Having trouble reading the newsletter? View the online version. |
||||||
|
||||||
Ontario’s safe employers receiving up to $1.5 billion rebateOntario's safe employers are receiving a rebate of up to $1.5 billion as Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) surplus funds are returned for the first time. This rebate will give 300,000 businesses back approximately 30 per cent of their annual premium payments, helping create new jobs and allowing for bigger paycheques for workers. This builds on the government’s $2.4 billion that has already been given back to employers through premium reductions, while maintaining benefits for injured workers. Learn more |
||||||
Ontario working for workers by moving towards expanding health and wellness benefitsThe Ontario government is seeking advice on designing a plan that provides workers with benefits such as health, dental and vision care, even if they change jobs. Currently, millions of people, including those working in retail, the gig economy and hospitality have limited-to-no benefits coverage. To start, the government intends to create and appoint an advisory panel to recommend a system– making Ontario the first province in Canada to pursue such a comprehensive benefits program. Learn more |
||||||
Ontario nominates new WSIB Chair and PresidentOntario has nominated Grant Walsh as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and Jeffery Lang as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Walsh and Mr. Lang will play key leadership roles in implementing important initiatives at the WSIB, such as using best practices and scientific evidence to help identify and recognize occupational illnesses, implementing surplus distributions and premium rate reductions for safe employers, and delivering a better customer service experience for workers and businesses. Learn more |
||||||
Ontario launching new agency to better serve tradespeopleThe Ontario government has launched Skilled Trades Ontario, a new Crown agency, to improve trades training and simplify services. The new agency will promote and market the trades, develop the latest training and curriculum standards, and provide a streamlined user-friendly experience for tradespeople. These changes will result in more workers for in-demand jobs and prepare Ontario for a strong economic comeback. Learn more |
||||||
Ontario offering free training for food and beverage careersThe Ontario government is investing almost $1 million to prepare over 600 people across the province for rewarding careers in food and beverage processing. This funding to Food and Beverage Ontario provides jobseekers with training, mentorship, and job placements with local employers in baking, food science, and food production and processing. Learn more |
||||||
Ontario investing $1.7 million to support mental health of workers in Northern OntarioThe Ontario government is working for workers by investing $1.7 million to support Workplace Safety North (WSN) in developing and delivering mental health training and resources for mining and forestry workers in Northern Ontario. This funding follows nearly $8 million the province invested to bolster WSN’s Ontario Mine Rescue program, which coordinated the successful rescue of all 39 miners stuck underground in Sudbury this past September. Learn more |
||||||
Ontario formally recognizes Parkinson’s as an occupational disease linked to McIntyre Powder exposureLast month, the government made amendments to a regulation under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, to formally recognize Parkinson’s Disease as an occupational disease linked to work-related exposure to McIntyre Powder, a substance used in Ontario mines prior to 1979. The change removes the onus to establish work-relatedness of the disease during claims adjudication with the WSIB, enabling adjudicators to make decisions more quickly and efficiently and expedite claim approvals for affected workers and their families. Ontario was the first jurisdiction in Canada to establish guidelines for adjudicating claims for McIntyre Powder exposure. |
||||||
Updates to MLTSD COVID-19 guidance documentsIn response to the evolving situation posed by the COVID-19 Omicron variant, the Ministry of Health updated guidance on screening, testing and isolation. Our guide to developing your COVID-19 safety plan, COVID-19 construction guidance, and screening guidance for employers have been updated to align with these changes. |
||||||
CRE-MSD Focuses on the prevention of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)February 28th, 2022 is RSI Awareness Day and the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) recognizes how debilitating RSI can be. Repetitive, awkward postures and forceful exertions are examples of work-related risk factors that can contribute to RSI. No matter your industry or position, these resources are helpful for awareness and prevention: Types of MSD, Hazard ID & Risk Assessment Tool Picker, Hazards & Controls Picker. |
||||||
IHSA Small Business Resource PageThe Infrastructure Health and Safety Association wants to help you to understand your specific obligations under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. They also want to ensure that you know where to get the information you need to work safely and comply with the law. That’s why they have created a Small Business resource page with health and safety information based on the size of your organization. |
||||||
IWH research: cannabis and risk of work injury, psychosocial work stressors and burnout, workplace supports for depressionNews and updates from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH):
|
||||||
OHCOW: Free WebinarsOccupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) news and updates:
|
||||||
PSHSA: New research report, tools, cold temperature tips and OHS considerations for implementing a COVID vaccine policyPublic Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) news and updates:
|
||||||
WSIB: Scientific Advisory Table on Occupational DiseaseTo help advise on future occupational disease policy development, the WSIB has established a Scientific Advisory Table on Occupational Disease. The Table is comprised of a group of distinguished experts, including Dr. Paul Demers, who will begin their important work in the next few months. Learn more |
||||||
WSIAT Stakeholder Outreach and TrainingThe Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal is offering two WSIAT Stakeholder Outreach and Training sessions on March 2 & 8, 2022. Topics will include:
|
||||||
WSN: Excellence program application deadline, most viewed workplace safety videos and mining safety resourceWorkplace Safety North (WSN) news and updates:
|
||||||
WSPS: Omicron update, workplace mental health video, Omicron protection strategies and a conversation with Ontario’s CPO
|
||||||
Court bulletinsView bulletins on recent court decisions that resulted in fines and other penalties under Ontario's workplace laws. Learn more |
||||||
What's New is published by The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Unsubscribe | Update my email address | Contact us Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development Subscribe |