Corporate

7 | WSPS.CA/AnnualReport The rise of virtual communication With the reduction of in-person services and events to limit potential exposure to COVID-19, Ontario businesses needed new ways to receive health and safety assistance. WSPS pivoted quickly to virtual delivery for customers, while still providing critical onsite services where possible from a safety perspective. This included 34 instructor-led training courses and 12 consulting solutions that were converted to virtual options. Another channel WSPS optimized to virtually share pandemic-related health and safety information was webinars and conferences, including: Partners in Prevention Virtual Health and Safety Conference – In October 2020, WSPS held its first virtual conference, focused on how lessons learned during the pandemic will resonate into the future. Prevention System Collaborations – WSPS partnered with MLTSD on many interactive virtual sessions throughout the year, such as 9 sub-sector-specific webinars on the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open: COVID-19 Response Framework in November/December 2020. WSPS also developed accompanying sample safety plans for each sub-sector. WSPS Safety Connection Events – Throughout 2020/21, WSPS held free two- hour Safety Connection virtual sessions on topics such as mental health during the pandemic, personal protective equipment considerations and remote work ergonomic tips. Demystifying PPE Wearing masks and face coverings became part of everyday life for most Ontarians as the pandemic ramped up. Workplaces experienced uncertainty around what their employees should use and when they needed to wear it. WSPS created a continual stream of digital content on this subject, providing guidance as questions evolved. Here are some examples. Educating businesses on how to use the Hierarchy of Controls in determining if face coverings or respirators were right for their workplaces (video and article) Helping businesses understand the differences in the types of PPE, decide on which was right for them, and learn about proper ways to wear and care for it (video, article, OHS Canada podcast and Small Biz Safety podcast episode) Raising awareness on increased risks of heat stress and distraction caused by wearing PPE (resource and article) On the GO with SAFETY WSPS launched the Prevent COVID at Work mobile app to educate individuals on health and safety best practices related to COVID-19, and to inform workers of their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The app, which is available through the App Store and Google Play, provides guidance on topics such as personal protective equipment, serving customers safely, cleaning, and what to do if they experience symptoms that could be caused by COVID-19.

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