 Monthly News & Updates February | 2025 MLITSD News and Events Construction Health and Safety Program Report The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) puts together a report for the Provincial Labour Management Health and Safety Committee each month with an overview of events, court bulletins, and statistics. This report is generally available the first week of the month and is posted on the IHSA website. No report available from the MLITSD this month. Access previous construction reports 2024-2025 Compliance Campaign From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, MLITSD inspectors will be focusing on several areas, sector specific. Please take a look below for more information on your particular sector’s compliance campaign initiatives and available resources through IHSA. There is additional information available on the MLITSD website. Construction MLITSD Construction inspectors will conduct two enforcement campaigns; Falls from heights in single-family residential and multi-family residential including residential re-roofing and struck-by material, equipment, and vehicles. To assist stakeholders with achieving compliance IHSA is highlighting the following resources this month: Falls Inspecting your harness video Donning your harness video Site-specific training: Fall arrest indicators when working at heights WAH Quick Reference Guide Health and Safety Advisory: SRLs for Leading Edge Work Struck-by Health and Safety Advisory: Mobile Devices – A Dangerous Distraction on Construction Sites Mobile Devices on Worksite safety talk E-learning on Preventing Work-Related Motor Vehicle Incidents Texting on the Jobsite Awareness Poster Specialized Professional Service Worker exposure to chemical agents in the workplace, and WHMIS training based on the amended Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). To assist stakeholders with achieving compliance during the year-long campaigns, IHSA is highlighting the following resources this month: IHSA’s Silica Control Tool topic page Current occupational exposure limits for Ontario workplaces WHMIS – A guide to the legislation Legislative Updates and Alerts Read recent court bulletins related to health and safety The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has released a number of court bulletins relating to health and safety issues, injuries, and fatalities. Learn more Role of OPS during caretaker period During the caretaker period there are generally no new policy or program initiatives, and consultations, appointments, regulatory postings, public engagement, announcements and ministry events are limited. Learn more IHSA News and Events  IHSA training in 2024 Last year, IHSA trained 40,037 workers in 6,688 instructor-led courses. This includes sessions taught at IHSA facilities and customers’ locations, courses from external partners, and reserved courses. We also had 45,656 participants take our eLearning courses. IHSA’s training programs are designed to equip workers with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the job and return home at the end of the day. Find out more about our wide range of programs. Learn more Featured IHSA Resources Guideline for Mobile Diesel Generating Plants Mobile diesel generating plants are widely used within Ontario’s aggregate industry, but there are very few written standards or guidelines for their safe operation. A mobile diesel generator is a self-contained diesel generator that can be transported to a worksite. IHSA’s Mining and Aggregates Working Group identified an industry need for information on the safe operation of mobile diesel generating plants to be distributed. That’s why the group creating the Guideline for Mobile Diesel Generating Plants. Download  Now Live! The New NCSO®/NHSA™ Portal is here! The NCSO® committee is excited to announce the official launch of the new NCSO®/NHSA™ Portal! This enhanced platform is designed to streamline the application process, and provide greater support for applicants, all while ensuring continued alignment with the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA). With these improvements, applicants will find it easier to navigate the process, access essential resources, and stay informed about program updates. Explore the portal today and take advantage of the tools and resources available to support your application. Select learn more to find important information on how to get started, upcoming communications, and invitations to informative webinars Learn More  Latest podcast episodes available IHSA’s Safety Podcast recently launched it’s 100th episode. The IHSA Safety Podcast is a free podcast that seeks to improve the lives of workers in Ontario. The latest episodes include: Episode 99: Asbestos Awareness and Training Requirements for Workplace Safety Episode 100: Working Outside in the Canadian Winter Listen now Occupational health  Research study focuses on radon exposure The focus of the research is to assess the knowledge, risk perceptions, and safety practices of Ontario construction workers regarding radon exposure. Understanding the perceptions and safety practices of construction workers can help identify gaps in existing safety protocols and inform policies related to radon safety in construction. Learn more Industry News and Events  Join OHCOW for RSI day February 7 The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) is hosting its 26th RSI day. This event includes a series of webinars on a variety of topics related to repetitive strain injuries. Full descriptions and details are available on the OHCOW website. Learn more  Listen to the podcast Threads of Life welcomes new executive director IHSA would like to thank Shirley Hickman for her incredible contributions as a founding member and the first Executive Director of Threads of Life – Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support. Her strength, dedication, and compassion have changed the landscape of support for Canadian families affected by workplace fatalities, life-altering injuries, or occupational diseases. Her efforts have made a big difference in how organizations like IHSA raise awareness for occupational health and safety. We are excited to continue collaborating with Threads of Life in 2025 as they welcome their new Executive Director Eugene Gutierrez. Eugene joined the IHSA Safety Podcast in 2023 to share how he transformed the experience of losing his father to a workplace fatality into powerful advocacy for workplace safety.  Construction survey Transportation survey IHSA, OHCOW survey open Workplace mental stressors—such as working alone, shiftwork, driving, trauma exposure, poor ergonomics, or exposure to hazards—are health and safety hazards that can affect workers’ mental and physical wellbeing and lead to illness or injury. IHSA is inviting workers in the construction and transportation industries across Ontario to participate in a survey that is the first of its kind in Ontario. Developed by IHSA and Occupational Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), the survey aims to identify mental stressors at workplaces so they can be eliminated or reduced, thus improving overall mental wellness. Addressing and minimizing causes of mental distress at work is essential for maintaining workers’ safety and wellbeing. As an employer, you can help us do this by promoting this survey to your workforce. Reach out to IHSA for more information. Anyone who completes and submits the survey could enter to win one of three Visa gift cards valued at $50, $150, or $250. All responses will be anonymous and confidential. You can learn more about the survey at StressAssess.ca. Ontario trucking associations push for safety, compliance reforms in talks with government A coalition of trucking industry associations, including IHSA, is urging the Ontario government to take action and help address problems ranging from road safety and driver training standards to compliance enforcement — issues they describe as causing a critical decline in industry professionalism and public safety. Read more What’s new Stay updated on current news from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development  Read more Fleet Safety Council and transportation-related news Access monthly updates, news, and events from the Fleet Safety Council and the transportation industry that IHSA supports. Visit the Fleet Safety Council website  Industry Dates Psychology health month – February Black history month – February Heart and stroke month – February Winter walk day – February 5 Family day – February 17 Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week – February 10-17 Repetitive Strain Injury day – February 28   |
