" Safe at Work Ontario"

Ministry of Labour (Inspectors Brad Moon, Alain Roy & Matt Clouthier)

Main points (detailed presentation on web site):

·        Launched in June, 2008

·        Expansion of selection criteria for inspections beyond WSIB stats - now inspections are based on a combinations of factors - H&S record, history of non-compliance & presence of H&S hazards (sector hazards)

·        MOL may inspect workplaces that have had no injuries

·        Move to a emphasis on prevention in sync with WSIB initiative

·        Focus is on enforcement, compliance & partnership

·        Future inspections will be longer with emphasis on communication

·        Results if a first inspection will determine the degree of future intervention.

·        Website is being updated

·        TIP - Sector plans are available on the MOL website (www.ontario.ca/SafeAtWorkOntario). A plant can use these to check against your workplace & plan for future inspections.

·        Blitzes will be longer in future

·        Currently running a Young Workers blitz

·        Future blitzes this year - Hazardous Materials, Fall Prevention & Lifting Devices (scissor lifts/booms/cranes)

·        Integrated delivery - MOL/WSIB/Safe Work Associations

·        Bill 168 will bring major changes to the H&S Act - Violence in the Workplace & Work Refusal legislation changes.

·        Do WSIB, MOL & MOE work together?   A new legal framework will allow information to be shared when one of another is in a building and sees an infraction (slow implementation).

·        How to define MSD issues in a workplace of aging workers? Suggestion to have Inspectors bring along an Ergonomist next year.

·        Are Blitzes here to stay?     YES

" Road to Zero"

Bill Pritchard, Denis Valiquette and Jason Nash, Disability Prevention Specialists

Main Points:

·        Focus on prevention - action + deed

·        Skip + Safety Groups + Incentive Program + Accreditation

·        Compliance is first step + Workwell + Accreditation

·        Forms need to develop a "Safety Culture" in their buildings

·        Need to connect Safety culture" with "good business".

·        This is starting to become a standard with customers.

·        Re: claims - if you have any doubts about the validity of a claim, the best time to bring this forward is at the beginning when the form 7 is being filled out and sent.

·        Neer program is under review - linking it to the H&S program

·        Suggestion to keep claim costs down - eliminate all short term claims by having a competent RTW program in your buildings.   Note:   After two days (over $500) your premium rate will go up so try to get that person right back to work with modified duties.

·        When offering light duties -always make a paper offer and have them sign off that they agree or refuse.

·        Try to reach out to doctors.

Ministry of the Environment

Michael Doggett, Supervisor Program Services (Eastern Ontario) + Inspectors Craig Dobiech, Marc Robert & Brad Eckert

Main Points (detailed presentation on website):

·        Work out of Operations division - field arms of MOE

·        Offices in Cornwall/Kingston and Ottawa

·        "one window" into the ministry

·        Education & outreach; consultation; pollution incident response (complaints); emergency response (spills); inspections & abatement; after-hours officers

·        Ensure compliance with ministry legislation

·        Intertwine with MOL

·        Biggest complaints from public are odours/spills

·        Making an effort to integrate planning between different groups

·        Major problem with Certificates of Approvals is communication & incomplete applications

·        Most important stage of a C of A application is the time spent at the front end - invest in getting it right; call the district office if you have questions

·        Two Keys to Success:

1)     Demonstrate compliance to meet requirements & prepare a quality application

2)    Meaningful communication - pre-consult the ministry; communicate with the public; anticipate issues that go beyond compliance; transparent submissions; time & responsibility for the project.

·        Environment Industry Business Directory -http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/business/index.php

See presentation for contact numbers for all Eastern Ontario District Offices.