Improving occupational health and safety knowledge and practices
Objective 2 of Prevention Works is focused on improving access to high-quality OHS training, resources and information. As a result, workplace parties will enhance their knowledge of OHS and improve their workplace health and safety practices.
Improving access to OHS information and resources
Customer experience — Training and consulting outcomes
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) leveraged their Qualtrics Survey Platform to measure the reach of training and consulting functions. Between 2021–2022, more than 2,800 training respondents and 240 consulting respondents participated in the survey. Results from the survey include:
- Almost 75% of respondents said that participating in training courses helped to increase their OHS knowledge.
- Respondents who completed consulting contracts highlighted that almost 70% of workers and supervisors have more information on how to work safely.
- About 65% of respondents have increased awareness and knowledge related to workplace hazards and how to control them.
Making OHS training convenient and affordable
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification training
In June 2021, the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) amended the JHSC Certification training program and provider standards to include requirements for distance learning. These requirements were previously included in a separate Distance Learning Standard. In the fall 2021, the ministry launched a five-year review to ensure the training continues to be relevant and effective. The five-year review includes a range of opportunities for stakeholders and the public to provide feedback. This is targeted for completion in spring 2023.
Delivering sector specific OHS training
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) partnership with Skills Ontario
WSPS partnered with Skills Ontario and their day camp programs in Summer 2021 and March Break 2022. The day camps were designed to engage youth in the skilled trades, technology and more. About 150 students participated in the summer camp program, which included a one-day workplace health and safety workshop. A post-workshop survey found the average rating for satisfaction of camp participants was 86%. All participants had a more positive impression of the skilled trades and technology following the workshop.
Line Crew Ground Support – The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association
The IHSA continued to support Indigenous workers throughout Ontario through the Line Crew Ground Support program, The program was offered in Walpole Island First Nation, Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Tyendinaga and Ottawa. The program prepares individuals for integration into employment opportunities in the power line and construction sector. As new power grids and infrastructure projects are being developed across Canada, the need for skilled, safety-conscious workers in these industries is increasing. In 2021-2022, a total of 55 learners enrolled in the program. The program provided students with practical hands-on experience as well as theoretical knowledge in topics such as electrical safety, confined spaces, working at heights and more.
Ontario Mine Rescue Training and Certification
Ontario Mine Rescue (OMR) is under the authority of the OHSA. OMR’s role includes:
- delivering training to mine rescue responders
- offering consultations to mine management
- conduct audits of underground response capability
- ensuring Workplace Safety North’s (WSN) mine rescue equipment is maintained to recommended standards
- acting in an emergency advisory capacity during mine emergencies
In 2021–2022, WSN delivered 793 Mine Rescue Certification training sessions. This added up to more than 47,300 participant hours of training.
Nokiiwin Tribal Council
Nokiiwin is a not-for-profit corporation. Its mandate is to provide cultural advisory services and training opportunities that enhance growth and prosperity for its Indigenous member communities. The ministry provided $357,652 in funding in 2021–2022 to support Nokiiwin’s OHS program. The program assisted member communities with COVID-19 compliance in the workplace. Nokiiwin did this through a Virtual Training Strategy which included workshops, training sessions and conferences on topics such as OHS, mental health and lateral violence.
Other highlights in 2021–2022 include:
- Nokiiwin participated in its first year of the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program becoming goal was to become a provider to First Nations within the Robinson Superior Territory.
- Nokiiwin also implemented a Peer-Support mobile application called Wiiji – “To help. ”It allows members to identify a circle of care and reach out to peer support as and when they are in need.