News & Events

Health and Safety News – August 2010

Health and Safety News is e-mailed to subscribers in the middle of each month. Three versions address health- and safety-related issues that are of interest to the top three industries we serve: construction; electrical and utilities; transportation. View the edition of Health and Safety News that relates to your industry by clicking one of the options to the right.

IHSA advisory: Heat stress

It is expected to be hot in Ontario for the rest of the week. Workers and employers should watch out for the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses in their fellow workers. Take steps to prevent heat stress.

New safety awareness campaign and poster

Ontario’s health and safety system launched an awareness campaign to remind workers and employers to prevent injuries. The focus is on construction safety, but the message applies to all the industries IHSA serves. The campaign features striking ads—showing x-rays of broken bones—that highlight the seriousness of workplace injuries and the need to eliminate them. IHSA recommends that you download the poster and post it in your workplace.

Ministry of Labour to target MSD hazards in autumn blitz

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) continue to be one of the most common causes of lost-time injuries in Ontario. That’s why the Ministry of Labour (MOL) will be taking a close look at MSDs during its autumn inspection campaign. The blitz will take place from the start of September to the end of October.

Get ready for the MSD blitz—Seminars on September 1 and 30

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are still the number-one cause of lost-time injuries in Ontario. That’s why the Ministry of Labour (MOL) is conducting an enforcement blitz on MSDs starting in September. IHSA is hosting two half-day seminars in September to help people take practical steps to reduce MSDs in their workplaces and prepare for the upcoming MOL blitz.

New e-learning program: Workplace Violence and Harassment

In this online program, you will find out what the law says about workplace violence and harassment, what the employer needs to do, risk assessment, and development of a workplace violence and harassment program.

Workplace Violence and Harassment Toolkit

Beginning on June 15, 2010, the Occupational Health and Safety Act will require employers in Ontario to assess the risks of workplace violence and develop policies and programs towards eliminating violence and harassment in their workplaces. IHSA has developed a Workplace Violence and Harassment Toolkit to assist employers in Ontario’s Transportation, Utility and Construction sectors with the development of their company-specific violence and harassment prevention programs.

Contractor Safety Essentials: New training program for owners and managers

This new program, aimed at owners and senior managers of small to medium-sized construction firms, demonstrates that making more time for safety will not only prevent workplace injuries, but will also improve your bottom line and reduce your liabilities.

Media release: Safety association tackles fall hazards

The Infrastructure Health & Safety Association is combating fall hazards in Ontario construction by increasing access to safety training in the industry. An extra 200 sessions of Basics of Fall Protection classroom training will be added to course offerings this summer.

Management workshop: Suspended Access Equipment

The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) and the Ministry of Labour (MOL) are hosting a workshop—specifically for managers and owners—on the safe use of suspended access equipment (SAE).