November 11th Newsletter

Your input is needed for the Fall 2022 Ontario Economic Report

The GNCC and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) are looking for your insights on issues that matter to your businesses. How confident are you in Ontario’s economy and your organization’s outlook? What should governments prioritize to drive economic growth?

Your participation in our annual Business Confidence Survey is as important as ever. The results of the survey will inform the 2023 Ontario Economic Report: the landmark research platform of the OCC, offering a unique perspective on the experience of businesses of all sizes across the province.

Small Business Resources

• CPO Small Business Resouce Collection – The attached PDF from the CPO provides a round-up of resources from across the prevention system that help make OHS easier for small businesses. Check it out and share the links with your small business contacts!

• Small Biz Safety – New Episodes

• • Episode 22: What to expect during a Ministry workplace inspection – If a Ministry inspector knocked on your door today – would your business be ready? We welcome Adina from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) to share tips so you’ll be ready for a possible inspection (2:43). Also, get updates on new COVID guidelines (:58) and how you can train your health and safety rep for free (1:25)! Then, learn how quality sleep can improve your physical and mental health (16:23)

• • 3 new Small Biz Safety Mini Podcast Episodes – It’s Small Business Week, and the WSPS Small Biz Safety podcast is celebrating with 3 new mini episodes. Each bite-sized episode is under 10 minutes – perfect for busy business owners to listen to on the go. Links to the new episodes are:

o   How a new FREE resource can benefit your business & promote mental health

§  Host Meron Samuel chats with Dr. Bill Howatt, an international expert in workplace mental health, about a new resource called the Mental Harm Prevention Roadmap. Learn how this free resource can support workers’ mental health and prevent mental harm – no matter where you are on your journey!

o   Save time and money with workplace ergonomics

§  Small Business Week falls in October, but did you know October is also Ergonomics Month? In this mini episode, we’re joined by Ergonomics Specialist Don Patten. Find out why ergonomics is important for the safety of workers – and how it can save you time and money! Then, get 3 tips on how to easily implement ergonomics in your workplace.

o   Grow your safety program & earn REBATES with the Health and Safety Excellence Program

§  In our final Small Business Week mini episode, we share how the Health and Safety Excellence program can help improve your safety program and provide WSIB rebates! Learn how Orillia-based small business Simcoe Sewer & Water Ltd. got started – and how you can too. Then, get an update on how you can DOUBLE your rebates.

New article: MLITSD Fall Harvest Strategy

• Fall Harvest: MLITSD to Focus on Farms – To help ensure the safety of temporary foreign agriculture workers, the MLITSD is implementing a Fall Harvest Inspection Strategy until November 30th. Find out what inspectors are looking for and how you can prepare.

WSPS & MLITSD Recorded Webinars

• MLITSD Healthy Worker Healthy Workplace Initiative: Silica Exposure in Industrial Workplaces – This webinar, jointly presented by the MLITSD and WSPS will provide valuable information to help workplaces better understand designated substances and the prevention of exposure to crystalline silica.

• Using masks in the workplace: Learn about how to select, care for and use masks to protect workers from COVID-19 – This presentation provides information for business owners and employers to help you make decisions about the use of masks in your workplace and how to effectively develop your workplace policies. Learn about workplace controls and where masking fits, and how you can best use masking to protect your employees.