Choosing the right contractor for your home renovation is about more than cost—it’s also about safety. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, we discuss contractor safety standards when it comes to home renovations. This episode takes a different approach as it plays out real-world scenarios and conversations between a homeowner and potential contractors.

The conversations emphasize the importance of contractor safety standards and the critical decisions homeowners must make when hiring a contractor for their home renovations. Key tips to keep in mind when hiring a contractor include:

· Always ask for proof of WSIB coverage and liability insurance

· Pay rapt attention to how the contractor talks about safety

· Remember that the cheapest quote isn't always the best deal

Free resources

Hiring a Roofing Contractor: Tips for Homeowners

Hiring a Commercial Diving Contractor

Homeowner, Unit Owner, Tenant: My Responsibilities

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2022, Ontario recorded the highest number of transport truck collisions in a decade, causing 71 fatalities due to inexperienced drivers, risky moves by some truck drivers, and mechanical failures. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Kim Richardson, senior advisor with The Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC), discusses the crucial need for smarter and more thorough training in the trucking industry.

Kim, a long-time truck driver in Ontario, explains that the PTTAC is calling for a major shift in recognizing truck driving as a Red Seal trade, which would mean stricter standardized training across the country and potentially lead to safer roads for everyone. The Red Seal certification program, which is being developed by the Red Seal committee, aims to make commercial truck driving a principal trade in five provinces, with Alberta taking the lead. The program will require drivers to attend an approved school and carrier involved in the Red Seal program, and a minimum of 2,000 hours behind the wheel before a written test can be taken.

To further raise awareness for the program, the Red Seal committee, consisting of industry leaders, carriers, insurers, and schools, developed a three-part approach: educate, advocate, and support. Industry leaders should educate their industries on the benefits of the Red Seal apprenticeship, while government and association leadership at high levels should advocate for the program. Carriers' support is also essential, as their involvement is crucial for the program's survival.

Kim further discusses what a ‘misclassified driver’ represents, how a Red Seal certification addresses international drivers and their eligibility to operate in Canada, and how interested parties in the Red Seal approach can get involved.

Free resources

Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada

Trucking Operations: Your Personal Safety

Struck-by Hazards in Transportation

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Michele Beckstead-Jackson from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) discusses the importance of asbestos awareness in Ontario workplaces and the required training for workers and supervisors to ensure they are well-equipped to recognize asbestos hazards and know how to safely control them.

Asbestos remains a dangerous material, particularly in construction and renovation projects. Proper training for workers and supervisors is not only best practice—it’s a legal requirement. Michele states that general awareness training by a competent person is required regardless of whether a worker is performing Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 operations. For Type 3 asbestos abatement work, 253W and 253S are required modular trainings under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which means workers and supervisors must complete one of these courses before performing or overseeing any Type 3 abatement work. Without a valid 253W or 253S certificate of completion card, a worker or supervisor is not legally permitted to engage in Type 3 work.

Michele mentions a separate training, 253H, which is an apprenticeship program designed to provide apprentices with basic training to handle various hazardous materials in the workplace. However, it does not include the specialized training required for Type 3 abatement work and therefore is not an acceptable substitute for 253W or 253S.

Michele also explains the similarities and differences between the modular and apprenticeship programs, as well as the registration process for trainings.

Free resources

Asbestos Awareness and Training Requirements for Workplace Safety (Ep. 99)

Asbestos on Construction Projects - Reporting and Notification Responsibilities (Ep. 82)

Health and Safety Advisory: Asbestos in Elevator Components

Health & Safety Advisory: Heat Stress and Type 3 Asbestos Operations

Asbestos Work in Construction Hazard Awareness

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One common mistake organizations often make is using the terms "assessment," "inspection," and "audit" interchangeably. These terms have different meanings and serve different purposes in health and safety, making it essential to not confuse them. This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the differences between assessments, inspections, and audits in workplace safety and features Michael Falls, health and safety management systems consultant with IHSA in the COR® department.

Michael addresses each term and explains that assessments are systematic evaluations used to identify hazards and risks associated with specific tasks, processes, or environments. Inspections are routine checks of the workplace, looking at equipment, processes, and unsafe conditions. Audits are systematic, independent, and documented processes for gathering evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine how well an organization meets pre-established criteria.

Michael states why each of these processes matters in workplace safety, providing real-life examples of each process, as well as explaining how they are tied to legal compliance. Common mistakes organizations make in assessment, inspection, and auditing processes can be avoided by understanding and applying the terms accurately. Misusing these terms introduces risks that can lead to gaps in safety practices, missed opportunities for improvement, and unclear roles and responsibilities.

Michael also emphasizes the crucial roles employers, supervisors, and workers play in assessments, inspections, and audits, as their input and overall participation are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the processes.

Free resources

IHSA – Certificate of Recognition (COR®)

COR® Resources

COR® Training

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) and features Kevin Brown and Kristen Lindsay from Ontario's Office of the Worker Adviser.

