Complete Safety Resources: Health and Safety Experts https://complete-safety-resources.ca Taking the work out of workplace health and safety Mon, 29 Mar 2021 21:20:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://complete-safety-resources.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cropped-logo2-32x32.png Complete Safety Resources: Health and Safety Experts https://complete-safety-resources.ca 32 32 Propel Workplace Productivity with Plants https://complete-safety-resources.ca/propel-workplace-productivity-with-plants/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=propel-workplace-productivity-with-plants Mon, 29 Mar 2021 20:43:57 +0000 https://complete-safety-resources.ca/?p=1584 You might be surprised to find an article about plants on a website that specializes in occupational health and safety. Stay with us. Wouldn’t you agree that these days we’re […]

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You might be surprised to find an article about plants on a website that specializes in occupational health and safety. Stay with us. Wouldn’t you agree that these days we’re all looking for cheap and effective solutions to the problems that slow us down? Enter, plants. 

That’s right, plants have the power to create healthier, happier workplaces. Though it may seem unlikely at first, researchers discovered that the presence of plants in the workspace boosts worker creativity and productivity by an astonishing 40%!

How is this possible? Let’s dive in and explore four of the key benefits of plants in the office.

Stimulate Immune Response

In Japan, if you’re feeling a little rundown, you might be advised to go on a Forest Bathing trip to give your immune system a little pick-me-up. At first glance, this might seem unlikely, but it actually is scientifically proven to be effective. 

Researchers in Japan discovered that spending time in the forest increases the activity of natural killer cells in the body. In part, this is due to the action of antimicrobial compounds called phytoncides. Phytoncides are made and released into the air by trees and plants. When we inhale them, they work as a natural stimulant to our immune system. What if you can’t fit in a leisurely walk through the forest between meetings? Fortunately, indoor plants also release these same compounds! 

At a time when we’re all concerned about keeping up our immune systems to help stave off the pandemic, every little bit helps!

Reduce Stress

Life is stressful, especially these days. 2020 marks the first significant increase in general stress levels since the APA began surveying stress levels in 2007.

This study discovered that viewing and interacting with indoor plants helps to reduce both psychological and physiological stress. Working with a plant (as opposed to working with a computer) suppresses the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for creating excitement, whether good or bad) and brings down your blood pressure. 

Even just viewing the color green is relaxing and soothing to us. This is why staging rooms before people go on stage or on TV are often painted green. 

Clean the Air 

This reason to include plants in your workplace is probably less surprising than the first two. With increasing concerns over air during the course of the global pandemic, 2020 was probably a really great year for air purifier sales. 

However, what you might not know is that plants can also clean pollutants from the air. This study performed by NASA in a sealed space station found that plants can remove harmful pollutants like VOCs, cigarette smoke, and possibly even radon. 

Most of us spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. Unfortunately, the concentration of pollutants indoors can range anywhere from 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. Of course, this will very much depend on where you or work and the air quality in your home or workplace. However, you can help boost the air quality in both places simply by adding a few decorative indoor plants. 

Who knew that prioritizing your health and safety could be so simple and inexpensive?

Enhance Productivity and Creativity

At the beginning of this article, we mentioned that plants can increase worker creativity and productivity by 40%. While this seems incredulous, this is exactly what researchers from the University of Exeter found by performing a series of experiments at the Chelsea Flower Show. People were better able to make decisions and demonstrated increased creativity when surrounded by plants.

These days, many people work from home and are facing more challenges than ever when it comes to staying focused. Parents are distracted by kids who are attending school from home and pets are constantly begging for more attention. 

Consider redecorating with a few houseplants to help you concentrate better during those blissful moments when you can put your head down and get some work done. 

Get Your Best Work Done — With Plants!

The science is in, and decorating your home office or workspace is a no-brainer. With spring upon us here in Ontario, now is the perfect time to make friends with your local greenhouse. Many in the GTA even offer online shopping and curbside pick-up! 

Perhaps you’re particular to Chinese Evergreen. Or, maybe you’re more of an Aloe person. Either way, plants are an inexpensive way to have a profoundly positive effect on your physical and mental health. 

So, pick your favorites and have a blast redecorating. We’ve just given you a great reason to spend a few dollars on beautiful, soothing, productivity-boosting indoor plants. You’re welcome!

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COVID-19 Resources for Construction Safety https://complete-safety-resources.ca/covid-19-resources-construction-sites/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=covid-19-resources-construction-sites Mon, 04 May 2020 20:07:14 +0000 https://complete-safety-resources.ca/?p=1308 For a vast majority of Ontario businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant adjusting the pace and methods we use to get our work done. Although some construction projects have been […]

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For a vast majority of Ontario businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant adjusting the pace and methods we use to get our work done. Although some construction projects have been deemed essential, physical distancing measures are still encouraged on construction sites. Practically speaking, this may mean changes like restricting the number of people on-site and staggering break times.

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) has made posters available for use within the construction industry. The MLTSD recommends that they be posted on construction sites in a highly visible location where all workers can see them. Pease click on the link below to download them.

If you are a worker and you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 you can complete an online self-assessment or call Telehealth at 1 (866) 797-0000 for advice.

