The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work During the COVID - 19 Pandemic
While the right to refuse unsafe work is always a possibility, that is all the more reason for employers to keep their workplaces safe to ensure such refusals are ultimately short-lived.
The Workplace Safety Blog
Carola holds firm in her 
belief that preventing occupational illnesses, injuries and fatalities requires proactivity, not reactivity to an accident. Working with a variety of industries in Niagara since 2004 provides for an understanding of their health and safety needs.
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Other articles by Carola
PREPAREDNESS PLAN: HOW TO GET YOUR BUSINESS READY for COVID-19
“Discriminatory action against any persons or communities because of an association with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), perceived or otherwise, is prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code. The coronavirus is not isolated to people of any particular ethnic origin, place of origin or race.”
How rampant is harassment?
Many workers experience workplace harassment - demeaning, abusive, or authoritarian behavior perpetuated by coworkers or even employers. Yet studies show that less than one in 10 victims of workplace harassment let the offending person know that they don't like it.
Do more than what regulations demand
It is no longer acceptable to simply build a safety management system with the limited purpose of meeting regulatory compliance. For an effective and successful health and safety program, employers must move beyond the bare minimum to engage and keep their valuable workforce.
Avoiding Ministry of Labour,Training & Skills Development Intervention
Harassment and violence are defined as workplace hazards. Employers must develop policies and programs that address hostility in the workplace as required under the OHSA.
Supporting Ontario Grape Growers
The governments of Canada and Ontario are committing up to $2 million for grape growers to support projects that will help grow Ontario's wine grape industry.
Why the Ministry May Target Your Workplace
Every year, Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) Inspectors hand out thousands of orders for non-compliance. In 2018 alone, inspectors issued 17,534 orders.MLTSD, Insoectors
The Four Cornerstones of Safety
Even if you’ve heard it before, there’s always value to being reminded of the fundamentals of good safety management. You may be busy; however, the following concepts are core to making good decisions and prioritizing safety tasks.
Cold Weather Workers
Exposed body extremities, fingers, noses, toes, ears and cheeks are especially susceptible to frostbite. While the rest of the body can remain warm and unaffected, the extremities suffer from a poor blood supply in extreme cold, leading to hardness and numbing without the victim realizing what is happening.
Health and Safety Challenges for Small to Mid-Size Companies
Small to mid-size companies have unique challenges because of limited resources and/or, limited funds for health and safety. Regardless of the limitations, responsibilities and OHSA requirements still remain for creating and maintaining a safe work environment.