Prize money doubled in recognition of pandemic hardships
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| Lisa Dupuis, Health and Safety Specialist at Workplace Safety North, says the Ontario Health and Safety Excellence program is a great way for small businesses to invest in health and safety, and add to their bottom line. |
Each year, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) recognizes the health and safety achievements of small businesses through the Elizabeth Witmer Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards.
Small businesses were disproportionately affected by the pandemic, and the WSIB wants to recognize their efforts – whether big enhancements or small changes – to improve their workplace safety, and help employees and customers feel confident and safe. This year, the monetary prize amounts were doubled for the top three businesses: $10,000 (gold), $6,000 (silver), $4,000 (bronze).
Applications are now open and independently owned and operated businesses with fewer than 50 employees are invited to share their unique health and safety success story by July 29, 2022.
Health and Safety Excellence program doubles rebates
WSIB also announced it has doubled rebates for small businesses (with fewer than 100 employees) enrolled in the Health and Safety Excellence program.
“This is a great incentive to get small businesses investing in workplace health and safety programs,” says Lisa Dupuis, Health and Safety Specialist at Workplace Safety North (WSN). “Workplace Safety North has been an approved provider of the Excellence program since it launched in 2020.”
The Health and Safety Excellence program is a performance-based rewards program from the WSIB.
“The Excellence program helps Ontario businesses develop a living and breathing health and safety program,” says Dupuis, “and gives them a clear roadmap on how to improve workplace health and safety.
“We are encouraging all eligible small businesses to apply for this award, and want to hear from any small businesses that would like to learn more about the Health and Safety Excellence program. It is a great way to create a safer workplace and earn both financial and non-financial rewards,” she notes.
Learn more about the Elizabeth Witmer Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards at the WSIB website.
2021 Award Winners
2021 winners announced at virtual WSIB awards ceremony on November 25, 2021:
- Gold level – Tara Natural Foods, Kingston
- Silver level – First General Muskoka, Huntsville
- Bronze level – Aardvark Drilling Inc., Guelph
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