The IHSA Safety Podcast is a free podcast from the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association that seeks to improve the lives of workers in Ontario — one thought-provoking discussion at a time.
We engage with professionals and industry influencers to help them implement and improve health and safety solutions for workers and the workplace. Each episode explores best practices, resources, and training to control and eliminate safety hazards in work environments involving high-risk activities in the industries that IHSA serves: construction, transportation, and electric utilities.
Episode 108: Building a Culture of Safety: Preventing MVIs through Road Safety Programs – Part 1
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
Episode 107: National Day of Mourning: Remembering, Reflecting, and Rebuilding Safer Workplaces
April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning—a time to honour those whose lives have been forever changed by workplace tragedies. It’s a time to remember, but it’s also a time to renew our commitment to safer workplaces for everyone. On this special National Day of Mourning episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, we welcome back Eugene Gutierrez to share his story of resiliency, hope, and the work being done across Canada to create safer and healthier workplaces.
Eugene lost his father in a workplace accident in 2017, a tragedy that turned his family’s world upside down. With help from Threads of Life, he found support and healing, and for the past seven years, he’s been giving back by volunteering, participating in Steps for Life walks, and raising awareness about workplace safety.
Now the new executive director of Threads of Life, Eugene says his work at Threads of Life is a mission, not just a job. He’s focused on making sure others don’t have to go through traumatic experiences like losing a limb, getting sick, or losing their life on the job. His passion for helping people and making a difference is what drives him to pursue this mission.
Eugene discusses the services offered by Threads of Life, and one key program is Volunteer Family Guides, which offers one-on-one peer support through calls, chats, or in-person meetings. Threads of Life also hosts annual regional events called Family Forums—safe spaces where spouses, parents, siblings, and close friends can connect, learn, and heal. In addition to various other valuable programs, Threads of Life holds annual Steps for Life community walks, which are five-kilometre walks held across Canada to raise funds, share stories, and walk in support of one another.
Free resources
Keep your promise to those who count on you
See Something, Say Something: Heartfelt stories of families affected by workplace tragedy
Episode 106: JHSC & WHSC Overview—Roles, Legal Requirements, and Best Practices (Part 3)
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
Inspections Checklist
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)
JHSC/Health & Safety Representative
Guideline for Health and Safety Representatives
Episode 105: JHSC & WHSC Overview—Roles, Legal Requirements, and Best Practices (Part 2)
This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast continues the discussion on the roles and legal requirements of Joint Health and Safety Committees (provincial legislation) and Workplace Health and Safety Committees (federal legislation) in Ontario, and features IHSA’s Alain Leger and Doug Heintz. JHSCs and WHSCs play crucial roles in identifying hazards, improving workplace conditions, and ensuring compliance with legislation.
In Ontario, one half of the committee members must be worker members chosen by the workers or, if in a unionized environment, they would come chosen by the trade union or the union itself. The other half of the committee members must be workers who exercise managerial functions, such as managers and supervisors.
On the provincial side, certification is required for at least one worker and one management member of the committee. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has a training standard for JHSC certification, which is completed in two parts: Part One covers general knowledge and legislative requirements, and Part Two covers sector-specific hazards. On the federal side, it’s mandatory for all WHSC members to be trained.
Alain states that JHSC meetings must occur during regular working hours, which aligns with paid time. The minimum requirement for JHSC meetings is once every three months, while federal requirements for WHSC meetings are nine times annually. Alain and Doug also address other questions about committee meetings, such as how meeting agendas are prepared, how members are informed of upcoming meetings, and if a quorum is necessary to hold a meeting.
Free Resources
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)
JHSC/Health & Safety Representative
Guideline for Health and Safety Representatives
Episode 104: JHSC & WHSC Overview: Roles, Legal Requirements, and Best Practices (Part 1)
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) in Ontario and features IHSA’s Alain Leger and Doug Heintz.
A Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) and a Workplace Health and Safety Committee (WHSC) are composed of workers and employee representatives who are mutually committed to improving health and safety conditions in the workplace. They help raise awareness of health and safety issues in the workplace, recognize and identify workplace risks, and develop recommendations to the employer to address those risks.
Alain and Doug explain the differences in legislative requirements for a health and safety committee in provincial and federally regulated workplaces. For workplaces in Ontario with 20 or more employees, a Joint Health and Safety Committee is required, and it must have at least two members. For those with 50 or more employees, a committee must have at least four members. For federal requirements, workplaces with 20 or more employees require a Workplace Health and Safety Committee; however, there is no specification on the number of members required.
