Small Biz Safety

Struggling to balance business and managing health and safety? WSPS consultant Amanda Gorman shares simple ways to make safety part of your daily routine to save time, money, and stress. Plus, get the latest on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development inspections and how to prepare.

Show Notes

In the News: Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development inspections

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) aims to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and promotes and enforces employment standards. Each year, provincial health and safety campaigns focus on specific high-risk hazards or topics. This year, the following campaigns will take place:

• April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026 - Material Handling
• April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 - Exposure to Chemical Agents
• April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 - WHMIS Training
• June 2, 2025 – March 31, 2026 - MSD Prevention in the Retail Sector

Check out this page to learn more about current inspections and access free resources and webinars.

Balancing Business and Safety

• Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre to get free resources and guides to help build a strong health and safety program.
• What does the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) mean? - This Internal Responsibility System (IRS) primer will help you understand your role and the role of others in protecting workers from harm.
• Free eCourse - Health & Safety Awareness Training for Ontario Workers - This interactive self-paced awareness eCourse is designed to build awareness for workers around health and safety in the workplace. It meets the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)'s Worker Awareness requirements outlined in the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• New worker training: Are you meeting your legal requirements? - Hiring new workers? Find out what safety training you need to provide employees to stay in compliance and follow best practices. Plus, get effective training tips.
• Do your workplace supervisors understand their role? 'Due diligence' explained - Do your supervisors understand their legal responsibilities? Do they know the expectation of due diligence? Find out how to set them up for success.
• Quick Safety Tips - Supervisors - Watch this series of short videos to learn more about the role of a supervisor, what it means to be competent, what makes a supervisor effective, and more.
• Appointing Competent Supervision (video)

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)

Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).

Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

These days, many of us are feeling tired and stressed. In this episode, we'll discuss what causes fatigue, how it affects workplace safety, and how to handle it. You'll also get tips to manage stress, plus learn how safety can save you time and money, with free resources to help.

Note: This episode was recorded on March 17, 2025. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

In the News: Save money and time with safety You're no doubt looking for ways to save time and cut costs at this critical time. If you're a WSIB-registered business in the agriculture, manufacturing, or service sector, you're entitled to free health and safety services from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. We can help you meet your legal obligations without additional costs and ensure your team stays safe on the job. Find out more about your Member Benefits.

Managing Workplace Fatigue

· 7 workplace strategies for managing employee fatigue (Workplace Safety & Prevention Services)

· How well is your workplace managing the risks of shift work? 6 things employers can do (Workplace Safety & Prevention Services)

· We're all exhausted. Here's what workplaces can do about it (Workplace Safety & Prevention Services)

· Employee Fatigue Self-Assessment Tool (CSA) – Link will download the self-assessment tool in Word format

· Fatigue resources (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) – Access fact sheets, infographics and other resources on fatigue.

· Tips to avoid drowsy driving (The Canada Safety Council)

· 3 questions to ask about fatigue in your organization (OHS Canada)

· Fatigue impairment (WorkSafe BC)

Stress

· Provincial Mental Health Support (CAMH)

· Mental Health - Coping With Stress (Government of Canada)

· Workplace stress is at an all-time high: 9 ways you can help (Workplace Safety & Prevention Services)

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)

Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre

Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).

Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

Ontario retail businesses are struggling to cope with a sharp rise in crime, violence and harassment. Hear tips on how you can protect your workplace and team with a new comprehensive guide on retail safety. Plus, learn what changes the Working for Workers Five Act makes to the OHSA and is now law and how it may impact your business.

Note: This episode was recorded December 9, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

In the News: Working for Workers Five Act

• The Working for Workers Five Act (Bill 190) is now law: Learn how inspectors will check for compliance

Retail Safety & Security Guide

Check out the Retail Safety & Security Guide on the Retail Council of Canada's website.

