This newsletter is published six times a year to highlight important issues in Canadian employment and labour law. This month they address two issues: Taking the “High” Road - Alberta Court of Appeal Clarifies Enforcement of Drug and Alcohol Policies, and Employment Practices Liability Insurance – What’s it all about? In addition - the topic of ' Group Insurance Benefits - Avoid Dangerous Employer Liability Traps!' is being presented at a free breakfast seminar being held on Wednesday September 28, 2016.
Recent changes to construction regulations came into force July 1st and include - new drill rig regulations, enforcement of the noise regulation and reg 833 - the control of biological or chemical agent exposure in Ontario workplaces - and the new GHS WHMIS. It was also recently announced that cabinet passed the amendments to regulation 213/91 for suspended access equipment which will be coming into force on January 1st 2017. These are extensive regulatory changes that require not only information and compliance guidance for industry but also extensive training.
With the Haven fire suppression unit, fires could be extinguished before anyone even knew they had started. We are sharing this article from the recent Ontario Farmer magazine about the HAVEN Fire Safety Device. This is an additional way to protect property from fire loss. This is especially applicable to rural areas where “ seconds count “. Strategically located HAVEN fire suppression devices have the potential to prevent major fire loss. A simple idea that can save lives and property.
Ontario improving occupational health and safety outcomes & Ontario has made amendments to strengthen and clarify existing requirements relating to the use of suspended access equipment.
The Ministry of Labour monthly report presented to the Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee, containing information regarding the construction-related fatalities and critical injuries in Ontario.
Heat, Storms, Hazardous Plants and Insects - What Employers Need to Know and Do to Keep Outdoor Workers Safe this Summer and Fall.
Consultation: Construction Hazard Awareness Training - The ministry is consulting on proposed changes that would, if approved, require employers to ensure that workers performing work to which the Construction Projects Regulation applies complete a construction hazard awareness training program. The ministry is also seeking feedback on draft construction health and safety awareness training program and provider standards.
Beginning on May 16 the MoL will be undertaking its first 2-month blitz of the year. This blitz will be targeting “ falls from heights” on construction projects and inspectors will be looking for: appropriate work planning; training in both working at heights and the site-specific training required in using the fall protection system at a project; the proper use, configuration and inspection of fall protection systems; the use of guardrails, where appropriate; the correct configuration of travel restraint systems; and, the use of adequate attachment or anchor points.
Michael Chappell, Provincial Coordinator of the Construction Health and Safety Program with the Ontario Ministry of Labour presents the March 2016 report to the Provincial Labour Management Health and Safety Committee (PLMHSC).
ABC’s of the WSIB: Navigating Claims & Accounts