Alain and Doug mention and define other committees in the workplace, such as the Worker Trades Committee (provincial) and the Policy Committee (federal). They also discuss the definition of ‘regularly employed’ from both provincial and federal perspectives, to help determine if a Joint/Workplace Health and Safety Committee is required in a workplace.
Free Resources
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)
JHSC/Health & Safety Representative
Guideline for Health and Safety Representatives
Episode 103: Health & Safety Representatives: Discussing Legislation & Role with Deb Moskal & Doug Heintz (Part 2)
A health and safety representative (HSR) plays a crucial role when it comes to workplace safety, and IHSA’s Deb Moskal and Doug Heintz return to the IHSA Safety Podcast to discuss their importance in the workplace. On Episode 102, Deb and Doug explained the legislative requirements for a health and safety representative in Ontario small businesses. On this episode, they discuss the importance of having a health and safety representative and how employers can help them flourish in their role.
The role of a health and safety representative is not only to relay information from the employer but also to take concerns and ideas from fellow workers and communicate them to the employer. Deb emphasizes their critical role in monitoring and identifying hazards, such as unsafe equipment, chemicals, and ergonomic issues. HSRs help create awareness among workers about safety procedures and strengthen the safety culture from the worker’s perspective.
Employers are required to provide resources and support to HSRs to help them fulfill their role effectively. This includes providing them with the time needed to conduct inspections and investigations, and access to all locations that need to be inspected. Resources should also include tools and equipment necessary to carry out their tasks, basic health and safety training, and ongoing training and certifications, such as IHSA’s Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) certification training.
It’s important that employers encourage an open line of communication between the HSR, workers, and the employer, which will provide opportunities for the HSR to receive feedback from workers on safety concerns and share updates from management.
Free Resources
Guideline for Health and Safety Representatives
JHSC/Health & Safety Representative
Legislative Requirements and Best Practices
Episode 102: Health & Safety Representatives: Discussing Legislation & Role with Deb Moskal & Doug Heintz (Part 1)
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
Episode 101: Understanding Legal and Other Requirements When Building an OHSMS
On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Maren Gamble discusses the importance of understanding legal and other requirements when building an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). Employers, supervisors, and workers need to understand their obligations under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) or the Canada Labour Code Part 2.
To determine which requirements should be addressed, Maren suggests brainstorming with the right stakeholders, such as Joint Health & Safety Committees, project managers, supervisors, frontline staff, health & safety staff, HR staff, worker trades committee, and union representatives, if applicable.
Maren states that the process of determining these requirements can be approached systematically—a good starting point would be to consider every project and identify what applies. For example, if a company works under provincial legislation and is covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), they should consider the Green Book, First Aid regulations, and others. Another consideration would be company requirements, such as audits, participation in the WSIB HSEp rebate program, and other mandatory measures. This systematic approach helps in creating a comprehensive inventory of requirements for any project.
IHSA offers resources such as the Construction Safety App, Training Requirements Chart, COR/HSEp requirements, manuals, and safety talks to help employers address their requirements effectively.
Free Resources
Episode 100: Working Outside in the Canadian Winter (Episode 76 relaunch)
During the winter months in Canada, the weather can get extremely cold, and workers in industries such as construction, transportation, and electrical utilities oftentimes endure frigid temperatures and face the risk of experiencing cold stress.
On this 100th episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Jasmine Kalsi, IHSA’s Occupational Hygienist, revisits the topic of cold stress, a highly important topic that was discussed in depth on Episode 76 of the IHSA Safety Podcast. Cold stress occurs when the human body’s core temperature drops below 37 degrees Celsius, which can result in cold-related illnesses, tissue damage, and even death.
We invite you to listen to this relaunched episode of Episode 76, which provides additional resources on cold stress as well as guidance for Ontario employers on how to manage the risks of working outside in the winter to ensure worker safety.
IHSA offers a range of free resources on cold stress such as safety talks, advisories, articles, and a dedicated topic page on winter hazards.
Free Resources
Episode 76: Working Outside in the Canadian Winter
The Four Ps of Safe Winter Driving
Give Cold Stress the Cold Shoulder
Best Practices for Building and Working Safely on Ice Covers in Ontario
CCOHS Cold Environments – ACGIH Wind Chill Temperature Index
Episode 99: Asbestos Awareness and Training Requirements for Workplace Safety
On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Michele Beckstead-Jackson from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development discusses the importance of asbestos awareness and training in Ontario workplaces to ensure workers are well-equipped to recognize the dangers of asbestos and know how to safely control the hazard.
