WSPS Safety Connection (2 hours)

Year after year falls continue to be the second largest cause of traumatic fatalities in Ontario. In this interactive session we will consider how best to prevent fall related fatalities and injuries and discuss the legislative and practical application of working at heights training in industrial and construction workplaces.

• Look for Falls in schedule below.

Managers have the responsibility to create productive and safe work environments, free from injuries, illnesses and fatalities that affect the work place. In this interactive session, we will discuss the work place training they need to fulfill their health and safety responsibilities as outlined under Part II of the Canada Labour Code, the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the National Joint Council Occupational Health and Safety Directive. Participants will discuss challenges and learn from others some of the best practices for keeping their managers educated, motivated and engaged to apply their health and safety training on the job, as well as transfer this knowledge to their employees. Participants will be given the opportunity to evaluate their current state, so they have a greater understanding of any gaps in health and safety training of managers in their work place and are able to identify action steps to take moving forward.

• Look for Federal in schedule below.

On December 8, 2016, Bill 70, "Building Ontario Up for Everyone Act (Budget Measures)" received Royal Assent and became law. Under Schedule 16, the Chief Prevention Officer is authorised to establish standards and criteria for accreditation of health & safety management systems. In this session, you will be provided with an update on MOL's exploration of encouraging and recognizing employers who use OHSMS with the aim at better understanding the potential impact for businesses operating in Ontario, and how they can best prepare.

• Look for Mgmt. Systems in schedule below.

Breaking down mental health barriers and reducing stigma in workplaces will be the topic of this stimulating discussion. This session will provide the participant with an understanding of where they are at in their workplace mental health journey and what tools can take them to next level. You will explore ideas, share best practices and highlight some of the available resources that workplaces can use in support of improving workplace mental health.

• Look for Mental Health in schedule below.

The Legislature has amended the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to allow entitlement for chronic mental stress starting in 2018. This will have significant impact on employers. An Employer Specialist with the Office of the Employer Adviser, will walk you through the background of mental stress issues at WSIB, explain the impact of the recent legislation and what employers should do. Specifically, you will learn:

• What the WSIB currently accepts in mental stress situations.
• About the recent chronic mental stress entitlement legislation.
• About how mental stress is evaluated.
• Look for Mental Stress in schedule below.

Want to know more about trends in workplace accidents and incidents and upcoming MOL Blitzes? Join us for an interactive session with Ron Lucas, our local Ministry of Labour Inspector, to learn more about new and emerging hazards, exchange ideas and share best practices for keeping your staff healthy and safe in your workplace.

Robots are rapidly becoming cheaper, smaller and smarter. In this interactive session we will explore some of the dangers of working with robots, some relevant safety legislation and aspects of standards, and how these may affect the safeguarding of robotic equipment in the near future.

• Look for Robotics in schedule below.

Noise-induced hearing loss is an Occupational Hygiene disease that impacts the lives of many Ontario workers and their families each year. This session looks at the effectiveness and accuracy of mobile noise measurement tools (apps) and their place in the workplace. We will explore the pros and cons of these applications as well as discuss the impacts of Regulation 381/15: Noise. Join us for this interactive and dynamic discussion to help you determine if mobile noise measurement apps are the right tools for your workplace. Note: A mobile device is strongly suggested for this session for demonstration purposes only (e.g. tablet, phone etc.).

• Look for Occ-Hygiene in schedule below.

The Agriculture sector offers youth, recent immigrants and seasonal agricultural workers an opportunity to begin their working experience. Studies have shown that these workers are at higher risk of workplace injuries and death in Ontario workplaces. In this session, we will discuss some common hazards and provide clarification on employer training obligations. You will explore ideas and share best practices for introducing new and young workers to the sector, with the aim of creating useful strategies to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and death.

• Look for Young Workers in schedule below.