Articles and videos

• Respond to crime and violence in your retail business with this free guide
• Retail theft and violence: 6 ways to keep your staff and business safe
• Avoid violent encounters at work: 4 expert tips to safely handle a person in distress
• 5 de-escalation tips when responding to agitated customers
• De-escalating high-stress situations at work: 4 stages to aggression, 4 responses
• Hiring a security guard? Here's what you need to know
• 6 expert tips to support people after a traumatic workplace event
• Small Biz Bytes Video Series: Workplace Violence and Harassment (video)
• Safety in 60 seconds: Violence and harassment safety tips (video series)

Guides, sample policies and other resources

• Workplace Violence and Harassment Toolbox - Information, tools and assessments that can be useful to employers as they identify hazards and risks related to violence and harassment.
• Workplace Harassment Policy
• Reporting Workplace Violence and Harassment Procedures
• Workplace Harassment Investigations in Small Businesses: Tips for Employers
• Employee Violence Risk Assessment Questionnaire
• Security Guard Industry Toolkit: Risks, Hazards and Solutions

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

• Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre.
• Have health and safety questions? Contact WSPS Customer Care online or call 1
• 877-494-WSPS (9777).
• Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

The busy fall season has arrived and so have seasonal challenges. Cooler weather can bring worker fatigue, respiratory illnesses, seasonal depression, and more. Learn how to protect yourself and your team (1:55). Plus, a reminder about temporary help agencies and recruiters licensing in Ontario (:43).

Note: This episode was recorded on October 8, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

In the News

• New temporary help agency licensing requirements: How do they impact your business?
• What training should employers provide for temporary workers? (video)
• Who is responsible for training temporary workers? (video)
• Licensing for temporary help agencies and recruiters (Ontario.ca)

Prepping for the busy season

• 9 workplace tips for a safe and healthy fall season
• We're all exhausted. Here's what workplaces can do about it
• The 'January Blues' are coming: 4 tips to foster a psychologically safe workplace
• Top 3 winter hazards: how to keep employees safe
• Holiday countdown: keep employees safe with this 7-point checklist
• 9 ways to help your employees avoid cold stress

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Looking for Small Biz safety resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre

Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).

Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

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In this episode, we are joined by Alicia Woods, CEO of Covergalls, a company whose mission is to transform workwear for women around the world by providing safe, and inclusive workwear designed with a woman's body in mind. She shares her inspiring story and offers tips for small businesses on prioritizing the health and safety of all workers when choosing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Note: This episode was recorded on July 31, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

• Covergalls - Transforming workwear for women around the world by providing safe, and inclusive workwear.

• Poor design and fit of PPE put women workers at greater risk, says new CSA study

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

• Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre
• Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).
• Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

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Do you know the First Aid requirements for Ontario businesses? Test your knowledge as our hosts Pam Patry and Shawn Chadwick answer common questions about First Aid (2:30). Plus, learn some steps you can take to reduce the potential for theft, violence and harassment as grocery and convenience stores are gearing up to sell alcohol (1:00).

Note: This episode was recorded on August 6, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

In the News

• Selling alcohol in your grocery or convenience store? 7 tips to keep staff safe (WSPS.CA)

Hazard Assessments

• Perform a hazard assessment to make your business safer: a step-by-step guide (WSPS.CA)
• How to Identify and Assess your Hazards: Using the WSPS Hazard Assessment Tool (video, WSPS.CA)
• Simple Hazard Assessment Tool
• Small Business Hazard Assessment Tool

First Aid

• Reg. 1101: First Aid Requirements, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 16, Sched. A
• First Aid Program (WSIB.ca)
• Providers approved to deliver emergency and standard first aid (WSIB.ca)

Naloxone

• Naloxone kits and addictions in the workplace: balancing privacy with responsibility (WSPS.CA)
• Small Biz Safety Podcast Episode 24 | Naloxone requirements: how will they impact your business?
• Safety in 60 Seconds – safety tip videos on naloxone in the workplace

Small Biz Safety Podcast – Episode 36

#36 – Keeping young people safe at work: Tips for your business

Hear practical tips on keeping young workers safe from three unique perspectives - an OHS professional, a parent and a young worker (2:22). Plus, learn about a new program providing upskilling programs for workers and connecting job seekers with employment. (1:00) Then, get tips on staying safe in the heat this summer (24:45).