Michele states that, although asbestos was mostly halted in construction projects by 1990, some products containing asbestos, such as cement pipes, stormwater drains, and other construction materials, continued to be imported and used significantly in new construction until 2014.
There are three different types of asbestos operations in Ontario: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Each operation has its own criteria to determine what type of removal would be necessary to apply. Michele emphasizes the importance of general awareness asbestos training for workers in various industries who may come in contact with asbestos, including electricians, plumbers, pipe fitters, gas fitters, painters, demolition workers, heating and ventilation workers, and computer installers performing work in type 1, type 2, and type 3 operations.
It is essential to train workers to understand how to recognize asbestos-containing materials (ACM). The training should cover topics such as hazard assessments, personal hygiene, and the importance of always having a record of training on hand for ministry inspections. Employers must understand the training requirements specific to the type of operations their workers work in and ensure their workers continue to be properly trained.
Free Resources
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
Health and Safety Advisory: Gaskets, Boilers and Asbestos
Episode 98: See Something, Say Something: Speaking up about Unsafe Conditions
On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Jennifer McKenzie discusses the ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative and the importance of speaking up about unsafe conditions at work. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and speaking up protects not only oneself and their co-workers but also their loved ones from preventable heartbreak.
The ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative originated from the Bruin, Gerrard, and Maguire Coroner’s Inquest, which highlighted a significant gap in workplace culture and communication. Jennifer discusses the interactions she had with the families of workers whose unfortunate workplace fatalities were part of the inquest. Their advocacy became a driving force behind the ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign, motivating Jennifer to take their vision and use it to promote a culture of safety where workers feel empowered to speak up and help prevent future tragedies.
The SSSS campaign aligns with IHSA’s ‘Keep Your Promise’ campaign, which encourages workers to keep their promise to their families to return home safe. The SSSS campaign also encourages workers to keep their promise to report hazards and concerns to ensure everyone at the workplace returns home safe.
Jennifer emphasizes the need for employers and workers to accept a shared responsibility for safety. Employers should create a workplace culture where workers feel confident and supported in reporting hazards without fear of reprisal. Workers should remain alert and speak up when they notice unsafe conditions, as their actions could prevent near misses or save lives.
A desired outcome for the ‘See Something Say Something’ campaign would be a cultural shift where speaking up about workplace safety becomes second nature for every worker, supervisor, and employer.
Free Resources
Keep Your Promise campaign page
A culture of care: Why speaking up matters
Episode 97: Minimizing the Risk of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a leading cause of collisions and fatalities in Ontario. Statistics show that, on average, one Ontario citizen is injured in a collision caused by distracted driving every half hour. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Michelle Roberts discusses distracted driving as a workplace hazard and the significant impact it can have on one’s safety.
Distracted driving is a form of impaired driving in which a driver’s judgment is compromised because they are not fully focused on the road. In Ontario, distracted driving includes the use of any handheld device, like smartphones, GPS, or other digital screens, while driving a vehicle. Michelle emphasizes that distractions while driving can affect performance and reduce a driver’s awareness, making them slower to notice and less able to respond to critical events on the road. Using hands-free systems can reduce manual distractions, but cognitive distractions still remain a risk.
Michelle states that employers have a responsibility to protect their workers while they drive for work. It is essential to implement strict safety measures such as establishing a formal distracted driving policy, encouraging rest stops, and providing training and awareness sessions to reinforce safe driving behaviours. Drivers should also take proactive steps to reduce distractions, such as pre-programing devices like GPS, song playlists, and radio before they start driving, stowing away devices, and avoiding eating or drinking while driving.
IHSA provides resources to help employers and workers manage distracted driving, including awareness materials, sample policies, training programs, and eLearning courses focused on road safety.
Free Resources
Episode 96: Respiratory Protection Program
On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Jasmine Kalsi, IHSA’s occupational hygienist, discusses the importance of respiratory protection programs for Ontario workplaces. A respiratory protection program is a formal program that outlines the requirements of respiratory protection for specific tasks in the workplace, and includes expectations on respirators, filters, responsibilities of different workplace parties, as well as training expectations. In Ontario, employers are required to have a respiratory protection program when respirators are issued in the workplace.
Jasmine explains that, under Ontario Regulation 833, respirators must be approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a federal agency in the United States. If a respirator is not NIOSH-approved, it must be demonstrated that it has been approved by another testing agency and has a qualified person attest to it, as long as it provides at least equal protection to that of a NIOSH-approved respirator.
