Ontario launches online training to promote safe workplaces

TORONTO ― On July 3, the Ontario government announced an investment of $3 million to provide free online health and safety training.

“In this new environment, we need to look for new and innovative ways to deliver services, while keeping people safe and healthy,” said Premier Doug Ford in a prepared statement. “This virtual approach to safety training will ensure employers and employees have access to the latest information without the need to physically interact with others. In this way, we also reduce the risk of spreading this deadly virus.”

According to the statement, up to 100,000 job seekers can take free online workplace health and safety training through Employment Ontario. There are 10 courses on offer, which include: infection control, conducting health and safety incident investigations, ladder safety, slips, trips and falls prevention, and preventing workplace violence and harassment.

In addition, worker and employer members of Joint Health and Safety Committees can use video conferencing to take training in real-time with instructors from training providers approved by Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer. The training includes sessions on how to establish a Health and Safety Committee, resolving health and safety issues, workplace inspections, and accident investigations.

Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer is extending the time for completion of refresher training for more than 8,000 certified committee members whose certification would have expired between February 28 and August 31, 2020. They have until November 30, 2020 to renew their training, which will be easier thanks to new online options.