This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses personal protective equipment (PPE) and features Ryan Smith, health and safety consultant at IHSA. Ryan highlights the necessity of having the appropriate PPE fit and proper training on how to use them. The right fit, the right gear, and the right training could mean the difference between going home safe and not going home at all. Ryan identifies common PPE mistakes on construction sites, such as not wearing hard hats at all times when on site, not wearing appropriate eye protection where there's a risk to the worker's eye, and not using fall prevention or fall protection as required. He also mentions comfort as one of the key factors employers should consider when it comes to PPE use. Investing in high-quality PPE appropriate for a specific task is critical, as it encourages and promotes regular use and proper maintenance, both of which enhance safety on the job. Ryan also emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement from leadership in following the primary safety measures on jobsites so that workers don’t have to rely solely on PPE to stay safe. Any positive change in site culture should begin at the top and spread downward; hence, employers must put in the effort to ensure their workplace safety culture is high-standard and compliant.   Free resources Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Construction Health & Safety Manual Safety Talks 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 importance of mental health training in the workplace and features Enzo Garritano, IHSA’s President and CEO. Enzo highlights the necessity of understanding mental health and its impact in the workplace. Everyone in the workplace plays a part in mental health, and it should be treated like any other workplace risk, with a focus on raising awareness and understanding the support roles and resources available. Enzo discusses ‘Opening the Door to Support,’ one of IHSA’s eLearning programs designed to equip learners with essential skills and tools to support mental health in the workplace. This interactive, six-module program covers essential topics such as breaking down stigma, identifying red flags, leading by example, communicating supportively, and supporting others. Enzo emphasizes the critical need for both management and workers to participate in mental health training to increase their awareness and understanding of mental health. Getting training is a starting point that provides opportunities for growth in the subject matter, and leaders should invest in getting their workers and teams involved.   Free resources Opening the Door to Support The Working Mind for the Trades - Manager The Working Mind for the Trades – Worker 2026 National Conference: The Power of Peer Support 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 IHSA’s Associate COR® Consulting Program and features IHSA’s Chris McKean along with health and safety consultants Mike Russo, Abe Khalil, and Chris Ring. Chris McKean explains that the Associate COR® Consulting Program was developed to help Ontario workplaces achieve COR® certification and to promote collaboration and continuous improvement in health and safety practices among IHSA members. He states that COR®-certified companies are statistically safer than non-certified ones, and the program aims to extend that strong safety culture across more workplaces. Mike, Abe, and Chris Ring share their motivations for joining the program, emphasizing the desire to support companies in navigating the COR® certification process, which can often feel overwhelming for some companies. They note that many organizations are already implementing effective safety practices; they just need help documenting and refining them, which is the purpose of the program. They also discuss how the program helps close gaps in audit quality and member satisfaction, ensuring that companies receive consistent, competent guidance throughout their certification journey.   Free resources IHSA – Certificate of Recognition (COR®) Maple Safety Consulting Occupational Health & Safety Prevention Services WorkBright 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 essential elements of building a strong safety culture in the construction industry and features Tracy O'Brien, health and safety manager at Tomlinson. Tracy defines a positive safety culture as a self-sustaining and supportive environment where safety is ingrained in everyday practices, encouraging open communication and allowing all employees to voice concerns without fear of penalty. An effective safety culture impacts not only the physical safety of workers but also the overall productivity and success of construction projects. Signs of a strong safety culture include visually clean sites, proper PPE use, maintained housekeeping, and active engagement from supervisors and workers who feel heard and valued. Tracy discusses the stigma surrounding near-miss reporting and how creating a supportive environment for sharing incidents can help identify potential risks and prevent future occurrences. She also shares real-life incidents that reinforce the importance of safety culture during emergencies and the need for continuous improvement in safety practices.   Free resources IHSA - Certificate of Recognition (COR®) Basics of Supervising Training JHSC Training Part 1 JHSC Training Part 2 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 women in the trades and features four skilled tradeswomen who are building, welding, wiring, and driving real change in the industry. Gabrielle, a carpenter apprentice; Kenedi, a heavy equipment operator; Kenya, a apprentice; and Catrina, an electrical apprentice, speak about what inspired them to pursue careers in the trades—from family involvement to sheer curiosity, as well as a love for hands-on, creative work. They discuss the challenges they’ve faced as women in male-dominated workplaces; some encountered resistance, while others received support and acceptance. They also highlight how workplace culture—whether strong or weak—can make a significant difference, emphasizing the importance of a positive and inclusive environment. The women share tips for those considering a career in the trades, such as not being discouraged by negative opinions but to use them as motivation instead. They also discuss other topics like the need for more private, clean washroom facilities, proper PPEs that fit, mental health support, as well as their hope to see more women enter the trades.   Free resources Women in Construction Health and Safety Challenging stigma and preventing mental harm Safety talk: Toxic masculinity 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 Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) and the evolution of health and safety in Ontario's construction industry and features Brian Barron, CEO of the OCS. Brian speaks on his extensive history in construction and health and safety in Ontario. Drawing on his experience as a former inspector with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) and a construction small business owner, Brian shares that his transition from the MLITSD to CEO of the OCS was motivated by the OCS's commitment to improving the construction industry through collaboration between labour and management, as well as its focus on training and quality of life for workers. Brian explains that the OCS, established in 1993 to support provincial-wide collective bargaining in the construction industry, has a three-part mandate: to facilitate collective bargaining with data and information, to provide opportunities to network between labour and management, and to advance unionized construction in the ICI sector. Brian also explores topics on health and safety culture within Ontario’s construction industry, discussing improvements, current challenges, and the biggest health and safety priorities. He also explains factors that contribute to a stronger safety culture in unionized workplaces and the lessons non-unionized workplaces can take from them.    Free resources The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) Entry Level Construction (IHSA training) IHSA YouTube channel See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the importance of asbestos awareness in Ontario workplaces. Listen now and learn more about the required training for workers and supervisors to ensure they are well-equipped to recognize asbestos hazards and know how to safely control them.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the differences between assessments, inspections, and audits in workplace safety. Listen now and learn more about how the processes serve different purposes in health and safety.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Office of the Worker Adviser, a resource that supports injured Ontario workers and ensures their rights are respected and enforced. Listen now and learn more about what the OWA does and how they assist Ontario workers.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA), a resource that offers expert guidance, representation, and support to employers. Listen now and learn more about what the OEA does and how they assist Ontario employers.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast continues the discussion on the importance of a strong road safety program in preventing motor vehicle incidents (MVIs). Listen now to learn more about driver assessment and vehicle maintenance as crucial parts of a road safety program.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the importance of building and implementing an effective road safety program. Listen now and learn more about how employers can build a well-structured road safety program that can save lives and boost efficiency.