Choosing the right respirator is crucial for protecting workers from specific airborne hazards, which is why a risk assessment is essential to determine what workers can be exposed to. Jasmine mentions the two main categories of respirators: air purifying respirators and supplied air respirators. Air purifying respirators remove contaminants by filtering out particulates, while supplied air respirators supply clean air from a compressed air tank or airline.
IHSA has various resources for respirators, including posters on respirator basics and safety talks on fit, inspection, and maintenance.
Free Resources
Facial Hairstyles and Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Regulation 833: Control of exposure to biological or chemical agents
Episode 95: Basics of Air Quality Testing in the Workplace
On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Jasmine Kalsi, IHSA’s occupational hygienist, discusses the importance of air quality testing and exposure assessments in Ontario’s construction, transportation, and electrical utility sectors. These industries often expose workers to various airborne dusts and contaminants, which can have both short-term and long-term health effects.
Ontario Regulation 833 regulates the control of exposure to biological or chemical agents, including steps for assessing and determining airborne concentrations. Jasmine highlights that air quality testing is crucial in identifying workplace exposure levels, as this information helps compare with regulatory limits, determine if workers are overexposed, and determine if controls are needed. Air quality testing can be done proactively by employers or requested from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) based on observations.
Jasmine explains that employers can determine what needs to be assessed by reviewing the company’s safety data sheets, previous claims data, past exposure assessments, as well as utilizing relevant resources such as IHSA’s occupational health risk toolkit. Another recommended resource is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) online tool, The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, which provides key data on various hazardous agents, including exposure limits, testing methods, and more.
It is critical for employers to understand the importance of air quality testing and implement appropriate controls to protect their workers and reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous chemical and biological agents in their workplaces.
Free Resources
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Regulation 833: Control of exposure to biological or chemical agents
Current occupational exposure limits for Ontario workplaces under Regulation 833
Episode 94: Transitioning to COR® 2020 and achieving Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers recognition
This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast features Bothwell-Accurate, a construction firm established in 1927, and discusses its successful transition to the COR® 2020 standard and recent recognition by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) under the Ontario Safe Employers Program.
Bothwell-Accurate’s Corporate Health and Safety Manager, Carlo Colozza, shares the story of the company’s recent transition to COR® 2020 standard. Carlo’s strong background in COR® and previous experience with WSIB’s Health & Safety Excellence program (HSEp) helped prepare Bothwell-Accurate on certain topics and eased the transition to COR® 2020.
Carlo emphasizes the importance of having a certified occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS), as it creates trust in the workplace and ensures workers return home healthy and safe. Since transitioning to COR® 2020, Bothwell-Accurate’s reputation has improved due to better organization and better solutions to issues, increasing their confidence and ability to bid on projects and maintain a good reputation in the construction sector.
Carlo states that the audit process may appear daunting at first, especially when hearing the word ‘audit’, but it does not have to be. The audit process simply evaluates a company’s current OHSMS system to see where gaps exist and how to improve. Carlo also shares some tips to help in the transition process, such as joining the HSEp, thoroughly understanding the audit guidelines, and, most importantly, reaching out to an IHSA consultant to assist with the transition.
Free Resources
Episode 93: The Importance of Documentation in an Occupational Health and Safety Management System
This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the importance of documentation in an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) and features IHSA’s Adam Carruthers, who shares his experience in writing policies, procedures, and processes.
Adam discusses the critical need to have documentation in an OHSMS, particularly for small businesses. Smaller companies often face a higher risk of injuries due to insufficient knowledge, training, and experience in health and safety. It is this concern that led to the legislation that requires an employer with more than 5 employees to prepare a health and safety policy.
Documentation provides structure, supports compliance through consistent application, enhances communication, and facilitates continual improvement, ultimately contributing to a safer, healthier, and more effective workplace. Preparing documentation does not have to be complicated; Adam emphasizes that it’s essential to keep its development process simple and easy to understand. A health and safety policy should include the purpose, scope, definitions, responsibilities, procedure or practice, training requirements, associated documents, and any applicable legislation.
For small businesses that are expanding and unsure about where to start with documentation and policies, Adam recommends starting with a certification standard for health and safety systems, such as the Certificate of Recognition (COR®), as more municipalities, constructors, clients, and organizations require such systems. This not only prepares the business for future contracts, but also lays the foundation for safe work behaviours and attitudes.
