Appendices

Appendix A: changes and amendments

These are major changes and amendments that impact occupational health and safety that came into force during the fiscal year April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

Selected changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and regulations

Effective July 1, 2022, changes to Part IX: Offences and Penalties of the OHSA came into effect. These included:

• Increasing the maximum fine from $100,000 to $1,500,000 for directors or officers of corporations. The maximum fine rises to $500,000 for all other individuals.
• Adding a list of aggravating factors that the court must consider when determining a penalty under the OHSA.
• Adding a new authority under the OHSA permitting the courts to impose an order, as set in regulation, on convicting a defendant, in addition to any fine or imprisonment imposed.
• Extending the limitation period for instituting a prosecution from one year to two years.

Amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), 1997

In 2022-2023, amendments were made to the WSIA, 1997. These amendments were to improve benefit entitlement for apprentices and improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of the WSIB.

For example:

• The WSIB is required to calculate the benefits of apprentices using the average earnings of a journeyperson in the same trade by the same employer or an employer in the same locality.
• The main offices of the WSIB may be located outside the City of Toronto.
• WSIB lease transactions no longer require approval from the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
• The WSIB Board of Directors has flexibility in setting dates for meetings.

Announcement that Ontario is expanding occupational cancer coverage for firefighters and fire investigators

In the Fall 2023, presumptive coverage for occupational cancer for firefighters was expanded to include primary-site thyroid and pancreatic cancers. This is intended to make it faster and easier for them and their families to access WSIB compensation and supports for these diseases by obviating the need for them to prove work-related causation in adjudication in respect of these occupational diseases.

Appendix B: System finances ($ millions)

Investments — By category

In 2022–2023, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and system partners continued to invest approximately $295 million to support the implementation of the integrated health and safety strategy.

Sources

Transfers to HSAs

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Transfer Payment Agreements (TPAs) with HSAs 2017-2018 to 2022-2023.

HSA self-generated revenue

HSAs audited financial statements 2017-2018 to 2022-2023.

Enforcement, Legislation/regulation development, Agencies, MLITSD Prevention Division

Government of Ontario IFIS Database 2017-2018 to 2021-2023.

Prevention grants

TPAs between the ministry and the grant recipients 2017-2018 to 2022-2023.

Research

Figures are based on the TPAs between the ministry and the grant recipients 2017-2018 to 2022-2023.

Health and Safety Excellence program

WSIB Prevention Program Statistics for 2022-2023.

Notes

Other than “Legislation/regulation development” and “HSA self-generated revenue,” all investments in OHS are funded by the WSIB through a portion of employer premiums.

“Agencies” include investments associated with the Office of the Worker Adviser, Office of the Employer Adviser and the associated administration.

“HSA self-generated revenue” are those generated by the HSAs through the sale of OHS products and services, bank interest income and investments of future benefits funds. These revenues are reinvested into the health and safety system.

HSA expenditures

The chart below states total actual spending by HSAs. For each HSA, most expenditures are directed to training, consulting and clinical services.

IHSA

Infrastructure Health and Safety Association

OHCOW

Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers

PSHSA

Public Services Health and Safety Association

WHSC

Workers Health and Safety Centre

WSN

Workplace Safety North

WSPS

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services

Source

HSAs’ 2022-23 Financial Reports submitted to Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Notes

Totals include expenditures from generated revenue.

“Mine Rescue Program” is established under the direction of the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. See Section 17 of Mines and Mining Plants, Revised Regulations of Ontario 1990 — Regulation 854 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Data limitations

The OHS data in this report is limited, as:

• Ministry enforcement data may change as a result of ongoing enforcement activities and investigations.
• Additional records could be added to the source databases after extraction, which would not be included in this report. This report is accurate as of the date the data was extracted.

Appendix C: system highlights

Safe work association risk assessment / root cause analysis (RCA)

Workplace Safety North (WSN)

RCA topic: WSN led five risk management research projects in the mining and forest product sectors:

• surface diamond drilling risk assessment (mining sector)
• surface diamond drilling RCA on emergency response time (mining sector)
• pedestrians struck by mobile equipment (corrugating sector)
• silviculture risk assessment (forestry sector)
• logging risk assessment (forestry sector)

Resulting tools / supports: Lockout-tagout (LOTO) was identified as a high risk in both the corrugating and pulp and paper sectors and significantly affects the resource sector. The risk was explored in detail by a multi-sector advisory committee.

