Prevention System Updates

Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), the federal and provincial governments are launching the Agri-food Workplace Protection Program to help agriculture producers and meat processing facilities enhance health and safety measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

On April 28, the Day of Mourning, we pay respect to the workers who have lost their lives and their loved ones in workplace fatalities, and those who have been injured or become ill because of their work.

Every year on April 28, the Day of Mourning, we pay tribute to the workers who have lost their lives, become ill or been injured due to work-related incidents.

Le 28 avril, le Jour de deuil, nous rendons hommage aux travailleuses et travailleurs qui ont perdu leur vie dans des accidents du travail et à leurs proches, ainsi qu'aux personnes qui ont été blessées ou qui sont devenues malades en raison de leur travail.

Chaque année, le 28 avril, le Jour de deuil, nous rendons hommage aux travailleurs et travailleuses qui ont perdu la vie, qui ont été blessés ou qui sont devenus malades au travail ou par suite d’un accident en milieu de travail.

For the third year in a row, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is proud to be selected as the top Safety Training Provider by Canadian HR Reporter (CHRR) readers.

In collaboration with Imperial Oil and their Esso branded bulk fuel resellers, WSPS and its network of rural volunteers are helping farmers, agriculture workers and farm families keep safe through a program called Stop Think Act (STA).

The Ontario government has announced that an online learning option will be permitted for Certification Part I training.

Please be advised that there is a new version of the WSIB Form 82 poster.

WSPS and OFA working together to grow farm safety awareness

Mississauga, May 30, 2018 – Building on their shared values and a relationship forged over many years, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their commitment to work together to address key safety issues affecting Ontario farmers, agriculture employees and farm families.

WSPS is please to promote the second annual Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards initiative on behalf of the WSIB

The last day to order products for shipping in 2017 is Thursday December 21, 2017. 

Mississauga, ON: October 12, 2017 - In celebration of Small Business Week (October 15 - 21), Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is launching its refreshed online Small Business Centre. Offering easy-to-use, complimentary resources, the centre is the perfect catalyst for small businesses (those with 1 to 49 employees) looking to develop their health and safety programs.

Mississauga, ON: October 2, 2017 - In support of Global Ergonomics Month, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is pleased to announce an online and social media outreach campaign intended to raise awareness about potential hazards associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. Themed Move More, Move Often, the campaign focuses on increasing activity to reduce injuries. It is part of the Ontario prevention system's larger Work Shouldn't Hurt MSD awareness and prevention initiative.

With the cold and flu season on the horizon, employers have the chance to educate and make their employees aware of the preventative measures available to them.

For the members of WSPS on Tuesday, the 19th day of September, 2017 at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) 5110 Creekbank Road, Mississauga, Ontario.

As a business registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, you are a valued member of the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (“WSPS”).
 
 

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is pleased to be recognized by the readers of Canadian HR Reporter as a vendor of choice. Nearly 1,200 professionals cast more than 32,000 votes that resulted in WSPS being selected as the 2017 CHRR Reader's Choice for Safety Training.

Mississauga, ON July 17, 2017 - Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), the oldest and largest health and safety association in Ontario, is today celebrating its 100th anniversary as a committed leader to enhance workplace safety culture.

Sault Ste. Marie, May 9, 2017 - Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is pleased to welcome former NHL goal-tender Clint Malarchuk as keynote speaker on May 10^th for its annual Partners in Prevention Superior health and safety conference.

Message on behalf of George McClean, WSPS Board Chair
On behalf of the WSPS Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that Lynn Brownell has accepted the permanent position of WSPS President and CEO, effective immediately.

March 23, 2017 - Partners in Prevention 2017 Regional Health and Safety Conference returns to Sault Ste. Marie on May 10 and 11, 2017. Running for more than 20 years this popular event focuses on the unique safety needs of local businesses and provides delegates with a series of dynamic educational sessions and interactive exhibits that showcase the latest trends in health and safety products and services. 