Free Resources
Hazard Assessment, Analysis, and Control (COR® Podcast – Episode 6)
Construction Health & Safety Manual
NCSO® and NHSA™ Certifications
Episode 92: The Impact of Workplace Injuries – The Story of Amber Hiuser
This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the impact of workplace injuries and features Amber Hiuser, occupational health and safety coordinator, who shares her experience with workplace injury and the impact it has had on both her personal and professional life.
Amber’s interest in workplace health and safety began the moment her life changed when, as an 18-year old new on a job, she accidentally entangled her fingers with a blade while operating a CNC machine lathe. A few years later, she had another injury to her face at a job that didn’t have any safety policies or proper reporting procedures in place. Amber shares her journey through the pain of multiple surgeries and dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Amber discusses her role as a speaker for Threads of Life, advocating for safer workspaces and the necessity of working for a company that has a COR-certified occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). Having an effective OHSMS helps workers feel confident that there are protective measures in place that go beyond just following regulations.
Amber also mentions the impact of senior management on the performance of an OHSMS. A company with a strong safety culture, as well as support and involvement from senior management, can have a significant impact on workers, instilling confidence and contributing to a safer work environment.
Free Resources
Episode 91: The Working Mind for the Trades
This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses mental health in high-risk workplaces, as well as the partnership between IHSA and Opening Minds, a division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, to deliver a new training program, The Working Mind for the Trades. Joining in the conversation are Charles Boyer and Derek Baranowski from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and IHSA’s Kathy Martin, as they emphasize the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace.
The Working Mind program focuses on raising awareness and encouraging dialogue about mental health to reduce stigma, as well as equipping employees with coping skills when faced with challenges. The program was adapted from the original program by Opening Minds and customized to resonate more with the industries IHSA serves—construction, transportation, and electrical utilities.
There are two versions of the program: one for workers and the other for management. Both versions have identical first three modules, which address barriers to having conversations on mental health, monitoring and managing mental health in the workplace, and resilience strategies. The management version has a fourth module dedicated to the leadership team to help them incorporate the learning goals from previous modules into their leadership style.
Kathy highlights that the program is for everyone, and the real learning takes place during group discussions and interaction throughout the course. Derek discusses the benefits of the program, emphasizing that maintaining our mental health should be a normal part of our life that should be treated with the same priority as other areas.
Free Resources
The Working Mind for the Trades – Manager
Episode 90: Impact of Senior Management on the Performance of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)
On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Maren Gamble discusses the impact of senior management on the performance of an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). A senior manager’s level of commitment towards their OHSMS is a critical factor to its success. For example, a senior manager’s involvement, such as attending meetings, having knowledge of the system, and having a good understanding of the internal audit process, can significantly impact the success of the system.
Maren emphasizes that senior management should lead by example, as their actions send a message that health and safety is important and worth their time. When they visit a construction site, for instance, a senior manager should not only adhere to mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures, but they should also insist that these rules apply to everyone, demonstrating that there are no exceptions to these rules. If a senior manager or president of a construction project were to be seen wearing dress shoes on the jobsite instead of the proper PPE, it sends the wrong message that PPE is optional and the rules are not applicable to everyone.
To ensure that they keep the promise and commitment they made to their workers to support them in making it home safely, senior management should regularly review the proactive controls being developed within their OHSMS to ensure they are comfortable with them and confident in their ability to meet their health and safety obligations.
Free Resources
The Working Mind for the Trades – Manager (Virtual Training)
Episode 89: Corrective Action and Preventative Action
On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Maren Gamble discusses the distinction between two concepts that are often confused in health and safety: corrective action and preventative action.
Corrective actions are taken in response to existing hazards or incidents in the workplace. Preventative actions, on the other hand, take a more proactive approach with the aim to minimize or eliminate hazards and prevent incidents from reoccurring. The difference between the two is that one focuses on dealing with an incident as it happens, while the other focuses on how to stop the incident from happening again.
Maren shares some real-life examples of what a corrective action may look like versus a preventative action. If a fire were to break out, for example, a corrective action would be to put out the fire. A preventative action would be to eliminate the root cause of the fire to prevent future outbreaks.
Maren also emphasizes the importance of considering both corrective and preventative action plans when building an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). If we focus solely on corrective action, there’ll be an increased number of incidents to address in future because of the lack of a preventative action plan in place. If we focus solely on preventative action and an incident occurs that calls for corrective action, we will find ourselves unprepared. Both action plans are necessary for maximizing efficiency and maintaining worker health and safety.
