The Workwell Audit guideline as posted on the WSIB website includes an outline of the reasons for being and the connection to possible additional premiums levied against employers "who do not maintain safe and healthy work environments".   The document above outlines:

• How employers are identified
• How employers are notified
• The evaluation process
• The completed report
• Re-evaluation visits (if employer fails first visit)
• Additional Premium charges

 None of the plants represented at this event had experienced a Workwell Audit.   A number of plants represented are WSIB Safety Group members.   Feedback from EMC contacts that have been through Workwell Audits previously, resulted in the following tip list:

• Note that inspectors do not give part scores for any one category - score is full or zero.
• Extremely important to document all parts of your policies/training & organize it for easy accessibility.   One member noted keeping all documentation in one binder.
• Use the Workwell Audit document as above as a guide to organize your binder.
• Bullet all points in your programs to match the WSIB requirements (use same wording as per requirements & OHSA - you do not have to reword in your own language).
• When checking policies/procedures against the Workwell document - be sure to also check latest version of OHSA as the latest revision of the above document is dated May, 2003.
• If using a team to review policies/procedure, keep it simple; review progress at each meeting; piggyback H&S communications/short training sessions with other meetings such as employee town hall meetings.
• Involve your managers by including them in your monthly inspections.
• One member suggested that when having employees sign off on training, give them a checklist of items covered in the training and have them initial each item and sign the document.

 Round Table Discussion followed re: challenges, issues and solutions regarding WSIB and MOL inspections.    Members noted the fact that if an inspector visits your plant and that visit results in orders for changes, send a letter very quickly to acknowledge the orders and outline how you are working towards instituting changes.

Brockville members present didn't feel that extra Health & Safety related meetings were necessary in this Consortium.   Three of the SIGs on the schedule this year are H&S topics.   IAPA provides meetings in the area on specific topics and several of our members are also EMC Safety Group members, therefore they have an opportunity to attend five Safety Group meetings per year.