Upcoming Virtual Safety Connections 

WSPS has developed a new ergonomics risk assessment tool called the Preliminary Ergonomics Risk Assessment Tool (PERAT). This tool was design with a simple approach in mind that requires low time commitment to complete and minimal technology to adopt. It is an effective method to identify MSD hazards, assess risk, and prioritize workplace tasks for further assessment and controls. This session will provide a first look at the PERAT tool and will include a live demonstration of the tool.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is the primary method used to protect workers from hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance activities. However, there are situations where a full lockout may not be practical or feasible, particularly when accessing machinery or robotic systems for specific tasks.

This session will explore alternative methods that can be used to provide equivalent worker protection when full LOTO is not applied. We will review when LOTO is required, the conditions that may permit alternative safeguarding methods, relevant legislative requirements, and the standards that govern these practices.

Participants will also gain a better understanding of their responsibilities and the steps needed to evaluate and implement safe alternatives.What you'll take away:

• Understand when LOTO is mandatory and when alternatives may be considered.
• Learn the legal and standards-based requirements for alternative methods.
• Recognize key risk assessment and safeguarding considerations.
• Identify practical next steps for applying these concepts in your workplace.

Back by popular demand with new updates! Want to learn more about recent (effective July 2026) changes to Ontario’s JHSC Certification programs? Feel like your committee is stuck in a cycle of “inspect, meet, repeat”? Unleash your JHSC superhero within! We’re sharing practical tips for making sense of the mandate and getting organized, deeply engaging members and non-members alike, strengthening communication and trust around the table including during decision making, making JHSC activities more visible, and setting data-driven JHSC annual goals. Whether your committee is big or small, this session is for you.

You’ve got your safety boots and clipboard but are you really ready to spot hazards in every category? Still asking workers “any concerns”? Just checking off the boxes on the checklist? Level up your workplace inspections with this session! Learn how to develop a comprehensive inspection strategy, build tools that meet your unique needs, craft targeted questions for stimulating discussion and deeper insights, simultaneously measure and support your Internal Responsibility System, prevent your inspection from becoming “cleanup time”, and learn what to do with info you collect. We’re even sharing tips to spot hidden hazards! This session is interactive – bring your own best inspection tips to share with the group!

With the busy holiday season approaching, employees at retail workplaces will be busy fulfilling orders and serving customers. They will be asked to handle goods at every step of a product’s movement including receiving, unpacking, storing, transporting, stocking, point of sale, customer assist and delivery. Recognizing and controlling the hazards that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders at each step along a product’s path is something every retail employer should be working to achieve. Join us for an informative webinar focused on improving material handling, ladder and pedestrian safety in retail environments, including the introduction to a new tool kit to assist businesses with identifying hazards and tips to control and eliminate risks.
This webinar is designed for retail managers, safety officers, and employees. By attending, you will gain valuable knowledge and practical tips to create a safer work environment and reduce the risk of injuries.

This session is designed for retail managers, safety officers, and employees. By attending, you will gain valuable knowledge and practical tips to create a safer work environment and reduce the risk of injuries.

Creating a psychologically healthy and safe workplace begins with understanding where psychosocial hazards exist and how they impact workers. This 90-minute session will explore practical methods organizations can use to identify psychological safety risks, including workplace inspections, incident and complaint investigations, employee focus groups, psychosocial hazard assessments, and the collection and analysis of organizational metrics. Participants will learn how to move beyond reactive approaches and develop a proactive hazard identification process aligned with occupational health and safety principles.

The session will also examine how aggregate data can be used to uncover emerging trends and risk factors, including absenteeism, disability claims, turnover, employee surveys, grievances, harassment complaints, and other workplace indicators. Through real-world examples, participants will gain an understanding of how to gather meaningful information, engage employees in the process, and translate findings into targeted prevention and risk-reduction strategies that support psychological health, safety, and organizational performance.

Are you a supervisor who manages machine operators? If so, this foundational session is designed specifically for you. As a frontline leader, your role is critical in ensuring a safe and compliant work environment. This session will equip you with the essential knowledge and practical tools to identify and control machine-related hazards, enforce safety protocols, and foster a culture of safety within your team.

Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, you'll learn:

• The basics of machine safety and regulatory requirements
• Common risks associated with industrial machinery
• How to conduct and support machine safety inspections
• Machine lifecycle phases and guarding ideas & LOTO
• Strategies for effective communication with operators about safety
• Your responsibilities in incident prevention and response

Whether you're new to supervising machine operations or looking to refresh your safety knowledge, this session will help you to lead with confidence and keep your team safe.

Are you a small businesses with 5–50 employees looking to create a health and safety system in your business? Join us to learn more about the Safety Excellence for Leaders Program and how this program can help build a strong safety culture with easy steps. This program is connected to the Health and Safety Excellence program.

Human factors play a critical role in workplace safety by shaping how people perceive risk, make decisions, and interact with their environment. This 90‑minute virtual session focuses on how everyday actions - often routine and automatic - can either increase or reduce the likelihood of incidents.

