Many workplaces are welcoming new Canadians to their team to help fill gaps in their workforce. Language barriers, and a lack of time, staff and resources can make it challenging for small and medium-sized businesses to effectively communicate health and safety knowledge to these new recruits. 

But, what if businesses had a pool of candidates who have already received four-step basic health and safety awareness training approved by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) in their own language? They could welcome newcomers with confidence!

And now they can, thanks to a unique partnership program between WSPS and settlement agencies in Ontario that help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. 

Using a “train-the-trainer” approach, WSPS is equipping staff at these agencies with the resources, skills and support they need to deliver basic health and safety awareness training to their clients looking for work. This training is available in 11 languages, including English, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Chinese, Panjabi, Farsi, Arabic, Thai, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.  It often involves classroom sessions, where newcomers can share experiences and concerns, and ask questions. “New workers are more vulnerable to injuries during their first month on the job. Health and safety training in their first language is more likely to be understood and retained,” says Bill Chen, WSPS Small Business Account Representative.

“Businesses that hire through these agencies can be confident that their employees have a rich foundation of knowledge to help them stay safe on the job and contribute to a stronger Internal Responsibility System, which benefits all workers at the company,” says Bill. “This can also make it easier for employers to deliver - and for the workers to grasp - additional health and safety training in the future.”

Hiring workers who have completed their basic awareness training covers a key first step in orientation, notes Bill, but explains that it doesn’t end there. “Employers still need to provide job-specific training according to the relevant hazards workers are exposed to, as required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act,” explains Bill. For example, MLITSD-approved Working at Heights training is mandatory for workers who work at heights of three metres or more. Employers must also provide training on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and workplace violence and harassment, to name a few.

Why are newcomers more vulnerable to injuries?

Often newcomers come from countries where there are few, if any, health and safety laws, says Bill; places where workers do not have the same rights we have in Ontario. Some may have faced repercussions in the past when reporting problems or concerns. 

“These individuals are new to Canada and struggling to adjust,” explains Bill. “With little knowledge of workplace hazards, they are more likely to take on a risky job. They don’t speak the language and are reluctant to report an injury or ask a supervisor a question for fear of being disciplined or fired.”

The mandatory awareness training provided by WSPS through its partners helps combat these beliefs. It gives newcomers an understanding of the Internal Responsibility System and their rights and responsibilities in the workplace, including reasons why hazards need to be reported. The training also provides reassurance that their voices are valued, encouraged and supported. 

How the partnership works

Since the program launched in 2023, WSPS has partnered with 33 agencies, delivering free train-the-trainer sessions to staff. Agencies include: 

• Settlement houses that help immigrants and refugees adjust to life in Canada, including developing the skills to find employment.
• Social service agencies that host hiring events and provide personalized support to help people navigate the job market, craft resumes, and prepare for interviews. 
• Welcome centres that provide a range of services to assist immigrants in settling into their new communities. These include job search and skills training programs to help immigrants find work.

To date, 900 newcomers have already received training from these agencies, and the pool of trained job seekers continues to grow.

“In addition to benefiting small and medium-sized businesses, the partnership program is a win for the newcomers, the agencies, and WSPS,” says Bill. Newcomers obtain the knowledge and skills to work safely and effectively. The agencies enhance the skills and proficiency of their job-seeking clients, making them more attractive to potential employers. And, WSPS can reach this group of vulnerable workers with much needed and vital health and safety information.

Learn more about the program 

If you work for a community association or are new to Ontario and want to learn more about this program, please contact WSPS Customer Care online or at 1-877-494-9777.

Multi-lingual safety resources available

• Multi-lingual safety resources for workers - User-friendly awareness videos and tip sheets covering common manufacturing hazards in manufacturing and agriculture jobs. The resources are available in both mobile phone-friendly video and written tip-based articles. 
• Safety Knowledge Checks – Use these short, multilingual videos in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin to enhance workplace safety knowledge and compliance.
• Manual material handling resources for workers - Access free worker resources in French, Spanish, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tagalog and English. Supervisor and employer resources are available in English.
• Bilingual Small Biz Bytes Videos – These short, animated videos available in French and English help businesses learn more about basic health and safety requirements for small business owners.

Other resources

• Small Biz Safety Podcast Episode 35 - Breaking language and cultural barriers to keep workers safe
• 5 tips to protect the health and safety of new Canadians (article)
• New Canadians in your workforce? This manufacturer’s approach can help protect them and you (article)
• When employing new Canadians, what elements should employers include in orientation training? (video)
• What is the best method to train new and young workers? (video)
• Worker Orientation Checklist
• Do New Canadians Feel Psychologically Safe in Your Workplace? (Trusted Leader Blog)

Training

• Free Health & Safety Awareness Training (OHSA) for Ontario Workers (eCourse, 1 hour)
• JHSC Certification Part 1 (eCourse, 2 days)

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