The Office of the Worker Adviser is a resource that supports injured Ontario workers and ensures their rights are respected and enforced. The OWA team provides assistance in filing claims and navigating appeals, helping injured workers understand their rights and standing up for fairness. There is no charge for OWA services or any contingency fees, and workers keep all benefits they win.

The OWA has been providing services since 1985, with staff members being mostly lawyers and licensed paralegals. Their staff are recognized as experts within the field and frequently present at law society trainings or the Ontario Bar Association Workers' Compensation section.

Kevin highlights three reasons why OWA is a valuable resource: expertise, accessibility, and effectiveness. People can easily reach an experienced OWA representative quickly for advice through various methods, including email, phone, virtual, and in-person. The wait time for representation services is relatively short—between three and four months. They also have offices throughout the province.

Kevin and Kristen also answer some frequently asked questions from workers, such as advice with return-to-work meetings, understanding medical evidence needed for claims, and how workers’ WSIB benefits relate with other forms of disability benefits like employment insurance and CPP.

Free resources

The Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA) is a little-known resource in Ontario that’s been quietly saving employers time, money, and stress, and it does not cost a thing. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, OEA’s Director, Susan Adams, and one of their Employer Specialists, Dunstan Francis, discuss what the OEA does and how they assist Ontario employers.

The OEA offers expert guidance, representation, and support to employers. They provide legal services and advice at no cost to help employers safely bring their workers back to work following an incident. The OEA primarily serves Ontario small businesses, as these employers often struggle with the challenges of running a small business and usually have limited resources. They collaborate with system partners—like IHSA—and employer associations to address the challenges faced by small businesses, participating in consultations about changes to policies and processes and providing feedback based on their experiences.

Dunstan explains the main reasons why a small business in Ontario would want to work with the OEA: they offer free legal services and advice, they save employers time and money, and they provide representation for an appeal or return-to-work process. The OEA is easily accessible, and employers can connect with them through phone, email, social media, in-person events, and virtual meetings.

In addition to discussing the reasons the OEA has services specific to construction employers and the construction industry, Susan and Dunstan also answer some frequently asked questions from employers, such as whether employers need to register or pay premiums to WSIB, the length of time they have to keep a person employed following an injury, and whether certain worker claims should be their responsibility or that of another party.

Free resources

The Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA)

Return to Work Regulation for Construction

Building Bridges with Small Business

WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program

Mandatory WSIB coverage in Construction

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast continues the discussion on the importance of an effective road safety program in preventing motor vehicle incidents (MVIs) and features IHSA’s Michelle Roberts.

Michelle continues with the Plan–Do–Check–Act Model within a road safety program, emphasizing the importance of driver assessment and vehicle maintenance as crucial parts of the program. She highlights the need for regular assessments to ensure qualified drivers understand their responsibilities and apply necessary skills to prevent motor vehicle incidents. Employers should offer training in various formats, such as in-person, virtual, and eLearning, using interactive methods like hands-on assessments and simulators.

Regular vehicle inspections are crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and ensuring the vehicle's roadworthiness. It’s essential for drivers to report any potential defects or unsafe conditions early, notify their supervisor, and work through the necessary steps to ensure the vehicle meets all safety requirements. Proper inspections and maintenance, including daily pre-trip inspections, play key roles in reducing the likelihood of incidents or collisions.

Michelle also discusses the importance of monitoring road safety programs to ensure their effectiveness, as well as best practices for implementing changes, such as evaluating data, prioritizing resources, and celebrating successes. Road safety is an ongoing commitment, and with the right policies, training, and resources, employers can create safer driving environments for their workers.

The Road Safety Solutions page on IHSA.ca offers free resources to help employers build an effective road safety program, and it includes customizable templates, sample policies, e-learning programs, safety talks, and toolkits for addressing top driving-related hazards like distracted driving and fatigue.

Free resources

Road Safety Solutions

Health & Safety Policy

Policy and program templates

Build Strong Policies

Road Safety Plan Template

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Motor vehicle incidents (MVIs) are a leading cause of workplace injuries in Ontario. With thousands of Ontario workers driving daily, including professional and non-commercial drivers, it is crucial for employers to invest time and effort in building a road safety program. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Michelle Roberts discusses how employers can build and implement an effective road safety program that can save lives and boost efficiency.

Michelle states that employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees, including when driving. An effective road safety program protects workers, improves operational efficiency, reduces costs related to vehicle damage and insurance claims, and meets regulatory requirements. The Plan–Do–Check–Act Model is a straightforward approach employers can use to build a road safety program that fits their workplace.

Hazard identification and risk assessment are crucial steps in developing effective safety programs, including road safety programs. Employers should involve drivers, supervisors, joint health and safety committee members, and fleet managers in the hazard assessment process to ensure a well-rounded perspective.

Michelle also emphasizes the importance of creating policies that provide clear expectations and guidelines to manage identified hazards effectively. Employers can develop driving-related policies by building them from scratch or adapting existing ones to fit their workplace. IHSA offers various resources that include policy templates, sample programs, and road safety guides that employers can customize.

Free resources

Road Safety Solutions

Health & Safety Policy

Policy and program templates

Build Strong Policies

Road Safety Plan Template

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.