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services today welcomed a sold out crowd to its 2017 Warehouse Safety Conference in Mississauga, Ontario. The event was established to meet the specific needs of WSPS customers in logistics management.

That's right. WSPS's training courses have been nominated for a 2017 Canadian HR Reporter Readers' Choice Award.

Fulfilling an election promise to Canadians, the federal government has announced a national strategy to protect people from health risks posed by exposure to asbestos.

MISSISSAUGA, OCTOBER 16, 2016 - In support of Small Business Week, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is pleased to release simple safety solutions to help Ontario's entrepreneurs keep their employees safe and their businesses productive. 

Mississauga, ON: October 1, 2016 - Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is pleased to team up with its Health and Safety Ontario partners to participate in Global Ergonomics Month, an international initiative to raise awareness of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Themed, Work Shouldn't Hurt, the Ontario outreach campaign is intended to raise awareness about potential MSD hazards in the workplace and to provide tips for working smarter, not harder.

SUDBURY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2016 - Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is pleased to welcome former NHL goal-tender Clint Malarchuk as keynote speaker for its annual Partners in Prevention Northeastern health and safety conference. Though he played for 11 seasons in the NHL, Malarchuk's name is forever linked to an incident in 1989 when his throat was slashed by a skate while tending goal for the Buffalo Sabres. That workplace accident nearly took his life.

Toronto/June 28^th, 2016 - Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) in association with The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) today announced a website that will focus specifically on helping parents and other adult influencers of young workers play a more significant role in their workplace safety.

In recognition of Seniors' Month, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) salutes mature workers who make a difference by bringing valuable skills and experience to workplaces throughout Ontario every day.

A new awareness campaign announced today by Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) targets the parents, friends, relatives, coaches, teachers and other support networks of young people as a way to make work safer for Ontario's youth.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and Respect Group Inc. today announced a joint partnership to help Ontario workplaces recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination by providing WSPS customers with access to RGI's renown Respect in the Workplace (RIW) training program, at a discounted rate.

WSPS congratulates its Safety Groups members for stellar performance during the 2014 program year. Results just released by the WSIB show that members of the WSPS 2014 Safety Group slashed their lost-time injury frequency rate by 13.24%, and their injury severity rate by 18.97%.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) congratulates Vancouver Airport Authority for being selected as the first recipient of Canada's Best Health + Safety Culture Award (Gold). The presentation took place at the Canada's Safest Employers (CSE) annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, in Toronto.

October 18-24 is Small Business Week, but for the entire month WSPS is offering 25% off our Health and Safety Starter Kit, which normally sells for $79.

Get full details here!

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), or workplace pains and strains, affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. They cause pain and suffering ranging from discomfort to severe disability and can affect every aspect of a worker's life.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour is seeking input on a proposed regulation under the new Protecting Child Performers Act. The act received Royal Assent on May 5 and will come into force on February 5, 2016.

MISSISSAUGA, AUGUST 24, 2015 - A group of health and safety organizations from across Ontario will join forces at the Canadian National Exhibition this summer to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. The group will be sponsoring a photo and information booth with the theme "Promise to Focus on the Road."

The Pan Am/Parapan Am Games are coming!
From July 10 - August 15 Toronto will host the world's third largest international multi-sport games. Crowds of athletes, officials, visitors, volunteers and media will flood venues across the GTA, Hamilton and Haliburton-Simcoe area to participate.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), in collaboration with its strategic partners in the CEO H+S Leadership Network, this week proudly unveiled the nomination criteria for what has been described as the highest honour among health and safety awards in Canada.

CEOs, operational leaders and other executives will gather at The International Centre in Mississauga, April 28, to exchange ideas on building health and safety into board decisions - a crucial conversation aimed at managing business risk, avoiding potentially disastrous results and advancing the governance agenda.