The LOTO Workplace Assessment Tool was developed and includes:

• guidance tools (internal and external) — used to explain the LOTO workplace assessment protocol.
• Workplace Assessment Reporting Template — developed in the Continuum reporting platform.
• LOTO Climate Survey for workplace parties to complete
• LOTO Assessment Template (program administrator) — to be completed and returned prior to the LOTO workplace assessment

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS)

RCA topic: Food manufacturing

Resulting tools / supports: The risk assessment produced a Top 10 Risk List. This list was presented to industry representatives. The most highly ranked hazardous event was: “Inadequate or improper lockout/tag out of equipment.” This was selected for RCA in consultation with the participants / industry representatives. WSPS further identified all existing solutions to address those risks. The comprehensive list will be included on a dedicated Food Manufacturing webpage.

Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA)

RCA topic: Surface mining and aggregates — slips, trips and falls

Resulting tools / supports: Five weaknesses/opportunities were identified. This helps provide a systemic foundation for a reduction of slips, trips and falls in the surface mining and aggregates sector.

• in-depth industry review of regulations surrounding the surface mining and aggregates sector
• industry-approved best practice guidelines for surface mining and aggregates sectors
• industry-approved organizational workplace safety culture guidelines
• standardized industry-specific training practices with transferable certifications
• industry-specific fit-for-duty, mental health and wellness resources

IHSA is creating a resource page with information to support the reduction of slips, trips and falls in the surface mining and aggregates sectors.

Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA)

RCA topic: Paramedic services risk assessment & root cause analysis

Resulting tools / supports: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) injuries were identified as the top hazard during the risk assessment workshop for paramedic services. Risks involving ambulance design, equipment concerns, workplace violence, traffic protection and fatigue rounded out the top 10.

PSHSA is working with stakeholders to assist in implementing solutions for the following:

• culture: workplace violence
• processes: difficulty accessing appropriate support
• processes: dedicated time for training
• people: prioritize self care
• environment: negativity in workplace
• people: healthy people through career
• culture: stigma
• people: dedicated time for training
• tools and machines: Code Red/Black/Zero
• culture: know your stuff
• environment: work environment
• people: family support

OHS system research

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services & Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)

Research project: New study: Closing gaps in worker/manager OHS attitudes key to reducing manufacturing injuries

The goal was to study the differences between worker and manager perceptions, attitudes and beliefs regarding occupational health and safety in the Ontario manufacturing sector.

Overall, 3,963 (75.6 %) of all responses were included in the analysis. This included 2,401 (60.6 %) workers and 1,562 (39.4 %) managers/supervisors.

Next steps include increasing education and training for both management and workers and being proactive with respect to addressing health and safety issues and concerns. Phase two of the study (focus groups), is currently underway.

Outcomes: Results indicated there were differences and the practical next steps are to bridge the gaps.

The study highlighted the need for continued support for workplace parties to fulfill their roles and responsibilities to achieve occupational health and safety excellence.

VHA Home Healthcare

Research project: VHA Home HealthCare

The two-year transfer payment agreement (TPA) to VHA Home Healthcare funded a research project entitled “New home health care worker safety practices during the COVID-19 pandemic”. This had become more of a concern during the pandemic.

A cross-sectional survey was distributed among personal support workers (PSWs) and nurses from three homecare organizations in Ontario between May 31, and June 30, 2022. The survey was fully completed by 1,108 individuals (786 PSWs and 322 nurses).

62.5% of study participants followed recommended facial protective equipment (FPE) use. This rate is similar to that found in many institutional settings.

Outcomes: This study identified specific individual and organizational factors which influence home care workers’ adherence to FPE use. These factors can be used to target interventions to improve FPE adherence within this population.

For instance, educational messaging can focus on how FPE helps and how to use it properly.

Organizations can emphasize convenience of access when distributing FPE to their staff.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

Research project: Health and Safety Excellence program (HESp) | Partnership for Work, Health and Safety (ubc.ca)

The Partnership for Work, Health and Safety at the University of British Columbia conducted a study on whether HSEp is leading to safer Ontario workplaces. The interim report of the study was received in 2022.

