What’s new and changing for occupational health and safety in 2016
Upcoming legislative changes plus annual calendar of events
A new year brings both new developments and recurring annual events. Highlights in 2016 include ongoing Ministry of Labour (MOL) workplace inspection blitzes, and the introduction of a new Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) course jointly developed by Ontario’s four health and safety associations to aid in the transition to global standards. Also noteworthy is new mining health and safety legislation for water management, ground control, and traffic management plans.
Regular annual events like the Northern Ontario Safety Group sessions, Workplace Excellence Awards, and Mining Health and Safety Conference continue to help make workplaces safer. In August, there will be an influx of international visitors to the Sudbury region as Workplace Safety North and Ontario Mine Rescue host the International Mines Rescue Competition – for the first time ever in Canada! It’s going to be another busy, productive and safe year.
January
Jan 4: New mining health and safety service available. Key Hazards Assessment designed to help mining companies meet upcoming changes to mining health and safety legislation. Subject matter experts are available to assess ground control, occupational disease, water management, traffic plans, worker fatigue, and skills training.
Jan 11: Mining webinar: MOL Blitz - Occupational Disease reviews what to expect from Ministry of Labour mining health and safety inspections in February and March.
Jan 15: Public input due on proposed amendments to mining health and safety regulations.
February
Feb: New training course WHMIS1988/WHMIS2015 includes information on both old and new Workplace Hazard Materials Information System versions to ensure all Ontario workplace health and safety programs meet legal training standards during the Canadian transition period to global standards.
Feb-Oct: Small Business Health and Safety Program - WSIB northern Ontario session dates
Feb 28: Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day
Feb-Mar: Ontario Ministry of Labour mining health and safety inspection blitz: Occupational Disease
March
Mar: Ontario Ministry of Labour mining health and safety inspection blitz: Occupational Disease
Mar 1: New Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) certification training standards
Mar 15: Early entry deadline for mining Workplace Excellence Awards
April
April 5-7: Mining Health and Safety Conference
May
May 3-8: North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week
May 12-13: District Mine Rescue Competitions
June
Jun 1: Entry deadline for Workplace Excellence Awards
Jun 9-10: Provincial Mine Rescue Competition
August
Aug 19-26: International Mines Rescue Competition
September
Sep: Annual Workplace Excellence Awards Dinner
October