What to expect when a Ministry inspector comes to your workplace

When an inspector from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) arrives at your workplace, how the visit will go depends on why the inspector is there. “There are two types of inspector visits,” explains Kristin Onorato, Health and Safety Consultant with WSPS. “There are proactive visits and reactive visits. For proactive visits, the inspector is there to complete an inspection. For reactive visits, the inspector is there to investigate.”  

WSPS is proud to announce the recent release of the Retail Safety and Security Guide. This guide was developed in partnership by Retail Council of Canada, WSPS and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. With the rise of crime and threats in retail this guide will help your members identify types of incidents and the responsibilities of management and the employees.

Based on consultations with retailers, security organizations and police services, and industry best practices, the Guide:

• Outlines methods to prevent and address the most common and severe forms of retail crime, including robbery, break & enter, fraud, and shoplifting.
• Reviews techniques to address abusive customers, suspicious individuals, intoxicated individuals, as well as individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Provides measures to address or prevent violence in the workplace between customers or customers and staff.
• Provides checklists and risk assessment tools to help businesses action the advice given.

MLITSD Occupational Hygiene Campaigns Toolkit: WHMIS and Exposure to Chemical Agents

Enhance your compliance efforts with the MLITSD’s campaigns on chemical exposure and WHMIS training, by using valuable resources within this toolkit. Get free resources, training and more.

9 workplace tips for a safe and healthy fall season

Seasonal changes are just around the corner. Is your workplace ready? Find out how you can protect your employees as the cooler weather approaches.

10 tips for preventing slips, trips and falls in warehouse and distribution centres

Manual material handling continues to be a high-risk hazard resulting in high numbers of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Do your supervisors understand their legal responsibilities? Do they know the expectation of due diligence? Find out how to set them up for success.

Retail theft and violence: 6 ways to keep your staff and business safe

The definition of workplace harassment is changing to include online spaces. Find out what this means for your business.

“Workplace inspections give you regular opportunities to see where you are at and to figure out where to go next.” Ontario workplaces with six or more workers are legally required to perform workplace inspections every month. When done properly, inspections provide a systematic check of hazards and controls in practice

Work refusals: What the law says, plus 8 ways to prevent and manage

A worker’s right to refuse unsafe work is enshrined in Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA, Section 43). So is the employer’s duty to investigate the matter and try to resolve it internally. “Resolving a refusal involves controlling the hazardous situation, if present, in a way that removes any dangerous circumstance,” says WSPS Health and Safety Consultant Ted Balazs.

WSPS Annual Report 2023

At its core, health and safety is simple: proactively determine the risks presented in the workplace and eliminate or control them so they do not lead to harmful incidents. However, running a business is rarely simple and our continually changing world creates challenges that compete for attention.

Selling alcohol in your grocery or convenience store? 7 tips to keep staff safe

Grocery and convenience stores that are gearing up to sell alcohol in the coming months also need to prepare for possible impacts to the health and safety of staff, says Amanda Gorman, WSPS Healthy Workplaces Consultant. 

Avoid violent encounters at work: 4 expert tips to safely handle a person in distress

If someone in crisis—agitated, aggressive, confused—walked into your store or restaurant, would you know what to do? “We’re getting more reports from businesses about individuals who may be unhoused, impaired, or experiencing a mental health crisis walking into a workplace and the staff aren’t sure how to handle it,” says Kristy Cork, Specialized Consultant with WSPS.

How can employers help injured workers avoid opioid-related harms?

Canada is experiencing an opioid crisis. According to Health Canada, there have been more than 44,000 opioid-related deaths in our country since 2016. Between 20% and 40% of those deaths were among working adults, which led the Institute for Work and Health (IWH) to investigate this issue.

6 ways to protect employees from wildfire smoke

Masks alone won’t protect all at-risk employees from the alarming health effects linked to wildfire smoke. Find out what else you can do.

Gender identity and gender expression: what does an inclusive workplace look like?

Employers have a legal and social responsibility to respect gender rights and provide a safe workplace. Discover what this looks like in action.

6 expert tips to support people after a traumatic workplace event

Sometimes the unthinkable happens. When it does, organizations need to be ready to support employees and their mental health. Find out how to be prepared.

Protect your eyes on the job: tips for choosing the right sunglasses

Choosing the right pair of sunglasses isn’t just about looking good. Find out how the sun can damage our eyes and what to do about it.

Is low risk perception a problem in your workplace?

When people don’t fully appreciate the risks involved in a task, they are less likely to follow health and safety protocols. Change that mindset with these tips.

Naloxone kits and addictions in the workplace: balancing privacy with responsibility

As of June 1st, the OHSA will require that naloxone be available in some workplaces in case a worker has an opioid overdose. Naloxone is one aspect of managing addictions at work. Find out what else employers can do.

***Click on this link Naloxone Training - Free Online | WSPS to sign up for a 30 minute free E-course to learn about an opioid overdose, how to administer naloxone and acquaint the worker with any hazards related to the administration of naloxone. The training includes a discussion on opioid related deaths, overdose, and addiction.

8 tips for managing age-related changes in workers

Hold on to the many talents older workers bring to the workplace with strong, flexible health and safety programs that set everyone up for success.

New survey shows safety is critical in attracting and retaining top talent

If you’re struggling to attract and retain talent, take a proactive approach to health, safety, and mental well-being. That is the lesson learned from WSPS’ recent Health and Safety Leadership Survey.

4 tips to protect young workers – and your business – this summer

Set up your newly hired young workers – and your business – for success this summer, with these training tips from WSPS’ Ayden Robertson.

Investigating non-critical injuries: tips to overcome 4 common challenges

Although vital to improving your safety program, non-critical incident investigations are getting less attention from supervisors. Find out why and what to do.

Why encouraging vacations can increase productivity and job satisfaction

Vacation is an important part of healthy workplaces. Find out why and learn how to leverage the benefits of workforce that takes vacation.

4 biggest safety challenges of last-mile delivery and solutions

Last-mile delivery is the most challenging phase of the fulfilment cycle. Here’s a look at some last-mile delivery safety challenges and practical solutions that don't compromise safety.

What to do when domestic violence enters your workplace

The workplace plays a vital role in protecting against further abuse and ensuring the safety of all employees.

16 tips to strengthen your emergency response plan

A catastrophic emergency like the Ohio train derailment is unpredictable. Workplaces need to be ready for anything and everything.

Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers: Get recognized and receive rebates

WSPS has achieved SOSE recognition. Find out how you can too and get the public and financial rewards that come with it.

Food manufacturing workers identify lockout/tagout as top risk they face

WSPS brought industry insiders to the table to share insights and real-world data. See the findings.

Stop slips, trips and falls with these expert tips

Slips, trips, and falls are still among the most common types of workplace injuries. Find out how to prevent them.

Don’t do what the tech giants did. Follow these 6 tips for more compassionate layoffs   

A respectful approach to layoffs will reduce psychological harm to those affected and those left behind and reduce negative impacts for the employer.

How to reduce manufacturing injuries: new study sheds light on causes and solutions     

There’s a disconnect between how workers and managers view health and safety, say researchers. Bridging that gap is key to reducing injuries. 

De-escalating high-stress situations at work: four stages of aggression; four responses 

No matter who is displaying the aggressive behavior – a customer, client, contractor, co-worker, or supervisor – knowing when and how to respond will keep everyone safe.