In the coming fiscal year, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour will be conducting inspection blitzes on three health and safety priorities affecting Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) member firms. But there’s more: the ministry has also released a schedule of year-long health and safety initiatives.

With spring quickly approaching and Ontario farmers getting ready to start a new growing season, it is important to remind everyone that they have a role to play in helping ensure our farms are safe places to live, work and raise a family.

As this year's recipient of the Minerva Canada Education Award, it's not the prize, but what it stands for that is the greatest cause for celebration according to Elizabeth Mills, President and CEO of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.

Nominations are now open for Canada's safest employers of 2015. Launched in 2011, this award program recognizes companies from all across Canada with outstanding accomplishments in promoting the health and safety of their workers.

Our risk of exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) increases as air temperatures drop and we bring more work indoors, and perform work with less natural ventilation.

Since 2008, the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Health and Safety Branch has been meeting with the public to obtain feedback and insights on how it can improve its enforcement efforts, including the development of new tools and resources, identification of firms and hazards and blitz topics.

Today, Bill 18, the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2014, passed third reading with all party support in the Ontario legislature.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), a principal in Ontario’s CEO Health + Safety Leadership Network, in partnership with Canada’s Safest Employers, presented by Canadian Occupational Safety magazine, is pleased to announce a new national award that recognizes organizations that exceed traditional health and safety practices by the shared value created to have an impact on a broader community dimension beyond their workplaces.

It’s tough being a small business owner these days. Now, a set of free online tools launched by Workplace Safety & Prevention Services will make the challenge of finding health and safety information easier for resource-starved small businesses.

Cummins Inc., a U.S.-based corporation that designs, manufactures, distributes and services diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies, is the 2014 recipient of the Robert W. Campbell award. Keeping its workforce safe is a key component of sustainability, the company says.

A critical gap in safety education for the operators of vehicle lifts in Ontario’s automobile repair shops has now been patched, thanks to a new online training program offered through Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), in partnership with the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).

Converting the existing Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) to the Global Harmonized System (GHS) will yield benefits of almost $400 million over 20 years, states a regulatory impact analysis statement published in the Canada Gazette. A share of these benefits will result from fewer personal injuries, acute and chronic illnesses, and fatalities.

Labour Minister Kevin Flynn has reintroduced draft legislation that broadens safety protection for unpaid learners and temporary workers. The original bill died on the order table when the provincial government dissolved Parliament and called the spring 2014 election.

Elizabeth Mills, President and CEO of WSPS has co-authored an article with Bryce Swerhun for the Conference Board of Canada.

The briefing discusses how boards can ensure the quality of their due diligence and make an important contribution to the risk culture of their organization by assuming formal oversight of workplace health and safety risk.

Throughout the month of June, we travelled across Ontario to begin a conversation and gather insights to support the development of the next three-year strategy for WSPS.  Your participation in this process is so important, as is your continued feedback.

Summer is high season for home renovation projects, which are notorious for going over budget and beyond their deadlines. With these nine tips, homeowners can create a safety culture that will protect workers and family members, and in the process help keep the project on schedule and on budget.

Changes to the federal Hazardous Products Act that received Royal Assent in June bring Canada one step closer to implementing the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Is your basement as safe from flooding as it could be? “It’s not a case of if but when the basement will be flooded from either exterior or interior water sources,” warns civic engineer John Cochren.

People who are exposed to paint, glue or degreaser fumes at work may experience memory and thinking problems in retirement, decades after their exposure, according to a study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Not sure if your current health and safety training meets the Ministry of Labour's new mandatory training requirements, which take effect July 1? These tools will help you.

As part of a long term plan to more effectively manage WSPS’ corporate footprint while achieving service growth, as of May 27, 2014, access to our Sudbury Business Office will only be available through WSPS’ Customer Contact Centre at 1-877-494-WSPS (9777) or through customercare@wsps.ca. We continue to offer high quality, results-oriented training in facilities located at 760 Notre Dame Avenue, Unit M, Sudbury, ON, through our partnership with Workplace Safety North.