If you are an employer, you are required to post and communicate your COVID-19 policies to your employees and any contractors. These policies should include standards on sanitation, illness reporting and physical distancing.

For more information, please visit the following pages:

Ontario Construction Site Health and Safety during COVID-19

Canadian Construction Association Pandemic Preparedness Guide

Centers for Disease Control Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Respond to COVID-19

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Health and Safety in Agriculture https://complete-safety-resources.ca/health-and-safety-in-agriculture/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=health-and-safety-in-agriculture Wed, 24 Apr 2019 21:13:21 +0000 https://complete-safety-resources.ca/?p=1018 Agricultural industries are a vital part of our economy in Ontario. They employ thousands of workers annually, both domestic and foreign temporary workers. In recent years, Ontario has received an […]

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Agricultural industries are a vital part of our economy in Ontario. They employ thousands of workers annually, both domestic and foreign temporary workers. In recent years, Ontario has received an influx of migrant workers, and we have seen rapid increases in the number of greenhouse establishments.

Along with the impressive growth this industry has experienced, there is also great potential for danger. Take a look at a few of the statistics:

  • 2-4 workers killed on the job annually
  • 450-500 miss work time due to serious injuries
  • Reported injuries include everything from strains and sprains to amputations

 

All workers in the province, regardless of their status as citizens or temporary workers, are protected by the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Employers are legally responsible for the safety and wellness of their employees.

 

LISTEN TO A CHAT WITH COMPLIANCE
SAFETY SERVICES’ PAT EVANGELISTO

 

But what if an employer fails to take proper measures to protect his employees?

As much as the penalties for non-compliance appear severe, they don’t even begin to address the aftermath of a serious injury or fatality in the workplace. The time to start thinking about legal compliance and preventative measures is now. So what do you have in place now to protect yourself and your workers?

  • Corporations may be fined up to $1,500,000
  • Individuals may be fined up to $100,000

 

Due Diligence – What Does it Really Mean?

 

“Every employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker”.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act, Clause 25(2)(h)

But what does this really mean? It means that YOU, the employer, are responsible. In order to protect the health and safety of your workers and to protect yourself legally, you must ensure that you have the following items in place:

  • Health and Safety Program that satisfies the rules and principles of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • All workers must be trained on this program and must be educated about their responsibilities and rights under the Law
  • Workers must complete mandatory training programs outlined under the Act
  • You must identify actual and potential hazards specific to your workplace
  • You must develop Safe Work Procedures to address the identified hazards
  • ALL workers (domestic and foreign) must be trained on how to comply with written Safe Work Procedures
  • You must ensure that Safe Work Procedures are being followed and implement corrective measures in the case of non-compliance

 

Complete Safety Resources Inc., in cooperation with Compliance Safety Solutions, has developed a suite of health and safety training programs designed specifically for the open field, livestock, and greenhouse agricultural industries.

These programs are delivered on-site and in a variety of languages. They are designed for both foreign and domestic workers and meet the needs of both large and small employers. They are have been customized specifically for the agricultural sector and its various elements.

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Migrant Workers and WSIB

Did you know that most foreign workers are protected by WSIB? While traveling in Ontario, migrant workers are insured when:

  • In transit from an airport in Ontario to your location
  • Using a bus or car with your authorization
  • Coming to and from your locations by a direct and uninterrupted route

In addition, they are also covered during:

  • Time off, meal time, and while on the premises
  • While sleeping in the location provided by you

 

Safe Work Procedures

We can help you develop the Safe Work Procedures that are the backbone of your health and safety program. With over 50 years of combined experience in the health and safety field, you can be confident in our ability to develop a robust and diligent health and safety program that works for you.

We can also help develop and deliver any on-site training that you require, such as:

  • WHMIS/GHS
  • Lift truck
  • Skid Steer
  • Front-end loader
  • Mandatory worker awareness training
  • Chainsaw Training
  • Confined Space Entry
  • Much more

 

What about a Joint Health and Safety Committee?

You need to set up a Joint Health and Safety Committee if there are 20 or more regularly-employed workers with duties related to the following operations:

  • Mushroom farming
  • Greenhouse farming
  • Dairy farming
  • Hog farming
  • Cattle farming
  • Poultry farming

In addition, if you have more than 50 workers in any of these above operations, your health and safety committee must also include at least two certified members who have been trained in Part 1 and Part 2 JHSC certification training.

 

Lost in Translation

One of the challenges of training a migrant workforce in health and safety may be the existence of a language barrier. After all, training is only valuable if it is easily understood, and if it motivates learners to apply what they are being taught. The majority of our training programs and their related documentation can be provided on-site, in both English and Spanish!

Don’t put off for tomorrow what you need to do today! We recognize that the needs of each business are unique, so call or email us now to set up your free initial consultation.

