February 2012 | Issue #21

Hours of Work and Overtime Tool

This new tool will help employers and employees determine if their workplace complies with specific rules concerning hours of work and overtime rules. There are eight accessible tutorials as well as five interactive tools that address: daily rest, weekly & bi-weekly rest, rest between shifts, overtime and time off in lieu, and averaging and time off in lieu.

Use the Tool >

Blitz Focuses on Musculoskeletal Disorders

In February, the Ministry of Labour is blitzing workplaces in all sectors across Ontario, looking for hazards involving manual materials handling that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Learn what inspectors are looking for, how to prevent MSDs, and download our new colour MSD posters for your workplace.

Learn More >

Musculoskeletal Disorder Videos

MSDs represent the most common lost-time injury claim to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. The Ministry of Labour has produced two new videos, discussing safe materials handling in industrial and construction workplaces.

Watch Videos >

Inspection Blitz Results

Last year, the ministry conducted 12 proactive inspection blitzes on sector-specific hazards to raise awareness and increase compliance with health and safety legislation. The results from the racking and storage, underground mining ventilation, personal protective equipment, tower crane and infection control inspection blitzes are now available. Learn what inspectors found.

Read Blitz Results >

New Podcasts

Do I have to work on a public holiday? As a supervisor, what are my workplace health and safety duties? Find out the answer to these questions and more in our newest podcasts. One focuses on public holidays; the other, on the role of competent supervisors at the workplace.

Listen to Public Holidays podcast >

Listen to Competent Supervisors podcast >

Learn to Resolve Disputes with Interactive Solutions

The ministry’s Dispute Resolution Services offers a broad range of workshops, programming and resources designed to help improve your labour relations practices.

Learn More >

New and Upcoming Events

Partners in Prevention. Steps for Life. Mining Health and Safety Conference. Explore upcoming events conducted by the ministry and our partners in our new online event listing.

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Prevention Starts Here

Last December, the ministry unveiled a health and safety awareness poster, a worker awareness program workbook and an employer guide for public consultation. The ministry wants to remind the public that the consultation ends February 17.

Learn More >

Hazard Alert: Skylights

The ministry has issued an alert on working near skylights to help workplace parties understand their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Learn More >