What’s new and changing for occupational health and safety in 2017
Legislative changes plus annual calendar of events
The new year is an opportunity to reset and plan for the months ahead. Occupational health and safety highlights include new legal requirements for mining health and safety on January 1, ongoing Ministry of Labour (MOL) workplace inspection blitzes, plus more training options will be available for Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Part 2 for office and manufacturing workers.
In addition, annual events like the Workplace Excellence Awards, Northern Ontario Safety Group, and Mining Health and Safety Conference continue to help make workplaces safer. Mark your 2017 calendar in advance and keep your organization in the know – here’s a roundup of upcoming occupational health and safety events for 2017.
January
Jan 1: New requirements for Ontario mines take effect
Jan 1: Small business owners must meet Ontario’s Accessible Employment Law
Jan: Joint Health and Safety Committee certification training for Offices and Manufacturing
Jan 11: Mining webinar: MOL inspection blitz - Mine Plants - Safe Work Practices for Processing
Jan 12: Mining webinar and meeting: Ontario Ministry of Labour consultation with mining industry
Jan 18: Deadline for Call for Papers for 2017 Mining Health and Safety Conference
Jan 24-25: Think Safe: Operational level risk assessment in mining - Register Sudbury
February
Feb 1-2: Think Safe Operational level risk assessment in mining - Register Timmins
Feb 28: Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day
Feb-Oct: Small Business Health and Safety Program - WSIB northern Ontario session dates
March
Mar 15: Early deadline for Workplace Excellence Award submission
April 1: End of two-year transition period for Ontario employers to ensure workers have completed an MOL-approved Working at Heights Safety Training course as per the Construction Projects Regulation.
Apr 18-20: Mining Health and Safety Conference - presentations, sponsorships, trade show
Apr-May: Steps for Life – Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy
May
May 1-7: North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week
May 11-12: District Mine Recue Competitions
May 30-Jun 1: Canadian Mining Expo – Timmins – visit WSN booth
June
Jun 1: Entry deadline for Workplace Excellence Awards
Jun 6-9: Provincial Mine Rescue Competition – Goderich
September
Sep 27: WSN Annual General Meeting and Workplace Excellence Awards Dinner
October
Oct 15-21: Small Business Week
December
Dec 11: Deadline for 2018 Northern Ontario Safety Group application