For provincially regulated workplaces in Ontario, a written health and safety policy must be developed if you regularly employ six (6) or more workers. The policy must be reviewed annually and should be dated and signed by the highest level of management at the workplace. An effective health and safety policy establishes the employer’s intention… Read more »
Working At Heights: What You Need To Know About Training and Certification
When looking for Working At Heights training, you need to know that you will receive certified training that will permit you to work from heights throughout Ontario. Working At Heights training ensures that workers are qualified to perform their job safely. Do I Need Working At Heights Training In Ontario? Construction projects in Ontario… Read more »
What is a Lifeline?
Lifelines are an essential component in some fall protection systems. They consist of a length of synthetic fibre or steel wire rope. You attach your lifeline to an independent point of anchorage on the work surface to ensure stability at the job site. A lifeline can be both horizontal or vertical. Horizontal Lifelines A horizontal… Read more »
The Hierarchy of Hazard Controls
Controlling occupational hazards and reducing risk of injuries requires an understanding and application of the hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy of controls focuses on the most effective fall protection system at any given worksite. There are five levels of hazard controls ranging from highest and most effective to lowest priority and least effective in terms… Read more »
Types of Full-Body Harnesses
A CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved full-body harness is required in order to safely work at heights, but which harness is right for the job? That can vary. There are five major class types of full-body harnesses you can use, each designed for a specific task. To find out which class your full-body harness belongs… Read more »
Choosing Safe Anchor Points
When attaching a lanyard or lifeline to a surface at heights, you use what is known as an anchor. The structure you are connecting the anchor to is known as an anchorage. Lastly, the anchor point (also known as a tie-off point) is the point where your anchor is temporarily or permanently attached securely to… Read more »
Why is there no WHMIS 2021?
Canada developed the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) in 1988 based on the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) in the Hazardous Products Act (HPA). WHMIS 1988 became the national hazard communication standard in Canada until the WHMIS update in February 2015. WHMIS 2015 was updated to incorporate the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling… Read more »
The Three Ways SDS Sheets Keep You Safe
Safety Data Sheets are an invaluable part of keeping your workplace safe. WHMIS regulations insist upon all workplaces having SDS sheets. There are three key ways SDS sheets keep you safe in the workplace each day. Firstly, SDS sheets keep you safe through their sheer level of detail. The information present allows you to fully… Read more »
Pictograms: Your Guide to the WHMIS Symbols
When you’re on the job, you’ll work with a variety of different products. Some of these products are potentially harmful. That’s why WHMIS has a series of symbols called Pictograms designed to communicate any potential dangers certain products might have. There are 10 Pictograms as of WHMIS 2015. WHMIS only had eight pictograms upon its… Read more »
WHMIS Requirements for Employers
Safety is the paramount concern with WHMIS. Once you have completed your training, you know your workplace responsibilities. You may still be wondering what your employer must do to keep you safe. Your employer must follow several guidelines to ensure workplace safety: All controlled products must be labeled appropriately before using, storing, handling, or disposing of those… Read more »
The Two Hazard Groups And How They Get Into Your Body
There are two types of hazards: physical hazards and health hazards. Physical hazards will result in immediate injury to the body. The effects of health hazards may be felt within moments or over a prolonged period from initial exposure and are primarily concerned with illness or disease. There are four ways hazardous materials can enter… Read more »
WHMIS Certificates: What You Need To Know
After earning their WHMIS certificate, employees often wonder under what circumstances they will have to redo their certification. Will the training be valid at another job? Across Canada? Will it expire? Your WHMIS certification is valid even if you switch workplaces. You can work without re-training if you have your WHMIS certificate for the current… Read more »
Rights, Duties, and Functions of JHSCs
The rights, duties, and functions of Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC) are intertwined. The function of the committee is to support the IRS and ensure that it is functioning effectively. To do this, the JHSC has several duties which it is able to perform thanks to the rights afforded to it by the Occupational… Read more »
Fall Protection in Alberta vs Working at Heights in Ontario
The need for fall protection training is critical, regardless of the province where you work. The hazards do not change from province to province. The definitions of working at heights, or when you require fall protection training may differ from province to province, but the underlying hazards do not change. There is no equivalency for… Read more »
Forklift License or Forklift Certification?
In the CSA lift truck standards, the word license is not present and you do not require one. The standard sets out a training requirement that must be met prior to operating a forklift, and it is recommended to have a proof of training certificate showing you have been trained on how to operate each… Read more »
The classes of TDG by Ground
In the processes of Transporting of Dangerous Goods by Ground the proper classes must be displayed on the truck, and be documented in the paperwork associated with the shipment. The consignor of the shipment is responsible by law for determining the correct classification of the dangerous goods being transported, and the contents must be classified before… Read more »
What is included in a Fire Safety Plan?
