In a world where employee well-being and workplace safety take precedence, organizations are realizing the significance of implementing robust Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). These systems go beyond regulatory compliance; they proactively create a safe and healthy work environment while mitigating risks.
The dynamic world of business is always in pursuit of excellence and efficiency and any organization seeking sustainable growth places excellence as its top priority. But how does one achieve these goals? Businesses often turn to internationally recognized management systems that provide structure, guidelines, and a framework for continual improvement. Two such critical systems that have garnered widespread adoption are ISO and COR™. The International Organization for Standardization or ISO is a renowned non-governmental organization that develops and publishes a diverse range of international standards. These standards span various industries, covering quality management, environmental responsibility, information security, and more. On the other hand, Certificate of Recognition or COR™, primarily applicable in Canada, focuses on health and safety management, with a strong emphasis on meeting the national standards. The COR™ program primarily targets the construction industry but has expanded its scope to encompass other sectors as well encouraging organizations to establish comprehensive safety protocols to protect their workers. While both systems share the common objective of enhancing organizational performance and compliance, they differ significantly in scope, applicability, and the outcomes they deliver. This article presents a comprehensive comparison between the two, shedding light on the distinctive features, advantages, and relevance to different industries. Exploring the unique strengths of each system, organizations can make informed decisions on the approach which aligns best with their specific needs and objectives.
Employees commit a large chunk of their lives to their jobs. As a result, it is crucial for all companies to protect their health and safety. The province of Ontario established the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) as a crucial part of its Occupational Health and Safety framework because it understands the importance of proactive safety measures and due diligence. JHSCs are essential in building a culture of safety, empowering both employees and employers, and promoting and maintaining safe work environments across a variety of industries. The Joint Health and Safety Committee in Ontario is examined in detail in this article, including its structure, responsibilities, training, and overall importance in preserving employee health and safety.
Accidents are a part of life, but when it comes to slips, trips, and falls, a little prevention can go a long way. These seemingly innocuous mishaps can lead to serious injuries, affecting not only the victims' physical well-being but also impacting workplaces, public spaces, and overall quality of life. In Ontario, Canada, the statistics surrounding slips, trips, and falls are eye-opening, underscoring the need for education and proactive measures. In this blog, we will delve into the effects of slips, trips, and falls, backed by Ontario-specific statistics, and highlight the significant benefits of taking 4S Consulting’s slips, trips and falls course to prevent these incidents.
Safety is our responsibility! Imagine a work site - all policies and procedures in place, all equipment functional and maintained and all protective gear ready and in place for use. Everyone comes, carries out their task and is done for the day. A perfect work scenario. However, this is not always the case. Worksites possess certain potential hazards and Occupational Health Safety Act makes it apparently clear that employers, supervisors, and workers need to make constant efforts to mitigate any hazards through proactive measures and reasonable caution.
As we combat the continuous surge in temperatures due to climate change, the risk of heat-related illnesses in the workplace are a growing concern. Our bodies will naturally maintain a temperature between 36°C and 38°C and sweating cools the bodies down. However, if you work in a hot environment, the body’s natural cooling mechanisms are sometimes unable to maintain a healthy body temperature, leading to an increase in the core body temperature and in turn to potential heat stress and injury. This article aims to explore the causes, symptoms, and potential solutions for managing and preventing heat stress.
Workplaces are increasingly focussing on creating a safe and healthy workplace environment and ensuring compliance with regulations to reduce and minimize risks. To help organizations accomplish their goal of becoming safe and complaint, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) lays down the legal framework and tools.
In today's dynamic and competitive economic landscape, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing health and safety in the workplace. While the immediate benefits of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment are apparent, it is equally crucial to understand the long-term return on investment (ROI) associated with such initiatives. This article delves into the concept of ROI in health and safety, exploring its significance, the key metrics used to measure it, and the tangible benefits it offers to both employees and organizations.
With increased supervisory prosecutions and penalties, OHS due diligence is becoming extremely crucial for organizations. The introduction of amendments to the Criminal Code under Bill C-45 in 2004 became a landmark move made by the authorities to enhance workplace health and safety. It brought a potential criminal liability angle to OHS offences. Currently, anyone who fails to meet their duty and shows “wanton or reckless disregard” for the lives or safety of others can be charged with criminal negligence.
Workplaces today are fast paced and driven by technology with workers spending much of their time engaged in professional activities. Working at a desk or operating a heavy machinery, our work has a long-term effect on our health and productivity which is why, Ergonomics at work has become a focus point for both employers and employees.
Workplace safety is a critical concern for organizations across various industries. As technology advances, new and innovative solutions are emerging to enhance safety measures and mitigate risks. Safety Technology encompasses a wide range of tools, systems, and devices, and is revolutionizing the way to approach safety management. Organizations too are prioritizing the well-being of their employees and workplaces and technology has emerged as a powerful tool for mitigating risks, preventing accidents, and ensuring a secure working environment.
