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April 2022

Ontario Working for Workers by Raising the Minimum Wage

Ontario is raising the general minimum wage to $15.50 per hour, starting October 1, 2022. This eight per cent increase over one year will help workers keep up with rising costs and inflation.

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Ontario Passes Working for Workers Act 2

These legislative changes deliver better protections, bigger paycheques and greater opportunities for workers and their families.

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Ontario Helping More Young People Start Careers in the Skilled Trades

The Ontario government is expanding its investment in pre-apprenticeship training to a record $28 million, providing more young people with the training they need to launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Pre-apprenticeship training programs are free for participants, combine classroom training with on-the-job learning, and play a crucial role in reducing Ontario’s skilled labour shortage.

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Ontario Names Expert Panel to Expand Health and Benefits Coverage

The Ontario government has appointed five experts to provide advice on expanding benefits like health, dental and vision care to more workers, even if they change jobs. Members of our Portable Benefits Advisory Panel will recommend the design and implementation of a new plan that will cover millions of precarious workers in sectors such as retail, the gig economy, and hospitality, and would be the first-of-its-kind in North America.

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Ontario Launching First-Ever Review of Occupational Illnesses

The Ontario government is launching the first-ever review of the province’s occupational illness system. Conducted by the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, an independent research centre with expertise in studying complex community health issues, the review will evaluate how occupational illnesses in Ontario are identified, monitored, and prevented. The review will deliver lasting change for injured workers and their families.

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Ontario Investing Over $5 Million in Health and Safety Research at Lakehead

The Ontario government is investing $5.5 million in ground-breaking workplace health and safety research led by the Enhancing Prevention of Injury and Disability @ Work (EPID@Work) Research Institute at Lakehead University. The funding will contribute to the Institute’s leading research in several key areas including, reducing mental health stigma in the workplace and designing injury prevention programs for vulnerable workers in Northwestern Ontario.

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2022-23 Health and Safety Compliance Initiative Schedule

The 2022-23 health and safety compliance initiative schedule is now available online. Each year the ministry schedules compliance initiatives in specific sectors to protect workers' rights under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Standards Act, and enhance employers' awareness of their responsibilities. The first initiative, the Struck by, Motor Vehicle Incident and Mobile Equipment Initiative, began on April 1 and focuses on:

increasing awareness of hazards related to driving and working around mobile equipment
increasing compliance with OHSA and its regulations
providing education and awareness of the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act and its regulations

The Health and Safety Associations have begun providing compliance assistance to workplaces prior to the focused initiative inspections which will begin May 1 and run through to the end of June.

Wellness Hub

You’re invited to access Wellness Hub, an online portal that provides resources and support to key stakeholders in congregate living settings (including long-term care homes, retirement homes and shelters) prevent and manage infectious disease outbreaks, promote vaccine uptake, and optimize occupational and mental health and wellness during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

New survey to inform post-COVID transition from remote to hybrid work 

COVID-19 has had a large impact on workers, with many of the changes lasting post-pandemic. A new survey by The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders will help understand the challenges and opportunities created by remote work. Findings will guide initiatives to support workers coming out of COVID-19 restrictions and continuing hybrid work arrangements. Take the survey by April 29.

Latest IHSA podcast focuses on road safety in Northern Ontario

Driving in Northern Ontario presents a unique set of driving-related hazards and some not so obvious differences than driving in Southern Ontario. Some road users don’t understand or fail to consider the uniqueness and are unprepared for safe traveling. Whether you drive a commercial motor vehicle or a passenger vehicle, it’s important to be aware of the driving hazards and unique road conditions in Northern Ontario. The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association’s newest podcast episode provides great tips for driving in Northern Ontario.

New research: safety culture tool, treating injured workers, episodic conditions

Institute for Work & Health (IWH) news and updates:

Here’s an example of what research can do: The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s Health and Safety Excellence Program incorporates IWH’s evidence-based safety culture tool, allowing for benchmarking and tracking trends over time.
Calling all front-line health-care providers in Ontario who want to share problems and solutions about treating patients with work-related injuries and illnesses. Help IWH pilot this new approach and register for the next round of Project ECHO OEM.
If you have a chronic, episodic health condition that you need to manage while working, you can help an IWH team test a new tool to support accommodation planning. Find out if you are eligible to take part.

Virtual Mining Health and Safety Conference on April 27 and Free Webinar

Workplace Safety North (WSN) news and updates:

You're invited to attend the Virtual Mining Health and Safety Conference on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. The free event themed, "Unearthing the Way Forward," will welcome up to 500 delegates to discuss the most pressing issues we are all facing, share knowledge of industry hazards, as well as the programs and innovations making workplaces safer. Learn more.
You’re invited to attend a free webinar, “Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Hazards in Underground and Surface Mines,” hosted by WSN and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development on Thursday, April 28, 2022. Learn more.

E-Share Service and Updates on COVID-19 Practices and Procedures

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) is pleased to announce the launch of E-Share: a secure, cloud-based, file-sharing service. Parties who choose to use this service will receive WSIAT case materials faster and be able to access them at their convenience.
WSIAT has revised several documents relating to practices and procedures during COVID-19:
- WSIAT Adjudication Update
- Best Practices: Zoom Teleconference and Videoconference Hearing Information for Representatives and Parties
- Tips for an Electronic WSIAT Hearing

Businesses can now view claim information through their WSIB online services account

The Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) has expanded their online offerings to make it easier for businesses to work with them and support their employees after a workplace injury or illness. Now through their WSIB online services account, businesses can get the information they need about registered claims including claim status, latest payments and approved benefits. They can also submit documents directly to claim files and send messages. Get started.

Help employees recover from COVID-19 burnout, right to disconnect, confined spaces guidance, COVID-19 controls and Small Biz podcast

Workplace Safety & Prevention Service (WSPS) news and updates:

Many factors may contribute to COVID-related burnout and WSPS Specialized Consultant, Kart Vyas, has six recommendations that support physical, social and mental health.
Effective June 2, 2022, employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees must develop a written “disconnecting from work” policy. Find out why disconnecting is important and get tips on creating a policy for your business.
Do you work in a confined space? This document was developed in collaboration with WSPS and Infrastructure Health & Safety Association to provide information and guidance on establishing a Confined Space Program.
Should your workplace lift its restrictions in line with the province? “Not necessarily,” says WSPS Consultant Pamela Patry. “It’s about merging them into a sustainable system.” Learn more.
Free podcast: Violence and Harassment Prevention: De-escalation Tips. Is your business experiencing increased customer aggression? Safety expert Kristy Cork shares tips on managing angry or agitated customers. Drea Mulligan from Sleeping Giant Brewery also offers insights on creating a culture of caring for employees.

Court bulletins

View bulletins on recent court decisions that resulted in fines and other penalties under Ontario’s workplace laws.

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