The worker Health & Safety Representative or worker JHSC member will be asked to accompany the inspector; the employer must also participate. The employer must produce any records requested and answer relevant questions. The Ministry posts inspection priorities for the year; please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/workplace-compliance-initiatives
A work refusal happens when a worker decides that the work they have been instructed to do is unsafe for themselves or for others. First, the worker must notify their direct supervisor of their concern. If unresolved, the worker member of the JHSC or worker Health and Safety Representative must be contacted. The employer is required to conduct an investigation to resolve the work refusal. In the event that it is still unresolved the MOLITSD is called and the inspector investigates and resolves the issue.
HSEp is a program administered by the Worker’s Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB). The aim of the program is to help companies improve safety in the workplace. Companies sign on to complete topics relevant to where they are at on the road to health and safety – foundational, intermediate or advanced topics. You can read more about the benefits of HSEp here https://www.whss.ca/health-and-safety-excellence
Workplaces with 20 or more workers are required to have a Joint Health and Safety Committee. Workplaces with fewer than 20 workers are required to have a JHSC if a designated substance regulation applies in your workplace or if an inspector from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development has required it.
Workplaces with 6-19 workers must have a health and safety worker representative (HSR) who is selected by the workers. Workplaces with 1-5 workers are not required to have a JHSC or HSR unless a designated substance regulation applies to that workplace.
Additional details regarding JHSCs can be found here https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-health-and-safety-committees-and-representatives
Each workplace in Ontario that employs more than 5 workers is required to be inspected once per month. If it is not practical to inspect the entire workplace each month then it is required to split the entire workplace into parts and inspect one of those parts each month. Need help completing inspections? Wilkens Health and Safety Solutions can provide guidance on completing the inspection until your company is ready to complete inspections on its own.
Employer - A person who employs or contracts for the services of one or more workers. The term includes a contractor or subcontractor who performs work or supplies services and a contractor or subcontractor who undertakes with an owner, constructor, contractor, sub-contractor to perform work or supply services.
Supervisor - A person, appointed by an employer, who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.
Worker - Worker means any of the following, but does not include an inmate of a correctional institution or like institution or facility who participates inside the institution or facility in a work project or rehabilitation program:
a) A person who performs work or supplies services for monetary compensation.
b) A secondary school student who performs work or supplies services for no monetary compensation under a work experience program authorized by the school board that operates the school in which the student is enrolled.
c) A person who performs work or supplies services for no monetary compensation under a program approved by a college of applied arts and technology, university or other post-secondary institution.
d) Such other persons as may be prescribed who perform work or supply services to an employer for no monetary compensation.
Employers must notify the Ministry in the event of fatalities, critical injuries, occupational illnesses and other incidents. You can read more about that here https://www.ontario.ca/page/reporting-workplace-incidents-and-illnesses
Every employer under provincial jurisdiction is required to provide the following trainings:
· Worker Health & Safety Awareness in 4 Steps
· Supervisor Health & Safety Awareness in 5 Steps
· JHSC training
· Working at Heights, for workers working at 3m or above
· First Aid
For further details, please contact our office at 613-546-9814 or by email at info@whss.ca
TRAINING
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Forklift training online.
Aerial lifts (aerial lifting devices) are typically used throughout construction, industry, and warehousing. However, the versatility and safety factors incorporated into these devices allow them to be utilized in almost any environment.
Our online Aerial Lift Training Program will focus on the safe operation of self-propelled elevated work platforms and self-propelled boom supported elevated work platforms. Once the online course has been successfully completed, a certificate will be printed and must be signed in the space provided by a competent individual verifying that a hands-on practical evaluation has been completed within your facility.
Average run time: 1 hour
Register here.
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Forklift training online.
Working in confined spaces is an everyday occurrence in many occupations. When these spaces are properly identified and assessed, entry plans are in place and the plans are followed, work performed within a confined space can be completed safely and efficiently.
Our online Confined Space program will provide participants with the information needed to understand the potential hazards of working in these spaces and the elements necessary to control those hazards prior to entry. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued automatically.
Average run time: 1 hour
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your managers and supervisors take their Due Diligence training online.
Our Manager & Supervisor Due Diligence course will provide participants with an understanding of the responsibilities and reasonable steps to be taken for the protection of all workplace parties.
This course will also explore the obligations and potential liabilities of company owners, managers, and supervisors, and will discuss the elements critical to a strong health and safety program and safety management system. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued automatically.
Average run time: 1 hour
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Fall Protection training online.