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WHMIS 1988 vs GHS: What are the Differences? https://complete-safety-resources.ca/whmis-1988-vs-ghs-what-are-the-differences/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=whmis-1988-vs-ghs-what-are-the-differences Thu, 19 Jan 2017 18:33:09 +0000 http://complete-safety-resources.ca/?p=161 WHMIS has Changed Many companies are unaware of the change that is currently taking place in Ontario regarding the way hazardous materials in the workplace are classified and communicated. WHMIS […]

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WHMIS has Changed

Many companies are unaware of the change that is currently taking place in Ontario regarding the way hazardous materials in the workplace are classified and communicated. WHMIS as a law has changed. The new law came into effect in early 2015. At that time, employers became responsible for ensuring that their workplace transitions into the requirements of the new law.

Some Highlights of the New Legislation

WHMIS 2015 is based on a international system of classifying and communicating hazardous chemicals. This system is called the Globally Harmonized System, or GHS. The GHS model was used to make changes to our WHMIS law. These changes can be easily seen in the new pictograms for hazards, the new look and content of supplier labels, and the changes to the requirements for safety data sheets or SDS (formally material safety data sheets – MSDS).

How is the new WHMIS law being transitioned in the Province? Take a look at the timeline below.

Phase 1

 Timing: February 11, 2015 to May 31, 2017

  • Suppliers who are chemical manufacturers or importers may sell hazardous products with either the old WHMIS labels and safety data sheets or the new ones.
  • Employers may receive and use hazardous products with either the old WHMIS labels and safety data sheets or the new ones.

Phase 2

Timing: June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018

  • Chemical manufacturers and importers must sell hazardous products with labels and safety data sheets that comply with only the new WHMIS 2015 requirements.
  • Suppliers who are chemical distributors may continue to sell hazardous products with either the old WHMIS labels and safety data sheets or the new ones.
  • Employers may continue to receive and use hazardous products with either the old WHMIS labels and safety data sheets or the new ones.

Phase 3

Timing: June 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018

  • Distributors must sell hazardous products that comply with WHMIS 2015 requirements only.
  • Employers will have these final six months of the transition to bring their existing inventories of hazardous products into compliance with WHMIS 2015.

By December 1, 2018, the transition to WHMIS 2015 must be complete for all parties. There should be no hazardous products in the workplace with old WHMIS labels and safety data sheets.

Is the Ministry of Labour Enforcing the New WHMIS 2015?

As of July 1st, 2016 MOL inspectors began enforcing WHMIS 2015 requirements. They will also continue to enforce the “old” WHMIS 1988 requirements up to December 2018 as long at they are applicable in the workplace. MOL expects workers to be trained in both the “old” and “new” WHMIS standards if the workplace continues to use products that have hazards communicated under the 1988 and 2015 WHMIS standards.

Which Laws apply to WHMIS?

Occupational Health and Safety Act – clauses 25(2)(a,d)
Ontario Regulation 860 Workplace Hazardous Material Information System subsection 6(1).
Ontario Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments section 130.

What Do We Need to Do Now?

  • Ensure Your Workers are Trained in both the “old” (1988) WHMIS standard and the “new” (2015) WHMIS standard as suppliers may already be shipping new WHMIS labels and safety data sheets to your workplace.
  • Ensure that all containers that store hazardous materials are properly labelled and that the safety data sheets for them are available and up-to-date.
  • Ensure that workers use, store and dispose of hazardous materials according to the material’s safety data sheet. Employers should be particularly vigilant when it comes to workers wearing the appropriate protective equipment when using the chemicals. Additional controls as prescribed in the safety data sheets, such as good ventilation, should also be in place when using hazardous materials.

We encourage employers to be proactive in providing workers with the education and tools they need to protect themselves at work. If you would like to discuss the specific needs of your workplace or would like to have a consultant visit you on-site, please send us an email or contact us with your specific requests. We are here to help!

Additional Resources:

FREE! WHMIS 2015 Fact Sheet (downloadable pdf)
https://www.ccohs.ca/products/publications/whmis_ghs/

FREE! Webinar: How Canada is Adopting GHS, presented by CCOHS
https://www.ccohs.ca/products/publications/whmis_ghs/

FREE! New WHMIS pictograms (downloadable pdf)
https://www.ccohs.ca/products/posters/pdfs/WHMIS_2015.pdf

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OHSPIP Grant Program https://complete-safety-resources.ca/ohspip-grant-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ohspip-grant-program Thu, 19 Jan 2017 18:30:34 +0000 http://complete-safety-resources.ca/?p=158 The Ontario Ministry of Labour is now accepting proposals for its Occupational Health, Safety and Prevention Innovation Program (OHSPIP). This initiative aims to improve the safety and wellbeing of workers […]

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The Ontario Ministry of Labour is now accepting proposals for its Occupational Health, Safety and Prevention Innovation Program (OHSPIP). This initiative aims to improve the safety and wellbeing of workers by encouraging initiatives that address current health and safety issues. This year’s submissions will focus on one of four identified priorities:

  1. Workplace Mental Health
  2. Mobile Equipment Hazards
  3. Occupational Disease
  4. Secondary Injury Prevention

The last round of funding through the OHSPIP supported 12 projects and awarded $4.3 million in total grant funding. The deadline to apply for this year’s OHSPIP is April 25, 2017.

Read more at:

https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/prevention/innovation_program.php
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/faqs/ohspip.php

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