In February 2022, the project was extended for another two years.

Outcomes: Findings were in four key areas:

• Rationale or motivation for enrolling in the program: Smaller businesses tend to be more motivated by health and safety. Larger businesses are more motivated by incentives.
• Impact on health and safety in organizations: Progressing through the program’s levels helps businesses create full health and safety management systems.
• Barriers and facilitators to participation: Smaller businesses perceive the program as “one size fits all.” This creates challenges for these businesses that require size-specific supports. Businesses with advanced health and safety programs question the return on investment.
• Recommendation or continuation in program: Overall, 86% of study participants would recommend the program to other businesses. Of those that would not recommend, it was often related to the workload, particularly for smaller businesses.

Nokiiwin Tribal Council

Research project: G’minoomaadozimin — We are Living Well Health and Safety Initiative, Nokiiwin Tribal Council — Share the path forward.

Last year’s annual report introduced Nokiiwin’s peer-support mobile application called Wiiji – “To Help.” The Wiiji app allows community members to identify their circle of care and reach out to peer support as needed.

In March 2023, Lakehead University and Nokiiwin Tribal Council completed the "Wiiji PeerConnect App Evaluation" study. 192 community members participated in the study.

Outcomes: Results will be available as an update in next year’s annual report.

Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA)

Research project: Lead firms to health and safety excellence with COR® and HSEp (PDF)

In July 2022, the University of British Columbia published the first in-depth study on the effect of COR® certification on health and safety in Ontario workplaces. Using data from both IHSA and WSIB, the study looked at injury rates of Ontario construction companies that have used/not used the COR® national standard to design, build, and improve their OHS management systems.

Outcomes: The study found that:

• lost-time injury rates among COR®-certified businesses in Ontario are, on average, 28% lower than their non-COR® counterparts
• high-impact injury rates are 20% lower for COR®-certified firms

Training modernization

Working at Heights (WAH) 5-year review

The Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) has the authority to establish standards for training programs required under the OHSA and its regulations, and to approve training programs which meet those standards. The CPO has established two standards relating to working at heights (WAH) in Ontario. They are:

• the WAH Training Program Standard
• the WAH Training Provider Standard

In most cases, Ontario employers must ensure that workers who are required to use specific fall protection equipment on construction projects complete a CPO-approved Working at Heights training program delivered by a CPO-approved training provider.

Approximately 1.1 million workers have successfully completed a CPO approved WAH training program.

Status / findings: The WAH Training Standards 5-year review concluded in March 2023. The revised WAH Standards will come into force on April 1, 2024.

The review led to several changes which will keep the standards modern and effective. Examples include:

• enhanced ladder section
• increased awareness of hazards associated with skylights
• additional equipment and damaged equipment
• accommodation requirements for different body types
• code of conduct requirement to ensure a harassment-free learning environment

Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Standards 5-year review

As part of a commitment made in the JHSC Certification Training Standards, the ministry is conducting a 5-year review of the standards. The goal is to ensure the standards remain effective, relevant and up to date.

Status / findings: JHSC Certification Training Standards 5-year review began in 2021 and continued through 2022-23.

OHS system information, resources and training

Radiation safety

Organization: Radiation Safety Institute of Canada (RSIC)

The RSIC project has three main objectives:

1. Increase radiation safety awareness and practices in Ontario workplaces that use radiation-emitting equipment or have registered radioactive sources.
2. Increase awareness of naturally occurring radiation (e.g., radon) and related safety practices across all stakeholder groups, including the public, workplaces and schools.
3. Develop industry-specific hazard recognition and solution capacity in the OHS system.

Safe for Work

Organization: Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS)

Safe for Work targeted young audiences on popular social media platforms like Instagram. Topics ranged from recognizing and mitigating potential hazards to knowing about rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Safe for Work has reached almost 4.5 million young workers ages 15–24. The campaign has garnered over 6 million impressions and 5.6 million video views, with more than half of viewers watching a video at least halfway through. Approximately 7.12% continued to view the video to 75% or more of its total run time.

This initiative has earned 273 new followers on WSPS’ youth-oriented channels. Viewers have also been engaging with the content, producing positive spikes in likes (7,383), comments (149), profile visits (18,884), and shares (51).

