Corporate

Working in tandem with partners to set small businesses up for success In 2013, WSPS began implementing its strategy to reach small businesses across Ontario. The process kicked off with conversations with Chambers of Commerce and Small Business Centres to explore opportunities for outreach. As a result, WSPS has been providing articles and lunch and learn sessions to assist and support small businesses through these organizations. In addition, we've been supporting the Chief Prevention Officer's Small Business Task Group, including assisting with the facilitation of regional Chamber of Commerce focus groups to explore their needs. The focus group discussions revealed a need for "getting started" fact sheets and supporting articles, which are slated to be developed and distributed in 2014. Not only will these tools be helpful to Chambers of Com- merce and Small Business Centres, but industry asso- ciations, including CFIB, have also expressed interest in sharing them with their members. Understanding the diverse health and safety needs of all of our sub-sectors Over the past year, WSPS continued strengthening and building new relationships with industry associations across all three sectors. These partnerships help to bolster our understanding of the unique needs of the sub-sectors we serve and they open the door to a vital community — enabling us to extend our reach to the many small busi- nesses that rely heavily on their industry associations as a trusted source of information. Leveraging the credibility they have established with their members is an effective and efficient way for us to fulfill our mission of putting health and safety solutions within reach of every employer and employee in Ontario. Working with our prevention community to transform health and safety in Ontario WSPS continues to collaborate with the Prevention Office of the Ministry of Labour and our health and safety system partners on the implementation of the recommendations put forward by the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety. Currently eight of the 11 priority recom- mendations have been largely or fully implemented and efforts to implement the remaining priorities are ongoing. Staff members are participating on 11 of 14 integrated working groups and projects launched by the Prevention Office to improve performance of the prevention system and address areas of risk. In addition, WSPS, along with volunteers and customers, participated in prevention system consultations, including submitting 24 recom- mendations and supporting context in response to the discussion paper to develop an integrated occupational health and safety strategy. The voice of the customer drives our work. We leverage our customers' diverse perspectives, skills and experiences; working in tandem with the organizations they trust to help them grow. We extend our reach by strengthening partnerships and developing new solutions in collaboration with other members of the prevention community. The following are just a few examples of how we delivered on these imperatives in 2013. Listening to the voice of customers 2013 annual report  |  Workplace Safety & Prevention Services 14

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