December 2023

Supreme Court’s Decision in R v. Sudbury

Source: OGCA November 16 Newsletter

On November 10, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) released its highly anticipated decision on Ontario (Labour) v Sudbury (City). On appeal from the Ontario Court of Appeal (“ONCA”), previously analyzed by McMillan LLP, the SCC reviewed the intertwined occupational health and safety duties of owners, constructors, and employers on construction sites.

In doing so, the SCC let stand the ONCA finding that an owner, even if their role was limited to occasionally having employees on site for quality assurance, has equal responsibility and liability under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) as the constructor with whom the owner contracted to oversee the project in the first place.

Learn More on the Supreme Courts Decision

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario Helping Contain Costs of Building Roads and New Homes

Proposal prohibiting fees to locate underground infrastructure such as gas and water lines would improve safety and efficiency

November 22, 2023

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government is introducing The Building Infrastructure Safely Act, 2023, that, if passed, would prohibit underground infrastructure owners and operators from charging fees to locate telecommunications lines, water mains and gas pipelines. Read More

MLTSD Labour-Management Report for:

November 2023

Click above for full reports (critical injuries, fatalities, Provincial Coordinator's Comment, incidence details and codes, news)

Carrying On with Construction Work During Winter – 6 Major Concerns

Source: https://www.customtruck.com/

Winter weather is not conducive to construction work for obvious reasons. This why most construction projects are put on hold until the weather becomes cooperative again.

But shutting down operations until Spring isn’t always an option. Road building, bridge building and other priority construction projects may have to continue in spite of the rising costs, weather challenges, worker safety and other concerns that are part and parcel of such a venture.

CLICK HERE for the 6 factors one must be aware of when a construction project cannot wait for the worst of winter to pass.

12 Winter Holiday Safety Tips

Source: https://iaeimagazine.org/

Tis the season – to celebrate safely!

This isn’t just the time of year that we eat more than usual, it’s also the time when we have the most household accidents and fires.

To help make sure your holidays don’t go from merry to scary, remember these Twelve Holiday Safety Tips.

1. Keep decorations at least three feet away from heat sources – especially those with an open flame, like fireplaces and candles. And remember to blow out your candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
2. The best decorations are safe decorations, so when you are decorating, make sure not to run cords under rugs or furniture, out of windows, or across walkways and sidewalks.
3. If you have a natural Christmas tree water it to keep it fresh and safe. Real trees can dry up and turn into kindling in no time at all. Get rid of the tree after Christmas. Dried out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage.
4. Always turn off your decorations when you leave your home and when you’re sleeping. Most deadly fires happen while people are asleep.
5. Be mindful of how you are using electrical outlets. If you’re using extension cords or adapters that add receptacles, consider having a qualified electrician add more outlets to your home. Extension cords are a common cause of home fires.
6. Only use electronics in dry areas. As tempting as it is, you just can’t decorate your aquarium with icicle lights.
7. Remember that phones and tablets should stay on your nightstand. We all love falling asleep to the muffled crooning of Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé, but overheated electronics under pillows and blankets are dangerous.
8. Need a perfect gift idea? How about a smoke alarm? Every home needs a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level, including the basement. And remember to test your own to make sure they’re working.
9. If you’re using a space heater, switch it off before leaving the room. It only takes seconds for a fire to start if a space heater tips over or comes in contact with something combustible, like a blanket or curtains.
10. Inspect your decorations and discard any that are damaged or worn out. Talk to your aunt about that life-sized Elvis-dressed-as-Santa statue. It’s falling apart, it’s creepy it’s got to go.
11. Keep batteries stored safely in their packaging and out of reach of anything that might try to eat them, like small children and pets. Eating a battery can be deadly.
12. The best gift for your family is to upgrade to Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers or outlets. It is estimated that half of the electrical fires that occur every year could be prevented by AFCIs. All upgrades should be completed by a qualified electrician.

Click here to watch a video!

Are you looking for registration for the following courses?



• Working at Heights - Full Course or Refresher
• Elevated Work Platform - EWP
• Joint Health and Safety Certification Refresher Training
• Joint Health and Safety Certification (Part 1 & 2 and Refresher training)
• First Aid Standard
• First Aid Recertification
• Confined Space

To register: Please call our training partner: Langlois Safety Training and Consulting Services at 289-271-8623.

Cold Environments - Working in the Cold

Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/

On this page

• What factors modify our response to cold?
• What is the wind chill temperature?
• What are some health concerns of working in cold temperatures?
• Are there exposure limits for working in cold environments?
• What can be done to help prevent the adverse effects of cold?
• What should I know about personal protective equipment (PPE) for working in the cold?
• What are some additional prevention tips?

READ MORE.

GAIN THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF GOLD SEAL CERTIFICATION

Gold Seal Webinars

The Gold Seal Certification program has been the industry’s most trusted, valued, and reliable certification for those in the management of construction. Gold Seal Certified (GSC) credentials demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your expertise through certifying education, experience, and competency.

Ever wonder what it takes to get Gold Seal Certified?

Find out the answers to these questions and more:

• Do I qualify to write the Gold Seal exam?

• Do I need more experience or training?

• What information do I need to apply?

• What is the application process through the online portal?

Watch a recording of a Gold Seal information session here.

What's New is published by The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

November 2023 issue - Click Here

NCA Training Courses

(membership discounts)

♦ Live Webinars

♦ Online

Please see the most recent training newsletter here.

Starting January 1, 2024, the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association's (IHSA) updated Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR) book will include several significant changes. Become familiar with the new safety requirements for the electrical and utilities industry before they come into effect by reading the flyer linked below.

Since 1914, the EUSR book has been the foundation of health and safety education in the electrical and utilities industry by using the knowledge and experience of industry experts to help workers and employers identify, eliminate, and control hazards. The new edition was revised with the key input and dedicated efforts of representatives from IHSA and Hydro One Inc.

IHSA would like to thank everyone who participated in the update process for their time and expertise.

Learn more about the upcoming changes by downloading our information flyer.