Participants will explore key influences:

• performance
• fatigue
• cognitive load
• time pressure
• communication
• system design

Using real-world examples, the webinar will highlight practical ways to design safer systems, support better decision-making, and strengthen workplace culture. Attendees will be equipped with practical ideas and perspectives that can be applied to improve safety and decision-making.

Join an ongoing discussion series that brings together representatives from the agricultural sector, government, community organizations, and Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). Each session provides an interactive forum to exchange insights, discuss current challenges, share practical solutions, and engage in open Q and A. Participate as often as you like, and network with others committed to advancing health and safety in the agricultural sector.

This online event will outline:

• MLITSD Occupational Hygiene Campaign on Noise 2026-27
• Employer Responsibilities
• Potential MLITSD orders and how to comply
• Resources to help you prepare

Safety starts with identifying hazards- before they cause injury, illness or property damage. Some hazards are obvious, while others hide in plain site. And once you identify one, the next question is: What do you do about it, how do you know if you are effectively controlling the hazard to prevent injuries and illnesses?

This session breaks down hazards and hazard assessments in a simple practical way. You Will learn how to use the RACE method to recognize hazards, understand basic risk assessment techniques, choose the right controls and check whether those controls actually work to reduce the risk to your workers.

By the end, you’ll see how a coordinated hazard identification and risk assessment system makes day‑to‑day work safer, clearer, and easier for everyone.

Workplace impairment can arise from many sources: fatigue, stress, medications, substance use, personal or psychosocial factors, and more. This 90‑minute WSPS Safety Connection provides a practical introduction to workplace impairment and fitness‑for‑duty within a health and safety context, including the roles and responsibilities of employers, supervisors, workers, HR, and the JHSC.

Participants will learn how to recognize potential signs of impairment, engage in supportive conversations, understand when additional considerations may be needed for safety‑sensitive tasks, and explore high‑level expectations around documentation, confidentiality, and accommodation. We’ll also highlight WSPS tools and Building Blocks resources available to help organizations strengthen or develop their own impairment and fit‑for‑work programs.

This Safety Connection will provide updated information for school boards on the status of funded supports related to technical learning environments and skilled trades programs.

Service and hospitality sectors across Ontario are experiencing growing threats of workplace violence and harassment, such as uncivil, disrespectful, and abusive behaviours. This session will discuss why these behaviours are on the rise and how to effectively de-escalate individuals using an approach of caring, understanding and validating. We will explore how employers can create a comprehensive program and equip workers with the necessary skills to manage violence in the workplace.

This strategy aims not only to prevent violence and harassment, but also to create a safer environment for employees, emphasizing the importance of a psychologically safe workplace. Participants will be provided with a number of free resources to either begin implementing a workplace violence and harassment program in their workplace, or to expand and improve existing initiatives.

This session focuses on pedestrian safety in manufacturing environments, emphasizing the high risks associated with workers sharing space with vehicles and mobile equipment. It highlights key hazards such as poor visibility, congestion, and distractions and presents data showing significant injury and fatality rates linked to pedestrian incidents.

The material outlines a hierarchy of controls (from elimination to PPE) and provides practical strategies, tools, and technologies to reduce risks and improve workplace safety. Through case studies and best practices, the session reinforces the importance of proactive hazard assessment, strong safety culture, and continuous improvement to prevent injuries and save lives.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, workplace safety is crucial. Join us for an informative session where we’ll explore fundamental safety practices applicable to everyone. Topics Covered:

• Identifying Common Hazards: Learn how to recognize and address everyday workplace risks.
• Understanding Roles: Discover the distinct responsibilities of employers, managers, and employees.
• Resources: Discover essential resources that will support your health and safety journey. Whether it’s training materials, guidelines, or best practices, we’ve got you covered.

This webinar will equip Ontario employers and workers with the knowledge to distinguish legitimate, standards and compliant PPE from counterfeit or non‑certified products. Participants will learn how to verify compliance with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), understand required certifications such as CSA, NIOSH, and Health Canada approvals, and spot the red flags that indicate fake or unsafe equipment. By attending, organizations may enhance their due diligence processes and increase confidence that the PPE they purchase and use offers appropriate protection for workers across Ontario worksites.

Strengthen your retail operations with practical approaches to prevent crime and respond confidently when issues arise. In this session, you’ll explore how to:

• Create a Safer Layout: Apply smart design choices that lower risk while keeping your space inviting.
• Manage Challenging Interactions: Use effective techniques to calm tense situations and handle disruptive behaviour.
• Plan for the Unexpected: Build clear procedures for emergencies like evacuations, lockdowns, or suspicious items.
• Define Team Responsibilities: Establish who does what, and ensure regular reviews to stay ahead of potential risks.

Give your team the knowledge and confidence to maintain a secure, resilient retail environment.

This session explores how transformational leadership can strengthen organizational culture, improve engagement, and drive long‑term performance. Participants will learn the core principles of transformational leadership, understand why it outperforms traditional compliance‑based approaches, and discover practical strategies for modeling behaviors, building trust, and empowering teams. The presentation blends concepts with actionable tools, helping leaders create safer, more resilient workplaces through influence, vision, and authentic connection.

Are you doing your best in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses? Want to earn financial incentives while building a healthier and safer workplace? Join Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) as we explore WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program and the many ways the program can benefit your business.