Customer Experience for Training Outcomes

Organization: Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS)

Of training participants surveyed for feedback:

• 83% of in-person respondents, 87% of virtual respondents and 92% of eLearning respondents indicated they would be able to apply their knowledge / skills learned from the training in their workplace.

Ensuring Training Excellence

Organization: Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC)

In 2022–2023, WHSC revised 25 training programs from their comprehensive course catalogue. Significant updates included training programs for Certification of JHSC members, worker health and safety representatives in smaller workplaces, supervisors, and workers operating equipment such as rigging and hoists. Current and future participants in these courses will be able to have considerable impact on OHS.

Youth safety

Organization: Our Youth at Work (OYAW)

OYAW aims to provide young and vulnerable workers with safety education to prevent deaths and injuries on the job. In 2022-2023 the program:

• provided at least 25 virtual zoom or team safety presentations in multiple locations across Ontario
• transferred workplace knowledge to 200,000 young college students and high school co-operative students, union trade apprentices and new employees and parents
• trained 250 high school principals and co-operative teachers in the Ambassador Safety Program and Safety Charter
• hosted presentations to 25 high schools, colleges, universities, parent associations, Indigenous centres and newcomer centres
• hosted 15 safety presentations to sectors that include construction, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, health sciences, nuclear, trades and utilities

Proactive compliance initiatives

Organization: Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)

For the 2022-23 proactive compliance initiatives, the ministry worked with the HSAs and other system partners to educate stakeholders on various initiatives as they enter the enforcement phase. Education and outreach included:

• providing webinars to the relevant sectors focusing on what inspectors would be looking for and how workplaces can prepare for the inspection
• developing and communicating resources to assist workplaces
• offering training sessions on the focus of the initiatives
• providing resources on the initiative during field visits

Information on the initiatives and their results can be found in Prevention Works Objective 3: support workplaces to fulfill their OHS roles and responsibilities and achieve excellence

More examples of system support for OHS excellence

Health and Safety Excellence Program

Workplace Safety North (WSN)

WSN has been a sponsor of the Health and Safety Excellence program since its launch in 2020. WSN supports over 100 firms through regional OHS Specialists who provide program development and guidance on addressing workplace risks. Results in 2022-2023 include:

• 125 participants in the Excellence training program
• $236,000 Excellence WSIB program rebate for 41 WSN-sponsored firms that advanced their health and safety programs
• 40 occupational health and safety materials developed for Brilliance program
• 20 educational webinars on prevention delivered
• 10,633 small business participant training hours
• 1,392 small business consultation hours
• 222 small business consultations

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS)

In 2022-2023, WSPS support for the Health and Safety Excellence program resulted in:

• 323 HSEp registrations (up 53.5% from 2021)
• 212 HSEp smaller businesses (99 employees or less — up 107% from 2022)
• $1.4 million in WSIB rebates (2022 calendar year)
• 104,800 employees represented (up 42% from 2021 as reported by businesses)

Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA)

In 2022-2023, IHSA support for the Health and Safety Excellence program resulted in:

• 6 in-person seminars held in 6 locations throughout the province
• 1 virtual seminar
• 1 OHSMS conference in collaboration with the COR® program
• 95 attendees at in-person and virtual seminar
• 107 attendees at the OHSMS conference
• 273 registrations in HSEp
• $2,026,338.48 in regular rebates and $440,130.91 in incentive rebates issued

Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA)

PSHSA has been an active provider of the Health and Safety Excellence program since its launch in 2019. PSHSA’s Health and Safety Consultants and Excellence Program Leads supported 98+ registered clients with program requirements, health and safety program development, and guidance on addressing workplace hazards and risks.

Additional results in 2022-2023 include:

• $691,104.08 in WSIB rebates for 29 PSHSA members, available to re-invest in workplace safety
• A 25% increase in PSHSA’s new client membership
• 21 new occupational health and safety materials developed and distributed
• 5 educational webinars on health and safety prevention
• 243 individuals attended educational events
• Approximately 23% of active registered clients represented small business

Ontario Mine Rescue Provincial Competition

Organization: Workplace Safety North (WSN)

The 2022 Ontario Mine Rescue provincial competition was held in June at the Vale Creighton Mine in Sudbury. Seven teams tested their skills in a simulated mine rescue underground. The team from Newmont Musselwhite Mine won the coveted gold hardhats and provincial championship trophy this year. In 2022, there were 144 participants in district competitions from 23 mines in Ontario, with the winning eight teams moving on to the provincial competition.

