Corporate

WSPS advisory committees are a wellspring of industry knowledge and experience that the organization and our Board of Directors tap into for guidance with strategic planning and solution development. And, over the past year, they've expanded their scope of influence by de- veloping a suite of health and safety solutions and lend- ing their collective voice to numerous health and safety system conversations and consultations. They are managers, owners, and employees from busi- nesses of all types and sizes who represent the Agriculture and Horticulture; Commercial Industrial Services; Durable Goods Production; Food, Pharmaceuticals & Personal Products; Restaurant & Food Services; Retail, Wholesale & Office; Tourism & Hospitality; Vehicle Industrial Equipment Manufacturing; and Vehicle, Sales & Service sub-sectors. Each committee meets quarterly to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and one another. They exchange ideas, feedback and industry intelligence in order to assist WSPS and system partners in improving the quality and effectiveness of programs, services and products to better meet the needs of Ontario employers and employees. "We rely on the advisory committees more and more for their advice. They are critical to our efforts to become more nimble and responsive. They are a lifeline to what's going on out there and what we need to focus on to deliv- er more bang for the customer's buck," says WSPS Board Chair Normand Côté. Last year, they were sought out to participate in Minis- try of Labour task groups and provided feedback on proposed legislative changes, draft standards, tools and reports. They provided feedback on Certification content to ensure it matched the needs of the different sectors, collaborated on their own accord to submit a response to the WSIB's Rate Framework Consultation Discussion Paper and put forward recommendations, drawn from the collective input of the WSPS Board of Directors, advisory committees, trade associations and volunteer council on the integrated occupational health and safety strategy for Ontario. They also developed a tool box of solutions for employers and employees, designed with a specific focus on small business and vulnerable workers. These tools are being designed to help businesses and sectors address a variety of safety challenges and are available at no cost. These individuals are vital "connectors" who are extend- ing the reach of WSPS and health and safety system part- ners to ensure every employer and employee has access to health and safety solutions. They are helping to create a national habit of health and safety so we can bring an end to workplace injuries, illness and fatalities. c o m m u n i t y s o l u ti o n s d i v e r s i t y Leveraging diversity to create solutions that work for all businesses 10 2013 annual report  |  Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

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