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September 2021

Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit extended to December 31, 2021

Paid infectious disease emergency leave was set to end September 25, 2021. It will now continue until December 31, 2021.

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Changes to self-isolation requirements

In general, after a high-risk exposure to someone with COVID-19, a worker must stay at home except for medical emergencies and may not attend the workplace — to prevent them from infecting others before they know if they are infected. Changes in the Ministry of Health guidelines have decreased the time required for self-isolation to 10 days (from 14 days). In addition, after a high-risk exposure, a fully vaccinated or previously positive worker who is asymptomatic may be permitted by public health to leave the home including to attend the workplace if wearing a mask and maintaining physical distancing when outside of the home.

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Post-vaccination COVID-19 occupational health and safety

Vaccines are a good complement to workplace exposure controls but cannot replace them — the two work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. New resources help explain why it remains important to maintain workplace controls that prevent exposure to COVID-19 even after workers and customers are vaccinated and what some of those key controls are:

Factsheet for employers | Infographic poster – Why | Infographic poster – What

Ministry improving and expanding newcomer settlement and languages services program

To help newcomers back on their feet, Ontario is improving our settlement and language training services to better teach the skills new immigrants need to find work. This includes language training specific to their field of work, career planning and helping them make connections to employers while they learn. The ministry is inviting organizations to submit proposals to deliver these improved services that will better help newcomers settle and succeed in Ontario and contribute their skills and experience to Ontario’s workforce. Submissions will be open on the Transfer Payment Ontario website until October 18, 2021.

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COVID-19 webinars: Information for employers & workers about ESA and OHSA

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is hosting webinars to help workers and employers better understand better their rights and obligations under the Employment Standards Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act as they relate to COVID-19.

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Inspection of crane hook blocks

Learn about the importance of periodic inspection of hook block assemblies used on cranes.

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WSIAT: Stakeholder event

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal will host a virtual information session for representatives, parties and other interested stakeholders on September 28, 2021. Updates will be provided by Tribunal Chair, Rosemarie McCutcheon. There will also be updates on Zoom Audio for Hearings and Recent WSIAT Decisions.

Learn more and register

CRE-MSD: Workplace webinar series for Global Ergonomics Month

The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) news and updates:

Pivoting Back to the Workplace Webinar Series: Join CRE-MSD in Global Ergonomics Month this October for a webinar series featuring five international experts. This free four-part webinar series will assist organizations to learn about and help prevent physical, cognitive and psychological challenges related to remote work practices implemented during COVID-19. Register Now

IWH: World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, OHS vulnerability and workers’ cardiovascular health

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

The XXII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work takes place virtually September 20-23. Here’s your chance to connect with OHS leaders and innovators from around the world.
Workers in jobs that fail to offer the minimum employment standards are at increased risk of injury—all the more so when they also face OHS vulnerability.
Physically demanding work can be harmful to workers’ cardiovascular health: a IWH researcher outlines the evidence and how workplaces can help.
A new telementoring project is now registering Ontario health-care providers who need advice and support treating people with work-related injuries and illnesses.
On September 28, study authors present a webinar on their estimates of the nature and extent of claim suppression in B.C.

OHCOW: Free webinars on education & COVID-19 and ergonomics

Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) news and updates:

Free September 24 webinar to address COVID-19 and education, including safe cleaning tip, school reopening lessons and more.

PSHSA: Annual General Meeting, updates on the latest workplace violence prevention and COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance

Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) news and updates:

Join us for PSHSA’s Annual General Meeting on September 16, 2021 where we'll highlight key achievements from the past year, look forward to the future and unite around purpose.
Tune into two new recorded webinars to learn more about the latest workplace violence prevention toolkits on Work Refusals and Emergency Response (Code White), and how these can help strengthen your healthcare organization’s workplace violence prevention program.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance recently updated to support employers and workers in remaining healthy and safe during the pandemic.

WSN: Free mental health workshops, resource list of mining and forest products risk assessment and root-cause analyses

Workplace Safety North (WSN) news and updates:

Sept. 29 free lunch and learn webinar: Exploring the Evolution of Workplace Mental Health features Maureen Shaw, former CEO, Industrial Accident Prevention Association.
Oct. 6-27 Healthy Workplace month free workshops on mental health leadership, self-care, resiliency, and empathy. Join Wellness Wednesdays for four expert presentations on mental health.
Access new webpages listing results of all completed risk assessments and root-cause analyses for Ontario mining, forestry, and pulp and paper sectors.

WSPS: Workplace inspections, sanitizing workplaces, webinars, podcasts and more

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

Read about what workplace inspectors are finding after 60,000 pandemic visits: COVID-19 compliance and other hazards and infractions.
The latest on sanitizing workplaces: 7 best practices.
With CSA Group's new standard and guideline, workplaces can improve management of impairment risks.
Free Safety Connection Webinars. Topics include mental health, emergency response, fall protection and more.
New Small Biz Safety podcast episode covers free health and safety representative training, new Digital Main Street funding and tips on keeping COVID protocols strong.

Court bulletins

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

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What's New is published by

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

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Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
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Toronto, ON M7A 1T7
Canada