Nearly 20 % of all lost time injuries can be attributed to falls in the workplace. The majority of falls occur on the same level, while others involve falls to a lower level. The latter usually resulting in more serious injuries or death. Falls are preventable with the correct training.
Our Fall Protection Training Program will provide participants with an understanding of their responsibilities when working in areas where fall hazards exist, the use of and inspection of the required equipment and the critical controls necessary to reduce the risk of a fall. Upon successful completion, an end user certificate will be issued automatically.
Average run time: 1 hour
Register Here 'Fall Protection Training' Inscrivez-vous ici 'Protection contre les chutes'
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Fire safety training online.
Having fire extinguishers strategically placed in your establishment is not a complete answer to fire safety. Your organization should have an internal system established to prevent and respond to man made and natural emergencies.
Our Fire Safety program provides participants with the knowledge necessary to prevent fires in the workplace and also focuses on the basic elements of fire prevention and protection. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued automatically.
Average run time: 1 hour
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Forklift & Lift Truck training online.
Forklifts, or Lift Trucks are integral pieces of equipment used to move and handle material safely and efficiently in many environments. Their widespread use requires that individuals working with and around forlifts recognize hazards associated with the equipment and the environment in which they are operated.
Our Safe Operation of a Forklift / Lift Truck Program makes participants aware of their legal responsibilities and provides the required information to achieve the theory portion of becoming a competent operator. Once the course has been successfully completed, a certificate will be printed and must be signed in the space provided by a competent individual verifying that a hands-on practical evaluation has been completed within your facility.
Average run time: 1 hour
Hydrogen Sulphide, also known as H2S or "sour gas" is a gas that occurs naturally underground when organic matter, like soil, is allowed to decompose without the presence of oxygen. The oil industries of Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta, in Nova Scotia, BC, and Newfoundland are especially prone to exposure to this "marsh gas."
This online learning program will discuss safety measures like the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus or SCBA, CPR procedures, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and other important federal and provincial regulations. Course topics include:
Hydrogen Sulphide: It's a Killer Gas
Hazard Detection and Exposure Limits: How Much is Too Much?
Hydrogen Sulphide in the Oil and Gas Industry
Personal Protective Measures
Contingency Plans and Rescue Response including First Aid
Safe Job Procedures
Average run time: 90 minutes
Unfortunately, accidents happen every day across Canada - this should be considered unacceptable and preventable by all employers and workers.
An incident can be defined as a sudden, unplanned event that causes or could have caused harm to a person or damage to property. Incidents can happen in any workplace, at anytime. In fact, across Canada there are approximately 250,000 lost-time injuries which occur each year—and that doesn’t even include near-misses or incidents that did not result in lost work time.
Investigations get to the root causes of the incident, so similar occurrences can be prevented and future losses in the workplace can be avoided. Therefore it is essential to ensure those who are responsible for investigating incidents are properly trained.
This course will provide managers, supervisors, committee members and health and safety representatives with a proper foundation and understanding of accident causation and prevention.
Average run time: 1 hour
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Ladder Safety training online.
Provinces across Canada regulate the use of ladders in all workplaces because the improper use of a ladder could cause significant injuries. Anyone who uses a ladder must comply and obtain the necessary training in order to: * Reduce or eliminate worker injuries * Avoid worker compensation premiums * Hazard Identification & Control * Ladder Selection * Inspection Procedures * Safe Ladder Set-up & Use * Proper Care, Transportation & Storage Get the best Ladder Safety training online today! Select your course and quantities, proceed to checkout, and start training today.
Average run time: 1 hour
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Lockout training online.
Failure to control the release of hazardous energy while servicing and maintaining equipment has the potential to causes some of the most severe injuries in our workplaces.
This program is designed to ensure employers, management, and workers understand the hazards associated with uncontrolled energy and the proper methods of controlling that energy through a properly developed and implemented lockout program. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued automatically.
Average run time: 1 hour
Register Here 'Lockout Training' Inscrivez-vous ici 'Le cadenassage, protection contre les énergies dangereuses'
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Manual Material Handling training online.
Manual material handling (MMH) operations can be found in most workplace settings including industrial establishments and manufacturing facilities, offices, healthcare facilities and restaurant locations. Statistics show that almost one in four workers will experience some form of injury as a result of lifting and lowering, pushing and pulling, carrying and holding, or resisting loads.
In Ontario alone, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 50% of all lost-time injuries and the numbers aren’t much better across the nation. Employers must provide adequate instruction where the handling of material by employees could result in an injury.
Average run time: 1 hour
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Office ergonomics training online.