This special episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast welcomes back Eugene Gutierrez, the new executive director of Threads of Life. Tune in now and listen to Eugene as he shares his story of resiliency, hope, and the work being done across Canada to create safer and healthier workplaces.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast is the final segment on the roles and legal requirements of Joint Health and Safety Committees (provincial legislation) and Workplace Health and Safety Committees (federal legislation) in Ontario, featuring IHSA’s Alain Leger and Doug Heintz. JHSCs & WHSCs play vital roles in Ontario workplaces. Alain and Doug iterate that a key function of both committees is to conduct regular monthly inspections in the workplace. On the provincial level, worker committee members choose a certified member to inspect the workplace, and it is recommended that management workers complete inspections as well. From the federal perspective, no one individual is selected; every member is trained so they can identify hazards and concerns that other workers might overlook. Once a source of danger is reported after inspections, the committee members investigate the issue and make written recommendations to the employer to address the identified hazards. Certified members and their worker representatives can order the employer to stop work if it is considered too dangerous until hazards are properly controlled. Alain and Doug also address questions on best practices, such as steps to take if a committee cannot reach a consensus on a recommendation, what happens in the event of a worker’s critical injury or death, and the kind of support the employer is expected to provide to the committee. Free Resources Workplace Inspections Inspections Checklist Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) JHSC/Health & Safety Representative Guideline for Health and Safety Representatives 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 roles and legal requirements of Joint Health and Safety Committees (provincial) and Workplace Health and Safety Committees (federal). Tune in now and learn more about certification and committee meeting requirements.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the roles and legal requirements of Joint Health and Safety Committees (provincial legislation) and Workplace Health and Safety Committees (federal legislation). Listen now to learn more about the committees’ roles and legal requirements

This episode is the second part of Episode 102 and discusses the importance of having a health and safety representative (HSR) in the workplace. Listen now and learn more about how employers can help HSRs flourish in their role.

On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Deb Moskal and Doug Heintz discuss the role of health and safety representatives (HSRs) in Ontario small businesses. Deb and Doug explain when a workplace requires a health and safety representative, how they are selected, and their functions according to workplace health and safety legislation. There are similarities between federal and provincial legislation regarding health and safety representatives, but there are also differences. Within provincial legislation, a health and safety representative is required in a workplace with six to 19 employees, with no requirement for a joint health and safety committee (JHSC). From a federal perspective, a health and safety representative is required for less than 20 employees in a workplace, with additional requirements depending on the nature of the work. The process for selecting and electing a health and safety representative is the same for both provincial and federal legislation. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) does not set specific formal qualifications or certifications for a health and safety representative, but there are several key requirements: ·      The individual must be a worker at the workplace, but not an employer, supervisor, or manager. ·      They are typically elected by workers through an open and transparent election process. ·      They must be willing to learn about health and safety issues, regulations, and workplace hazards. The duties of a health and safety representative include, but are not limited to, identifying any actual or potential workplace hazards, inspecting the workplace at least once a month, and making recommendations to the employer about health and safety concerns or initiatives.   Free Resources Guideline for Health and Safety Representatives JHSC/Health & Safety Representative Legislative Requirements and Best Practices Health and Safety Representative eCourse JHSC Certification Training See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.