Fire Safety Plans and Fire Safety Training are crucial in the continued safety of all employees in the case of a fire emergency. These steps can include safe exiting procedures, what to do if you are trapped, where to meet after leaving the building, where firefighting professionals can find site documents, and important contact information…. Read more »
Who is considered a competent person?
Who is considered a Competent Person for Practical Training? There are a number of courses available online that state there is a “practical” portion to be completed alongside a competent person once the theory component is complete. A competent person is someone who is knowledgable about, and comfortable performing, the operations on equipment and machinery… Read more »
Requirements of Workplace Violence & Harassment Training in 2021
Workplace violence and harassment training in 2021 is being updated to a federally regulated standard, to ensure consistent definitions across all provinces.
Do I need Fall Protection Equipment on an Elevated Work Platform?
Elevated work platforms, or EWPs, are excellent tools that can be used to substitute ladders and scaffolds, and provide a potentially safer means of performing work at an elevation. These systems do require training on proper operation, maintenance, and personal fall protection systems while in use. Depending on where in Canada you are working, you… Read more »
Setting up a Covid19 Back to Work Plan
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has forced many companies to come to terms with pandemic planning. Some employers had used the SARS crisis of 2003 as a springboard to develop pandemic plans. Unfortunately, some smaller businesses have not really had a chance to develop these types of plans. Setting up to return to work can… Read more »
New Course Announcement: Standard First Aid
Worksite Safety is excited to announce we that are now offering Standard First Aid/CPR C/AED training in our Mississauga and Calgary training facilities!
FAQ: JHSC Online Training
Course Format The online JHSC training sessions are delivered by a live instructor online over a 3 day period, taking place virtually between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Please log in by 8:00 am on the first day, in order to allow time for any potential technical challenges to joining the sessions and allow for… Read more »
Understanding The Working At Heights Refresher & Training Requirements
In Ontario, the Construction Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91) requires that workers who use fall protection systems are adequately trained and that the training meets the Working at Heights training requirements under O. Reg. 297/13. This training is designed to provide a basic understanding of rights and responsibilities of working at heights as well as an… Read more »
Do I need training to wear a safety harness?
Do I need training to wear a safety harness? The simple answer is yes, you require training to wear a safety harness. The bigger questions are: Why do I need to wear a safety harness? Why is this training so important? A safety harness is, by definition, a piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that… Read more »
What is WHMIS?
Learn about the latest changes to WHMIS training in Canada. The “WHMIS 2015” legislation introduced the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). This update comes with some significant changes including updated pictograms, a new safety data sheet format, and changes to supplier labels.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect Canada, we will be updating our protective measures in order to continue to prioritize the safety of our staff and our customers. These additional measures are subject to change at any time. Classroom Protocols Our classroom policy will vary depending on the training location and the measures… Read more »
Fall Protection: Safe Work Plans and Procedures
When fall hazards at your worksite cannot be eliminated, they must be controlled. When a hazard exists that cannot be eliminated entirely, you must have a hazard assessment completed and create a written Fall Protection Plan. What is in a Fall Protection Plan? Fall Protection Plans include a lot of important information, which is needed… Read more »
Ontario Health and Safety Compliance Plan: Personal Protective Equipment
Throughout 2019 and 2020, the Ontario government has been overviewing the construction, mining, industrial and healthcare industries on an array of topics. Their plan has been active since April 1, 2019, and ends on March 31, 2020. There will be two phases to each initiative, focusing on a different health and safety topic. Phase 1Education,… Read more »
TDG By Air (IATA) Training Requirements
What is IATA? IATA is the International Air Transportation Association, and they provide consolidated resources for scheduling air traffic, route management, and regulate the services provided by airlines in over 85 countries. IATA also regulates the transportation of dangerous goods training requirements for its stakeholders. Who requires Training? Nearly everyone working in the transportation of… Read more »
Confined Space Entry Roles and Responsibilities
A person is considered to have entered into a confined space when their body passes through an opening into an area, meaning that just reaching your arm into a confined space is considered entry and would require training. Each province has a slightly different definition of a confined space, but there are 4 common… Read more »
What is Asbestos
What is asbestos, how is it made, what is it used for, and what are the health risks? All of these questions are answered in this article and training course.
Transporting Dangerous Goods: How to read a UN Number
Reading a TDG By Ground UN Number, including the packaging type, group, and manufacturer ID.
TDG by Ground: Shipping Document Overview
This is an overview of the TDG by ground Shipping Document, and how to fill them out properly.
WHMIS 2015 Pictograms
This is an outline of WHMIS 2015 pictograms, and how each should be used.
The Dangers of H2S
H2S, or Hydrogen Sulfide, is a commonly used gas in many fields, but it is a hazard to work around when not properly educated.