Free resources
Hazards, Risks, Assessment, and Control (IHSA Podcast – Episode 75)
The Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) Model: A Deeper Dive (IHSA Podcast – Episode 67)
IHSA Magazine: Plan, Do, Check, Act
Occupational Health and Safety: The Physical Work Environment
Episode 88: Nutrition
For some people, the idea of a “diet” can be unpleasant and misleading. However, a diet has more to do with the choices we make when it comes to what we eat and drink. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Holly Baril discusses practical diet and nutrition tips for food and beverages.
Holly explains the differences between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, the three main energy sources for the body, and how they contribute to overall health. Carbohydrates are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are found in grains, vegetables, peas, and fruits. Proteins are found in various foods, including meats, dairy products, legumes, and vegetables. Lipids (fats) are found in fats, oils, naturally occurring fats in meats and dairy products, and less obvious plant sources like coconut, olives, and avocado.
Holly discusses what makes up an adequate and balanced diet, as well as how the food we eat affects our overall health and energy levels. Bad food habits, such as eating while watching TV, skipping breakfast, or eating too quickly, are hard to break; however, being aware of these habits can help in making positive changes. Being active also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and balanced living. Any level of physical activity is better than none, and strongly recommended. To develop a more active lifestyle, Holly suggests the following:
- Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time
- Incorporate extra steps everyday
- Incorporate a variety of food choices
- Limit sugar intake
Free resources
Episode 87: MTO Driver Certification Program
This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s (MTO) Driver Certification Program (DCP), and features Brad Bird, Manager of Health & Safety Education and Accredited Programs at IHSA. The Driver Certification Program is a voluntary program that gives an organization authority from the Ministry of Transportation to train and test their employees for the purpose of upgrading or renewing classified licences and endorsements. Employees who successfully complete the training and testing under the DCP program will obtain an upgraded Commercial Driver’s Licence.
Brad discusses the types of organizations eligible to participate in the DCP, as well as the process of registering for the program, one of which is that a company is required to complete an online application through the MTO’s DCP office. He also discusses the benefits of the DCP program to companies in Ontario, particularly the training of drivers to meet or exceed MTO testing standards.
Brad highlights IHSA’s training programs, all recognized and approved by MTO’s DCP standards:
Graduates of the 10-day Fleet Signing Authority program and the Air Brake Instructor program are eligible to become a Signing Authority—a ministry-approved trainer and tester—for the purpose of upgrading or renewing classified licences and endorsements.
Free resources
Fleet Signing Authority program
Fleet Signing Authority Recertification program
MTO DCP Information package
Episode 86: Heat Stress (Episode 60 Relaunch)
Summer in Ontario is typically hot and dry, which can cause heat stress for outdoor workers who work long hours. With Environment Canada predicting warmer-than-usual temperatures this summer in Ontario, it’s critical to take adequate measures to prevent heat stress. Heat stress is a seasonal hazard that can occur when the body’s core temperature rises, causing severe dehydration that can be harmful if left untreated. We invite you to listen to a re-launch of Episode 60 of the IHSA Safety Podcast, which discusses heat stress, the different types of heat stress disorders, risks, symptoms, controls, and actions to take when experiencing symptoms.
The Heat Stress Calculator from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) is a calculator that provides three methods of calculation: Humidex-based Method, WBGT Estimate Method, and Detailed WBGT Method. It’s an efficient tool for assessing heat stress and to reference when working in extreme heat conditions.
IHSA offers a range of free resources on heat stress, such as safety talks, manuals, bulletins, and advisories.
Free Resources:
Episode 60—Heat Stress: Understanding the risks, symptoms, and controls
Heat Stress Calculator (OHCOW)
21 Voyager Court South
Etobicoke, ON
M9W 5M7
Tel: 416-674-2726
Toll Free: 1-800-263-5024
Fax: 416-674-8866
ABOUT IHSA
The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) is Ontario’s trusted health and safety resource. Our goal is to improve the lives of Ontario workers. We provide resources and training to control and eliminate safety hazards in work environments involving high-risk activities.
At IHSA we have always maintained a standard of excellence. We are proud of our role in helping to make Ontario one of the safest places in the world to work. Our focus is on workers and on keeping our promise to provide them with the tools to Work Safe for Life.
As part of Ontario’s health and safety system, we are recognized by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board as designated trainers and consultants. So you can be sure that the training you get from IHSA meets regulatory requirements and compliance standards.