Ontario's Ministry of Labour has released two new certification training standards expected to take effect in early 2015. The standards build on existing certification training requirements, and aim to ensure consistent, high-quality training delivered by qualified instructors who meet specific delivery requirements.

Minerva Canada Safety Management Education Inc. has honoured Ontario engineering students from McMaster University and University of Toronto with its 2014 James Ham Safe Design Award. The award program challenges Canadian university engineering students to make an original contribution toward integrating safety into engineering design.

Operational changes and stronger financial accountability have reduced the WSIB's unfunded liability from $14.2 billion in 2012 to $10.6 billion today, reported WSIB chair Elizabeth Witmer on April 30. In a good news message to employers, supervisors and workers attending WSPS's national Partners in Prevention Conference & Trade Show, Witmer advised that "we are currently transforming the WSIB to a more fiscally accountable, transparent and sustainable system that is more responsive to the needs of those we serve — the 290,000 employers and the more than 5 million workers (2013)."

To assist employers and employees across Ontario easily locate health and safety resources and services, the structure of the healthandsafetyontario.ca (HSO) website  is changing.  The new version of the HSO website will become live May 5^th, 2014 and will operate soley as a portal to direct visitors to the system partner website of their choosing.

To help you learn more about the GHS and how it will impact WHMIS, Health Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), has released a free recorded webinar.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has announced an ambitious and wide-ranging series of inspection blitzes and initiatives that spotlight key hazards and industry sectors. The campaign is intended to raise awareness of priority hazards and promote compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.

Health and safety in the workplace is a partnership that requires a dynamic, forward-thinking approach to the challenges facing today’s evolving working environments. Partners in Prevention 2014, Canada’s largest health and safety Conference and Trade Show taking place April 29 – 30, 2014 at The International Centre, will explore the building blocks needed to achieve positive change.

A two-week media campaign beginning mid-March alerts Ontarians to Ministry of Labour resources available in 27 languages.

Finding ways to help injured, ill or disabled people stay at work or return to work is a primary goal of the Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy (CRWDP), which officially launched in February.

Unusual sleep patterns may affect our health by disrupting our genes, researchers report. This could have significant implications for shift workers, business travellers and others who work unusual hours.

A four-month enforcement blitz conducted from May to August 2013 resulted in 8,139 work orders issued to almost 3,000 workplaces, reports the Ministry of Labour. This last blitz was the sixth in as many years. Chances are good the ministry will launch another blitz this year.

Ontario's Ministry of Labour has released more information on a blitz taking place this month targeting construction hazards at active workplaces, including who's being targeted and what inspectors are focusing on. First reported in the November 2013 issue of WSPS Network News, the blitz applies to industrial, retail, municipal and educational workplaces in which major renovations, repairs, additions or other construction projects valued at $50,000 or more are taking place.

If you're an Ontario business with 50 employees or more, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)'s Integrated Accessibility Standard imposes four requirements with a January 1, 2014 compliance deadline. If your business has less than 50 employees, you have until January 1, 2015.

Falls in Ontario workplaces remain a significant cause of injury and death despite heightened enforcement and awareness campaigns. The new Working at Heights Training Program Standard sets the benchmark for quality health and safety training and will strengthen workplace safety culture, improve worker knowledge and help reduce the number of fall related incidents, injuries and fatalities.

WSPS applauds today’s release of the Health and Safety Ontario Workplace Strategy because it truly reflects the voice of Ontarians and strengthens the ability of all sectors to put an end to workplace injuries and fatalities.

12/12/2013 - the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada (RSIC) and representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA), Workplace Safety and Prevention Services Association (WSPS) and Workplace Safety North Association (WSN) came together to celebrate a year of successful collaboration and partnerships.

Smoking costs Canadian businesses $11.4 billion annually, reports the Conference Board of Canada, or $4,256 per smoker. However, workplace smoking cessation programs can help employers reduce the number of smokers and diminish their effect on productivity.

