January 2012 | Issue #20

Are You Ready for the MSD Blitz?

In February 2012, the Ministry of Labour will blitz workplaces across Ontario, looking for hazards involving manual materials handling that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Ministry inspectors will target workplaces in the construction, health care, industrial and mining sectors. Learn more about how to protect workers from the number one type of lost-time work injury in Ontario.

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Beyond the Bargaining Table

Explore the dynamics and realities of the negotiating table, and experience the real challenges of collective bargaining in a two-day interactive workshop held by the ministry. The conference will be held for a second time in Toronto on March 20-21 and in Ottawa on May 9-10. The first Toronto conference sold out early last fall. Contact the ministry at 416-326-1292 to get a head start on registration.

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Prevention Starts Here

The Ministry of Labour is seeking feedback on its draft poster “Prevention Starts Here,” and on its draft worker awareness workbook and employer guide to the worker awareness program. These materials result from recommendations from an Expert Advisory Panel that reviewed Ontario’s workplace health and safety system. The ministry is also seeking feedback on the governance framework for the Prevention Council. Please send us your comments by February 17, 2012.

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iTunes Spotlights Ministry of Labour Podcasts

The ministry’s new audio podcasts have landed on Apple’s iTunes’ “New and Noteworthy” government podcast page. Launched last month, the two podcasts – focusing on health and safety, and employment standards – provide easily digestible information on the go about workplace rights and responsibilities. Listen to them anytime, anywhere.

Listen to Health and Safety podcast on iTunes >

Listen to Employment Standards podcast on iTunes >

Access Equipment Blitz Results

Workers risk serious injuries or even death when working at heights and access equipment is used improperly. Lack of training and non-compliance with manufacturers’ instructions are often the cause of these incidents. In August, ministry inspectors conducted a blitz of hazards involving all types of access equipment at Ontario construction sites. Learn what inspectors found.

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ES Convictions

The ministry prosecutes persons and corporations for violating the Employment Standards Act and its regulations. Such violations could include failure to pay wages or provide required time off. Employment Standards convictions for October 2011 are now available for viewing.

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