March 2011  |  Issue #10

TTC Now An Essential Service

Strikes and lockouts at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are now banned. The Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011, was passed by the Ontario Legislature today. It responds to a request from the Toronto City Council to designate the city’s transit system an essential service. The legislation provides for binding arbitration by a neutral third party when collective agreements cannot be reached through bargaining.

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Ontario Takes Action to Implement Safety Panel Recommendations

The province is proposing legislative amendments in response to the recommendations from the Expert Panel on Occupational Health and Safety. The amendments would, if passed, establish the Ministry of Labour as the lead for accident prevention, appoint a new Chief Prevention Officer and create a new prevention council.

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New Inspection Blitz Schedule

The ministry’s proactive inspection blitzes on sector-specific hazards help raise awareness and increase compliance with provincial health and safety law. Last year, the ministry conducted 10 blitzes. A new blitz schedule for 2011-2012 is now available.

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Infection Prevention and Control Video

Workers at health care workplaces are continually at risk from exposure to infectious diseases. Learn what ministry inspectors look for during an inspection to determine whether workplaces have enacted proper measures to prevent and control exposure.

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Conveyor Guarding Blitz Report

Between 2005 and 2008, two workers died and 48 workers were seriously injured in conveyor incidents. Last November and December, ministry inspectors visited industrial workplaces in an inspection blitz to focus on the safe operation of conveyor systems. The blitz results are now available.

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New Issue of Safe At Work Ontario Today

The latest issue of this newsletter is hot off the press! The March edition features information about updates to the Expert Advisory Panel recommendations, new ministry initiatives and resources, and more – all in an eye-catching publication. Read it and subscribe!

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Become a Partner in Prevention

Join us at Canada’s largest health and safety event, the Partners in Prevention Health and Safety Conference and Trade Show, hosted by all the partners in Ontario’s prevention system. The conference gathers more than 4,500 health and safety professionals for networking, education and knowledge-sharing.

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NAOSH Week

From May 1 to 7, 2011, take part in events across the country to mark North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. The week presents an opportunity to focus on and strengthen commitment to workplace health and safety.

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Guide to Ventilation Inspection and Reporting

Health care and residential facilities are required under the Health Care and Residential Facilities Regulation to regularly inspect their mechanical ventilation systems and to provide an inspection report. A guide about issues relating to the inspection, service and maintenance of ventilation systems is now available online.

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Court Bulletins

Just a reminder that workplaces and workplace parties that violate Ontario’s employment and workplace health and safety laws could face convictions, fines – or even jail time. We produce court bulletins on some of these convictions, which are posted online.

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