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Expert panel calls for substantial improvements to workplace safety system

On December 16, the Expert Advisory Panel on Health and Safety, led by Tony Dean, announced the results of its review of Ontarios occupational health and safety system.

Over the course of its work, the panel asked a wide variety of stakeholders for their views about how to improve the prevention system. The panel has now made substantial recommendations for improving both the structure of the system and its work.

The recommendations support Health & Safety Ontario's work. We welcome the release of the panels report, and are pleased that the announcement itself has raised public awareness about the need to enhance health and safety in Ontario's workplaces. We are encouraged by how the panel has amplified the call to action to prevent workplace tragedies.

The recommendations include:

-The establishment of a new prevention organization, housed in the Ministry of Labour, and an associated council of stakeholders. The health and safety associations would align with this new entity.
- A strong emphasis on training, including mandatory awareness training for workers, supervisors, and health and safety representatives
- A special focus on high-risk work, vulnerable workers, and small business.
- New efforts to combat the underground economy.
- Tougher penalties for willful violators.

Many of the recommendations will have an impact on Health & Safety Ontarios work and the nature of our health and safety system. With the Ministry and our system partners, well be reviewing the details of the recommendations in the coming days and weeks. Please rest assured that service to our clients will remain our top priority as we go through these changes. We are committed to keeping you informed about developments as we look forward to being part of this new step forward for Ontarios workers and employers.

Read the full announcement and report:

full story

Equipment symposium explores key hazards

Mobile equipment and vehicles are among the top causes of injuries and fatalities in Ontario's surface and underground mines. WSN hosted a symposium November 30^th in Sudbury to share knowledge about hazards and controls. Download the presentations.

Together, we're better!

Over the years, the Ontario Prevention Systemcomprising the Ministry of Labour (MOL), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), and health and safety associations, including MASHA have built their value around a call to Ontario businesses to change the way they work. The emotional and financial toll of 80 to 100 workplace fatalities each year, and 1,600 lost-time injuries each week, has spurred the Prevention System to boldly follow its own advice. In 2010, the System is undertaking many far-reaching initiatives that will streamline the way we work so that we can:

Improve customer service;
Add consistency to the way businesses are measured and served;
Provide better support for small and micro business.
The province's 12 health and safety associations have been consolidated to four, pushing resources to the front line and streamlining support services. MASHA has joined forces with the Pulp and Paper Health and Safety Association (PPHSA) and the Ontario Forestry Safe Workplace Association (OFSWA) to serve you better. Our collective assurance to you during this period of change is to remain committed to our high level of sector-specific service and to assisting you, our members and customers. Our structure may have changed, but the human face of it our consultants, trainers and support staff remain in place to provide the products and services you count on.

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