Vale Totten Mine, Ontario mine rescue

Organization: Workplace Safety North (WSN)

On September 26, 2021, the main shaft elevator for Vale Totten mine was damaged. Almost 40 underground workers were unable to exit to surface. Shawn Rideout, Ontario Chief Mine Rescue Officer, coordinated the successful rescue effort. There were 53 rescuers including five mine rescue officers. The evacuation was coordinated safely, without incident or injury.

In May 2022, Shawn Rideout, Chief Mine Rescue Officer at Ontario Mine Rescue, and Stephanie Bleker, Manager of Vale Totten Mine, received the Mining Safety Leadership Medal from the Canadian Institute for Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum at its annual convention awards gala

League of Champions

Organization: Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA)

On February 1, 2022, the ministry approved the OGCA’s League of Champions (LOC) funding for the 2021-24 fiscal years. Through the second-year funding, LOC committed to the following outcomes:

• Increase COR® certification 25%. All contractor members will become COR® or ISO 45001 certified within 24 months of enrolment.
• Expand the development of members’ Safety Culture Score Card. Support participants in setting and achieving individual targets.
• Present to at least 10 student and industry groups during the year.
• Have at least 22 members participate in the Safety Culture initiative. Includes the 11 companies who participated in year 1 and an additional 11 who will join the program in year 2.

More examples of small business initiatives

Downtown Health and Safety Days

Organization: Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS)

In 2022-2023, 7,465 small businesses received health and safety services from WSPS including consulting or training. More than 85% of participants reported that their health and safety knowledge increased to a high degree as a result of this training. Throughout the year, the WSPS small business team also conducted outreach through community groups and associations to educate, promote free health and safety resources, and answer questions.

For example, the Downtown Health and Safety Day initiative involved a WSPS Account Representative, a WSPS volunteer (when available), and a community Business Improvement Area or Chamber of Commerce representative walking the main street and visiting small businesses to promote health and safety resources, and answer questions. Health and Safety Days in Kingsville, London, Fenlon Falls and Collingwood included 72 visits to businesses.

Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards

Organization: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

The WSIB’s Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards recognize small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees that have gone above and beyond to keep their employees healthy and safe. Recognizing that small businesses have been disproportionally impacted by the pandemic, the WSIB doubled the prize amounts compared to previous years: $10,000 (gold), $6,000 (silver), $4,000 (bronze). The WSIB received a total of 112 applications. Award winners included:

• Gold level — Just Working Construction Inc., Kitchener-Waterloo
• Silver level — Northern Equipment Rentals, Sudbury
• Bronze level — Diamond Tree Care and Consulting Inc., Georgetown

Two occupational disease compensation initiatives

McIntyre Powder was administered to miners by their employers for decades in Ontario mines in the belief that it prevented silicosis. Researchers from Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) continue to diagnose the harmful and life-long damage to miners’ health caused by exposure to the substance. The WSIB has now amended Schedule 3 of O. Reg 175/98 to provide for presumptive coverage for Parkinson’s disease arising from any process in the mining industry involving McIntyre Powder.

McIntyre Powder and its potential contributions to cardiovascular disease risk: A literature review through the McIntyre Powder historical lens in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (June 2022)

Authors: Andrew M. Zarnke, OHCOW; Christine Oliver, MD, OHCOW / Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto

Zarnke and Oliver continue their study of data from 1943 to 1979, when mine workers in Ontario (as well as other locations throughout Canada and worldwide) were exposed to the powder in their workplace, often in high concentrations.

Findings: The 2022 study builds on the body of prior evidence showing a strong causal association between occupational exposure to McIntyre Powder and lung disease, damage to the immune system, and gene-exposure interactions.