Overuse and “wear and tear” injuries continue to be among the most costly work related injuries in industry today. These pains and strains can range from mild discomfort or lead to severe pain and disability. Our online office ergonomics training program identifies the risk factors associated with poor ergonomic positioning but more importantly the controls necessary to prevent musculoskeletal disorders from occurring. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued automatically.
Average run time: 1 hour
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their Transportation of dangerous goods training online.
Every day, thousands of TDG regulated products are handled, transported, and offered for transport throughout Canada. This online certification program will provide participants with an understanding of the hazards and regulatory requirements associated with dangerous goods controlled products. This course is required for companies who ship by road and/or rail only. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued automatically.
Average run time: 90 minutes
Cut training costs, minimize time lost, and reduce the cost of compliance by having your employees complete their WHMIS training online.
Mishandling of hazardous materials can have disastrous consequences. At work, at school, in the places you do business and at home, knowing what you are dealing with, how to minimize exposure, and how to respond when the unthinkable happens can drastically reduce the potentially life-altering consequences of an encounter with hazardous materials.
The intent of this online safety training course is to provide WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) certification, but more importantly, it provides participants the foundation for using knowledge to prevent accidental and long-term exposure to the harmful effects of hazardous workplace materials. Try the Demo now! Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued automatically.
Average run time: 1 hour
This course will educate you on the rights and responsibilities in the workplace for employees, managers, supervisors and employers. By the end of this course you will know duties in the Internal Responsibility System and your rights about workplace hazards. This will help ensure the health and safety and over all wellbeing of not only yourself but also others around you in the workplace.
Course Modules
Rights and Responsibilites
Hazard Awareness Control
Working Together
Obtaining Assistance
Average run time: 1 hour
Unidentified hazards and poorly conducted inspections can lead to catastrophic losses in your workplace.
An inspection is a planned walkthrough of a workplace or worksite designed to help the workplace meet compliance with the law; and more importantly allow for the identification and control of any factors that can cause injury or illness.
Routine inspections are therefore a critical component of a good accident, occupational disease and fire prevention program.
This program will assist managers, supervisors, committee members and health and safety representatives in performing effective inspections. The purpose of the inspection is to determine if hazards are present, if workers have been or are likely to be exposed to hazards, if anyone has been injured as a result of the exposure; and whether or not safe working procedures are being followed by workers.
Average run time: 1 hour
This course is intended to introduce basic concepts of society’s current interpretation of workplace violence and harassment.
There will be a review of legal definitions; discussion of harassment and violence and the continuum of escalating behaviours; as well as an exploration of the elements essential to a successful program that is able to achieve the stated goals of a policy pronouncement. It is the aim of this course that participants will have a greater appreciation of the negative effects of inappropriate workplace behaviour and embrace the best intentions of the company’s stated goals and ideals.
Average run time: 1 hour
Register Here 'Workplace Violence & Harassment' Inscrivez-vous ici 'Violence et harcèlement en milieu de travail'
WORKER WELLBEING
Ergonomics - We use our muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints to lift, carry, sit, stand, walk, move and work in a variety of ways. We often put too much demand on our bodies, causing pain and discomfort. This could also lead to a more serious injury called a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).
Use these Ergonomics Tools to ensure you don't put too much demand on your body at work:
Employees who are engaged in their work are likely to be mentally and physically healthy, passionate, and emotionally committed to their work and to their organization. As well, statistics have shown that a positive work environment results in reduced rates of absenteeism, stress levels, injuries and illnesses, while showing increased rates of morale and job satisfaction.
Use these tools to find services in your area:
HOT TOPICS
World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
KFL&A Public Health - https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/covid-19.aspx
Pandemic Policy Sample - download here
Ministry of Health Ontario - https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Information For Business Owners
Read the new fact sheets on what you need to know about complying with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Workplace Safety & Insurance Act.
New Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development
MOLITSD - Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps, workbook
MOLITSD - Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness in 5 Steps, workbook
MOLITSD - Employer Guide to Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps
Resources
Guide for Joint Health & Safety Committee and Health & Safety Representatives in the Workplace
Guide to the Occupational Health & Safety Act
Guide to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Read the ministry's fact sheet on what you need to know about complying with the Employment Standards Act.
A law called the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) establishes minimum employer obligations and employee rights with respect to rates of pay, hours of work and overtime, vacations, public holidays, leaves of absence and more. Every province and most industrialized countries have similar laws in place to protect employees. The ESA applies to most employees and employers in Ontario.
Resources