A draft bill that received first reading in the Ontario Legislature on December 4 would offer greater protection to two vulnerable groups of workers: unpaid learners and temporary workers from temporary help agencies. If the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act apply to your workplace, these changes would affect you.

On November 15, the Ministry of Labour announced the new Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training regulation, which will take effect July 1, 2014. This regulation mandates basic occupational health and safety awareness training for all workers and supervisors and comes with a set of products and tools.

An analysis of compensation claim data from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada shows that occupational cancer has surpassed traumatic injuries and disorders as the primary cause of work-related death. The rates are even higher in Ontario, where more than two occupational cancer deaths occur for each traumatic injury death.

No one wants a repeat of these national news-making incidents: the 2012 Hampstead, Ontario collision that killed 10 workers and the driver, and a 2007 Abbotsford, BC collision that killed three workers. Whether you transport workers every day or every once in a while, the best way to protect them and your operation from catastrophic loss and liability is to have a policy and program in place.

Health Canada has released for comment a proposal to introduce regulations that will help workplaces transition from WHMIS — Canada’s national Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System — to GHS, or Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Deadline for comments: September 15, 2013.

As the harvesting season shifts into high gear, farmers often need to move equipment on roadways. A slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign warns road users to proceed carefully: the vehicle displaying the sign is travelling at 40 km/h (25 mph) or less.

A BC naval officer, convicted last month of two charges of criminal negligence causing death in relation to the sinking of a passenger ferry off the British Columbia coast seven years ago, was sentenced to four years in prison and banned from operating vessels for 10 years.

Please be advised that due to severe weather and flooding, WSPS has experienced a disruption at its head office location. All training sessions scheduled to take place at 5110 Creekbank Drive in Mississauga will be relocated to the Delta Toronto Airport West at 5444 Dixie Road, until further notice.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) has posted a new guideline that addresses the design, planning, erection/construction, maintenance and disassembly of temporary structures. Following the guidelines can prevent injuries and save lives.

The Board of Directors welcomes new members Chris Young (Vice President, Hydroelectric and Thermal Projects, Ontario Power Generation), Eric Preston (Osbourne Group Consulting) and Peter Gregg (Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One Networks Inc.)

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services is delighted to congratulate Sophie Dennis on winning the prestigious Amethyst Award for Outstanding Achievement by Ontario Public Servants.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour will be conducting inspection blitzes on 13 different hazards, according to a recently released schedule for the 2013/14 fiscal year.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada, accounting for 80% of chronic disease diagnoses. While the disease can be effectively managed, it can be fatal if left untreated.

Emergency Preparedness Week, May 5th-11th 2013, is a Canada-wide initiative to help raise awareness and prepare individuals, families, businesses, and communities for an emergency.

Canadians are paying more than ever for a health care system that is under strain and in need of transformation. Glen Hodgson, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist with the Conference Board of Canada, will speak to the need for change and the critical role that workplace prevention programs can play in the transformation of Canada’s ailing health care system – on Tuesday, April 30 at 2 p.m. as part of the Partners in Prevention 2013 Health & Safety Conference and Trade Show, at the International Centre, Mississauga, ON.

A just-released CSA standard for managing occupational health and safety training offers workplaces their first practical guide to managing an effective OHS training system.

Public voting on original "It's Your Job" videos created by Canadian high school students and young Canadians 18-24 will take place during North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, May 5-11.

Facing significant economic pressures and a transforming workforce, successful CEOs have recognized the correlation between health and safety leadership and business outcomes.

Emerging trends and issues in workplace hazards, risk management, and occupational health and safety legislation are the focus of this year’s Partners in Prevention 2013. As Canada’s largest health and safety event, the annual conference plays host to over 4,500 leading health and safety experts and delegates from across Canada. It takes place this year from April 30 to May 1, at the International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.