Note: This episode was recorded on June 25, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

News Release - Ontario Providing More Than $6 Million to Train Over 1,000 Carpenters - Investment through provincial Skills Development Fund will help connect workers with good-paying, high-demand jobs. (Ontario.ca)

WSIB Safety Check - Check the safety record of businesses across Ontario and compare their health and safety results of similar businesses. Also, find out if a business has joined our Health and Safety Excellence program. (WSIB)

First Job, Safe Job: Helping parents keep kids safe at work - A blog offering parents and caregivers information, resources and advice to help them prepare the young workers in their lives for a safe and positive work experience. (WSPS)

15 tips for getting safety messages across to young workers this summer - Stats show that young workers are more likely to get injured or killed at work compared to their more experienced coworkers. Here are 15 things to consider when training young workers this summer. (WSPS.CA)

Quick Safety Tips: New and Young Workers - Watch this series for tips to effectively train new and young workers and keep them safe at work. (WSPS.CA)

4 tips to protect young workers — and your business - Set up your newly hired young workers – and your business – for success with these training tips. (WSPS.CA)

Heat Stress Resources – Access articles, videos, guides and more to keep your workers safe in the heat. (WSPS.CA)

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

• Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre
• Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).
• Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

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Like Canada, your small business is diverse. Your employees may include new Canadians, temporary foreign workers, or others with English as their second language. Learn tips to overcome language and cultural barriers and about new multilingual resources that will help your workers understand common hazards. Plus, hear about potential changes to the OHSA and how they will impact small businesses (:51 seconds). Guest is Bill Hong Chen, Small Business Account Representative, WSPS.

Note: This episode was recorded on May 22, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

• Multilingual agriculture and manufacturing safety resources: Remove language barriers to your workers' safety with free learning resources targeting the top health and safety hazards faced by the agriculture and manufacturing sectors; available in seven languages.
• Working for Workers Act Five (Ontario.ca)

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

• Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre
• Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).
• Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

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Hear about two powerful resources you can use to make your small business safer. Get updated on a new online safety handbook that can be customized for your business, and short videos so you will better understand legal obligations. Plus, learn about a new blog that can help parents keep their teens safe at work.

Note: This episode was recorded on April 17, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

· Health & Safety Orientation Handbook Generator

· Small Biz Bytes short video series

· First Job, Safe Job – blog to help parents keep their teens safe at work

· Free resources simplify health and safety for small businesses (article)

· Spring safety: Be prepared for these 5 seasonal hazards

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre

Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).

Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

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What is rack safety and what should your business do to get started? Get answers and practical tips to keep your workers and your operations protected. Guests are Marc and Charles from Damotech. Plus, get tips on winter hazards for work and home.

Note: This episode was recorded on January 24, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.

Show Notes

Damotech

• Rack Safety Blog - Damotech
• Rack Safety Flywheel
• Resources and Downloads
• Damotech - Damotech helps companies keep their warehouses and employees safe by maintaining the integrity of their pallet racking systems.

NEW resources to help control racking hazards

• Racking Safety for Employers
• Racking Safety for Supervisors
• Racking Safety for Workers

Other resources

• Business in Motion: Managing Material Hazards. Use this toolkit to help identify material handling tasks, document their location, and highlight why they pose potential safety hazards.
• Material Handling in Manufacturing (Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Initiative) (pre-recorded webinar)
• Storage Rack Safety Check
• Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development - Guideline for the safe operation and maintenance of powered lift trucks in Ontario
• Safety in 60 seconds: Safety tips videos on Warehouse and Distribution
• 6 things you need to know about PSRs
• Safety in 60 seconds: Safety tips videos on PSRs

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

• Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre
• Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Customer Care online or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).
• Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Contact [email protected].

Follow WSPS on social media

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• Facebook
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