Ontario develops first workplace health and safety strategy

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour has developed what it calls the province’s first integrated strategy to prevent injuries and improve the delivery of workplace health and safety.

Developed in consultation with business, labour groups, health and safety associations, and a selection of Ontario citizens, the Government heard from more than 1,250 consultation participants and received 220 responses to the consultation paper which was released March 18, 2013.

The strategy will guide the Ministry of Labour in setting priorities to prevent injuries and create a culture where health and safety is at the centre of every workplace.

The strategy includes actions to:

• support small businesses with new resources to keep workers safe

• ensure that all workers, especially those most at risk, receive the help they need

• make the delivery of health and safety services more effective and efficient

• raise awareness among Ontarians about ways to stay safe and healthy at work

• foster compliance with workplace health and safety regulations

“This is the province’s first integrated health and safety strategy and builds on recent Ministry of Labour initiatives to protect workers and keep them safe at work,” the Ministry said in a statement. Initiatives include:

• introducing mandatory health and safety training for workers and supervisors

• creating task groups for small businesses and for vulnerable workers to address occupational health and safety issues

• weekend and after-hours workplace inspections