The Ontario government has moved the date on which a repeal of the “industrial exception” for engineering work performed on production machinery or equipment would have taken effect. The repeal will now come into effect on September 1, 2013 instead of March 1.

Sign up for or support one of 34 walks taking place on May 5, on behalf of Threads of Life, a national Canadian charity providing support programs and services to families affected by a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease. Twenty of these 5-km walks take place in Ontario alone.

Yasir Naqvi, a member of the provincial legislature for Ottawa Centre, has been appointed Minister of Labour by Premier Kathleen Wynne. Naqvi takes over from Linda Jeffrey, who has been appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Ontario Chief Prevention Officer George Gritziotis has assigned two new task groups to consult and provide advice on vulnerable workers and about small business. Each task group has 12 members: six worker representatives and six employer representatives. They will study the issues, gather information, and report back over a period of not more than 30 months.

Shirley Hickman, founder and executive director of Threads of Life, and Eleanor Westwood, manager of communications for the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), were recently awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals for their contributions to workplace health and safety.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour has proposed new or revised occupational exposure limits (OELs) for nine hazardous chemicals listed under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Today’s release of a new national standard for mental health in the workplace, adds a vital psychological dimension to the health and safety factors that impact Canadian workers and workplaces.

Provincial and federal labour ministers have launched a national contest — “It's Your Job!” — that invites secondary school students as well as young workers ages 18 to 24 to create short videos demonstrating the importance of workplace safety and rights.

CSA has released for review and comment a revised edition of CSA Z460, Control  of Hazardous Energy — Lockout and Other Methods.

Last week, the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) provided an update on the first Prevention Council meeting and announced his intention to reach out to stakeholders in the development of the prevention strategy for the province. The CPO and the 11-member Prevention Council are expected to deliver the strategy update process for consultation.

On September 19, Dr. Andrew McCallum, Chief Coroner for Ontario released the Office of the Chief Coroner’s Pedestrian Death Review. This report was undertaken to examine the circumstances of 95 pedestrian deaths that occurred in 2010. The review was led by Dr. Bert Lauwers, Deputy Chief Coroner who consulted with community members and stakeholders.

This symposium, hosted by the Institute for Work & Health will provide a forum for researchers, students, policy-makers, injured worker communities, employer organizations, worker organizations and other stakeholders to discuss the social, economic and policy implications of using financial incentives as a mechanism for preventing workplace injuries.

On August 9, the Ministry of Labour announced the names of nine members of the 11-member Prevention Council, which will help protect workers and improve workplace health and safety across the province. The individuals selected are leaders and health and safety experts who come from a broad range of backgrounds.

Two related development companies have been handed fines of more than $2.4 million for unsafe working conditions that led to the death of a contract truck driver.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has nominated former labour minister Elizabeth Witmer as chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Several research studies are already underway using health information provided by Ontarians who have already volunteered for the Ontario Health Study. As of March 26, 185,000 Ontarians have signed up. However, researchers urge more Ontarians to participate.

Research conducted by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) suggests that banning cell phone use while driving has reduced traffic fatalities and injuries.

Small to medium-sized manufacturers in southern Ontario may be eligible for funding under CME SMART Prosperity Now, a federal program administered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) on behalf of Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev).

The Labour OHCOW Academic Research Coalition (LOARC) seeks participants for a 10-15 minute online survey, part of a research project funded by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s Research Advisory Council.

Have you ever wondered how the Ministry of Labour (MOL) investigates incidents that result in a critical injury or fatality?

This past November, 33 senior executives including WSPS President and CEO, Elizabeth Mills, participated in Excellence Canada's Thought Leaders Roundtable, hosted at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga, Ontario.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed an e-course to help new agricultural workers understand their health and safety responsibilities.

A U.S. expert in health economics has concluded that the economic burden of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities — estimated at US$250 billion annually — equals the economic burden of cancer.1 The analysis takes into account medical and productivity costs.