Canada is experiencing a dramatic rise in the frequency and intensity of wildfires in recent years. Climate changes, prolonged droughts, and forest management practices have largely contributed to this alarming global trend. The country's vast forests and peatlands provide abundant fuel for the wildfires, that escalate quickly and grow out of control.
Workplace safety is of paramount importance for both employees and employers alike. A safe working environment promotes employee well-being, boosts productivity and prevents and reduces the risks of accidents or injuries. Recognizing the significance of workplace safety, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has developed the Health and Safety Excellence Program. This innovative program aims to enhance workplace safety and support businesses to create a safe working environment and achieve excellence in health and safety practices. This article delves deep into the key aspects of the program and explores its benefits for organizations and workers.
4S is pleased to announce that it has partnered with ORHMA to support its members with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance requirements. We are an OHS system, training, and consulting firm that ensures compliance and protects companies and their employees with a “live” health and safety program. As an approved Ministry of Labour provider, we will work with you in complete confidence and your information is not shared or reported. We strive to create a sustainable health and safety culture and help our clients to grow and succeed.
Working at heights can be a dangerous job if proper safety measures are not taken. This is why it is essential for workers who are working at heights to have proper training and certification. In this article, we will discuss the importance of working at heights certification and the statistics on injuries related to working at heights in Ontario, Canada.
WSIB is working along with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) to assist businesses in making their workplaces safer and healthier under the Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers (SOSE) program.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act has listed down the following duties of a supervisor, which he or she must comply with:
RACE stands for Recognize, Assess, Control, and Evaluate. It is a common process adopted by an organization to deal with workplace hazards. RACE process helps largely in maintaining workplace health and safety. The Joint Health and Safety Committee or the Health and Safety Representatives perform the RACE process for an organization. Moreover, supervisors also participate in the RACE process.
The keys to attracting talent in an industry are money, resources required to train, opportunity, and workplace safety. If any of these key aspects are missing the economy loses the expertise and falls behind. In the coming future, Ontario needs to build homes, infrastructure, increase manufacturing and its services. Recognizing these fundamentals, Ontario has made Workplace Safety an important part of its mandate for the Ministry of Labour Immigration & Skill Trades.
Safety Culture – One that is not dependent on individuals. Do you have it? Safety culture is a term most of you would have heard before. However, how many of you can confidently claim to have a sustainable safety culture within your organization? Sustainable, that’s the whole thing. It’s no good having a health and safety program that is dependent on certain individuals working for your organization. If your program is dependent on individuals, once they leave your organization, it will go with them, rest assured!
There are 3 key things that your OHS trends must be able to tell you as a business owner. Ideally, occupational health and safety (OHS) should be the topmost priority for any business owner in Ontario. That said, identifying and acting on OHS trends becomes even more important for business owners. This is simply because of the liability that OHS offenses can expose them to, coupled with the downtime and loss of productivity due to workplace injuries and accidents. This is where OHS trends can play a huge role.
It encourages workers to view health and safety as a ‘core responsibility’ rather than just a legislative requirement’. It starts with the senior management’s commitment, from which flows the staff accountability. All of this is tied up tight through strong systems and processes. Technology can be very helpful in making the systems and processes easy and effective, while keeping your program alive. In fact, the use of technology can make the whole workplace operate efficiently with improved productivity.
Health and safety hazards can appear due to factors such as people, equipment, material, environment, and process. What’s more, accidents and incidents are often not a result of a single event. Multiple factors contribute to such unfortunate events.
During COVID-19, Joint Health and Safety Committee certification training (JHSC training) is one of the most effective ways for employers to minimize COVID-19 workplace transmission.
COR™ is an occupational health and safety accreditation and a National Standard supported by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA). It is aimed at driving positive and safe workplace behavior and consistent practices, which lead to improved performance.
Clock Clock is ticking for getting COR™ certified in Ontario. Are you ready? In Ontario, COR™ has become a pre-requisite for many organizations such as Metrolinx, GTAA, TTC, Infrastructure Ontario, City of Brampton, City of Milton, and City of Toronto. That’s what started the buzz in the early part of 2016.
One vital thing you must note is that COR™ is a business strategy and not just a bidding tactic. COR™ certification is a process for consistency throughout the organization. Therefore, you need to start by looking at each element of the COR™ requirements. This is vital for setting up a process to capture and maintain the information. This is exactly why COR™ is a business strategy. Thus, you cannot just perceive COR™ certification as just another business tact for eligibility for bidding process. COR™ looks at a working system and proof of documentation on the activities that happen in an organization.
Key benefits of COR™ 2020 certification in Ontario, both as an employer and as a brand, include:
It helps to get assistance from a complete COR™ service partner for getting successfully accredited. CLICK HERE for more information.
You will be surprised to see the extent health and safety technology can influence your organization’s safety culture. All of us know the influence of smartphones and social media on all aspects of our lives. Today’s emerging culture is heavily dependent on technology. The same applies to the corporate culture in your organization. If technology is not a part of how you build and reinforce your corporate culture, you are going to fall behind.