Bone aluminum measured in miners exposed to McIntyre Powder (May 2022)

Authors: L.M. Bickley; D. Cowan; F.E. McNeill; D.R. Chettle – McMaster University

J. Martell; D. Wilken; W. Yan; A. Zarnke; K. Hedges – OHCOW

Fifteen former miners (volunteers) who breathed in McIntyre Powder (between 1943 and 1979) were taken by OHCOW to the neutron activation analysis facility at McMaster University. The aim was to see if, and how much, aluminum is present in bone some 40 years after being exposed.

Findings: This study provides more evidence for neurological adverse health effects for miners exposed to McIntyre Powder.

More examples of work-related mental health and workplace violence and harassment initiatives

Care+ Project

Organization: Unity Health

Unity Health Toronto completed its Care+ project. This aimed to develop an accessible resource support package for personal support workers working in long-term care homes during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The package includes mental health and wellness resources in both official languages. Highlights in 2022-2023 include:

• 50 educational events (200 people)
• 83 newsletters
• 5 long-term care home sessions (100 people)
• 5 shelter sessions (100 people)
• 4,078 printed Care+ packages distributed (50 French)
• 13 interviews with leadership staff

The Care+ website received an average of 21 daily views, while the Care+ package was viewed 246 times and downloaded 95 times.

Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care Initiative

Organizations:

• Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
• Public Services Health and Safety Association

From June 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, the ministry conducted a health and safety proactive compliance initiative, which focused on workplace violence prevention. This included safe transfer and transition of care in health care workplaces. The focus was on education, outreach and awareness, in partnership with the Public Services Health and Safety Association. The goal was to help employers comply with OHSA and its regulations prior to focused inspections. MLITSD Inspectors:

• conducted 404 field visits with 37 support role activities
• visited 361 workplaces
• issued 255 orders and requirements

To learn more, please see Compliance initiative results: workplace violence prevention.

Preventing Workplace Violence in Education Initiative

Organizations:

• Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
• Public Services Health and Safety Association

From April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, MLITSD conducted a health and safety proactive compliance initiative focused on workplace violence in publicly funded elementary and secondary schools in Ontario. The initiative began by focusing on education, outreach and awareness for employers. The goal was to help employers comply with the OHSA and its regulations prior to focused inspections.

Ministry inspectors started the enforcement phase on February 1, 2023 to check for compliance. They:

• conducted 347 field visits with 121 support role activities
• visited 299 school workplaces
• issued 121 orders and requirements

Workplace Mental Health Project

Organization: Workplace Safety North (WSN)

WSN’s workplace mental health project has developed and delivered in-person and online training programs for mining and forestry operations. Through an online portal, workers and employers can access mental health tools and resources 24-7, as well as free resources and awareness sessions.

Now in its third and final year, work continues to enhance and update the program to meet employer needs. Impacts of WSN mental health interventions include:

• more than 70% of participants said they increased their skill in controlling mental health hazards
• almost 90% increased their prevention knowledge
• more than 85% changed their practice or behaviour

Building Mental Health

Organization: Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO)

Building Mental Health targets Ontario’s most vulnerable construction workers. This includes injured workers, young workers, new hires, women and remote workers. Project deliverables include:

• offer training courses that focus on mental health disorders and ways to improve mental health awareness and culture
• embed “The Working Mind” mental health program into apprenticeship programs and offer women-focused training sessions
• work with St. John’s Ambulance to offer opioid response training
• deliver seminars and develop resources on the OHSA to promote OHS awareness
• support workers and supervisors in understanding their roles and responsibilities to improve workplace safety
• as of September 2023, delivered 55 sessions targeting mental health and OHS support to workers and supervisors in the construction sector

Opioid Harm Reduction

Organizations:

• Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
• Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA)

In 2022-23, IHSA became a system-wide steering committee co-chair lead for the Workplace Opioid Harm Reduction Working Group. They are leading a three-year project aimed at reducing opioid-related harms through prevention and supportive intervention strategies. As part of this initiative, IHSA has also worked alongside the ministry to implement new resources aimed at supporting employers around the new naloxone regulation set out in OHSA.

Appendix D: system partner annual reports

More information on the work done by OHS system partners can be found in their annual reports through the links below.

• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
• Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA)
• Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
• Workplace Safety North (WSN)
• The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
• Institute for Work and Health (IWH)
• Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA)
• Centre for Research Expertise and Occupational Disease (CREOD)
• Workers Health and Safety Center (WHSC)
• Centre for Research in Occupation Safety and Health