An updated version of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) comes into effect May 1.

Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies go out to all of the family members and loved ones of those who were killed in yesterday’s tragic motor vehicle incident. We ask that you keep in your prayers those who have been hospitalized, the first responders to the scene and the community which has been so deeply affected.

Between 55% and 70% of people with a mental disorder have jobs, says the report. This makes promoting mental well-being a workplace issue, says the report.

Effective January 3, the US Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibits commercial vehicle drivers who travel in the United States from using handheld cell phones while driving.

The Ministry of Labour is seeking feedback on two new health and safety tools designed for employers and workers:  "Prevention Starts Here" Poster and Worker Awareness Workbook.

On November 22 WSPS received a certificate from SAI Global in acknowledgment of our ISO 9001:2008 Certification achievement.

Help develop health and safety leading indicators in Ontario by participating in the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) and Health & Safety Ontario 5,000 Firms Study.

On October 4, Ontario’s Court of Appeal granted Blue Mountain Resorts Ltd. the right to appeal an earlier decision determining that all fatal and critical injuries occurring at a workplace – whether involving a worker or someone else – should be reported to the Ministry of Labour.

The first edition of the CSA Z1003 standard has been posted on the CSA website for public review. Deadline for comments: December 31, 2011.

Baxter Corporation (Mississauga, ON) and Ceridian Canada (Markham, ON) have each earned silver recognition under the Canada Awards for Excellence program.

CSA Standards has issued an award of merit to Eva F. Gudgin, an adjunct associate professor at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, and defence scientist for Defence Research and Development Canada. The award recognizes Dickson's expertise and commitment to developing and advancing standards for personal protective equipment.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has released it's annual sector-specific enforcement plans, based on its fatality and critical injury data, as well as the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's lost-time injury (LTI) data. The plans describe and outline what inspectors will be looking for in the industrial, health care, construction, and mining sectors during an inspection.

Help develop a culture of health and safety standards across Ontario by participating in the Institute for Work and Health (IWH) and Health & Safety Ontario 5000 Firms Study. This online questionnaire, which takes only 20 minutes to complete, will establish best practices in preventing workplace injury and illness and inform future studies.

Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 183 and the Ontario Road Builders' Association (ORBA) are promoting road safety with Safety: A Two Way Street campaign.

Elizabeth Mills, President and CEO of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, sat down with Canadian Occupational Safety during the Partners in Prevention 2011 Health & Safety Conference and Trade Show, to discuss the evolving health & safety system and provide her view for what's on the horizon for Health & Safety Ontario.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services has a long-standing history of supporting the efforts of Habitat for Humanity to build safe, decent and affordable housing for low-income families. In this video, Elizabeth Mills, President & CEO of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, encourages Habitat for Humanity associates to be safety leaders in the communities where they build. She encourages Canadians and Canadian companies to donate to the 360 Built Smart Program, placing special emphasis on the safety pillar component.

The Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011 (Bill 160), which introduces dramatic changes to Ontario's prevention system, is one step closer to becoming law. After passing third reading on May 19, the bill will now be presented to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent.

A series of Ontario regulations now in development aims to break down barriers faced by people with disabilities in everyday life.

The Ministry of Labour has approved amendments to consolidate all regulatory requirements respecting confined spaces under the Occupational Health and Safety Act into one regulation, Confined Spaces (O. Reg. 632/05).

As Japan confronts the devastation and ongoing challenges inflicted by the recent earthquake and tsunami, we extend our deepest sympathy and hope, symbolized by this origami crane, to its citizens and families in Japan and across Canada.

Japan is a world leader on many counts, including achieving enviable standards of health and safety performance through systematic workplace safety management.

This new Small Business Health and Safety Program is a partnership between the WSIB and the health and safety associations (HSAs). The purpose of this program is to provide critical health and safety information to small businesses as they start-up their operations and to help them learn how to effectively and easily integrate health and safety practices into daily work activities.