Small Biz Safety

Struggling to balance business and managing health and safety? WSPS consultant Amanda Gorman shares simple ways to make safety part of your daily routine to save time, money, and stress. Plus, get the latest on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development inspections and how to prepare. Show Notes In the News: Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development...

These days, many of us are feeling tired and stressed. In this episode, we'll discuss what causes fatigue, how it affects workplace safety, and how to handle it. You'll also get tips to manage stress, plus learn how safety can save you time and money, with free resources to help. Note: This episode was recorded on March 17, 2025. All information presented was in effect at that time. Show Notes In...

Ontario retail businesses are struggling to cope with a sharp rise in crime, violence and harassment. Hear tips on how you can protect your workplace and team with a new comprehensive guide on retail safety. Plus, learn what changes the  Working for Workers Five Act makes to the OHSA and is now law and how it may impact your business. Note: This episode was recorded December 9, 2024. All informati...

The busy fall season has arrived and so have seasonal challenges. Cooler weather can bring worker fatigue, respiratory illnesses, seasonal depression, and more. Learn how to protect yourself and your team (1:55). Plus, a reminder about temporary help agencies and recruiters licensing in Ontario (:43). Note: This episode was recorded on October 8, 2024. All information presented was in effect at th...

In this episode, we are joined by Alicia Woods, CEO of Covergalls, a company whose mission is to transform workwear for women around the world by providing safe, and inclusive workwear designed with a woman's body in mind. She shares her inspiring story and offers tips for small businesses on prioritizing the health and safety of all workers when choosing personal protective equipment (PPE). Note:...

Do you know the First Aid requirements for Ontario businesses? Test your knowledge as our hosts Pam Patry and Shawn Chadwick answer common questions about First Aid (2:30). Plus, learn some steps you can take to reduce the potential for theft, violence and harassment as grocery and convenience stores are gearing up to sell alcohol (1:00). Note: This episode was recorded on August 6, 2024. All info...

Small Biz Safety Podcast – Episode 36 #36 – Keeping young people safe at work: Tips for your business Hear practical tips on keeping young workers safe from three unique perspectives - an OHS professional, a parent and a young worker (2:22). Plus, learn about a new program  providing upskilling programs for workers and connecting job seekers with employment. (1:00) Then, get tips on staying safe i...

Like Canada, your small business is diverse. Your employees may include new Canadians, temporary foreign workers, or others with English as their second language. Learn tips to o vercome language and cultural barriers and about new multilingual resources that will help your workers understand common hazards.  Plus, hear about potential changes to the OHSA and how they will impact small businesses...

Hear about two powerful resources you can use to make your small business safer. Get updated on a new online safety handbook that can be customized for your business, and short videos so you will better understand legal obligations. Plus, learn about a new blog that can help parents keep their teens safe at work. Note:  This episode was recorded on April 17, 2024. All information presented was in...

What is rack safety and what should your business do to get started? Get answers and practical tips to keep your workers and your operations protected. Guests are Marc and Charles from Damotech. Plus, get tips on winter hazards for work and home. Note: This episode was recorded on January 24, 2024. All information presented was in effect at that time.  Show Notes Damotech Rack Safety Blog - Damote...

With rising inflation, businesses both big and small are struggling with an increase in theft and retail crime. Is your business prepared? We share training tips so your workers know how to respond to suspicious activity and theft. Then, get reminders on personal security as we approach the holiday season. Note:  This episode was recorded on November 1, 2023. All information presented was in effec...

How can moving towards a healthy workplace culture improve your small business? Learn simple steps you can take to retain great people and boost productivity. Then, hear about three free tools that simplify health and safety - and save you time! Guest is Kelly Hultink, WSPS Consultant, Workplace Mental Health. Note: This episode was recorded on October 11, 2023. All information presented was in ef...

As the cooler weather approaches, we have your autumn safety checklist for work and home. Plus, learn about new licensing requirements for temporary help agencies in Ontario.  Note: This episode was recorded on September 14, 2023. All information presented was in effect at that time.  SHOW NOTES Temporary Help Agencies New temporary help agency licensing requirements are coming: How will this impa...

Wildfires are expected to continue for the rest of the summer and to increase in intensity, severity, size and duration in future. Learn how you can use the Air Quality Index and protect employees from the impact of wildfire smoke. Guest is WSPS Occupational Hygienist, Gord Pajuluoma. Note:  This episode was recorded on July 19, 2023. All information presented was in effect at that time.  Show Not...

Wildfires, staffing shortages, and violence in the workplace are issues many businesses have been faced with lately. We welcome Alexandra from Camping in Ontario to share insights on how campgrounds across the province have tackled these hazards. Hear tips to keep your workplace safe that apply to any industry. Plus, learn about the new naloxone legislation now in effect.  Note:  This episode was...

A new WSPS and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) study reveals a disconnect between how workers and managers view health and safety. Hear tips on bridging the gap between workers and managers, and ideas to improve health and safety communication and protect your business. Guests are members of the research team Craig Fairclough of WSPS and Chun-Yip Hon of TMU.    Note: This episode was recorde...

In Ontario, young workers are 3x more likely to be injured in their first 30 days on the job than at any other point in their working life. Learn 3 important tips all young workers should hear and how to share messages they need to stay safe and keep your business running. This episode was recorded on April 3, 2023. All information presented was current and in effect at that time.   SHOW NOTES You...

A Kitchener company and its CEO were fined $100,000 for machine guarding violations – could this happen to you? Protect your people and your business by learning about your legal requirements and the power of identifying hazards/risks and putting controls in place. Today's guest is Rafik Zaki, Specialized Consultant (Machine Safety) at WSPS. This episode was recorded on February 28, 2023. All info...

There are new naloxone requirements for Ontario workplaces – do you need to comply? Find out when the new legislation comes into effect and how it could impact your business (0:53). Then, hear how an easy-to-use tool and short video can make hazard assessments simpler (5:40). Note: This episode was recorded on January 24, 2022. All information presented was in effect at that time. Naloxone and the...

It's time for our experts to answer your questions! Find out about the latest on masking guidance, learn how to reduce the risk of violence and harassment during stressful times, and if you regularly employ 6-19 people, find out how you can get free safety training! And just in time for the holidays, hear about safe food handling, winter driving tips, and decorating safety as you make the season m...

In our final Small Business Week mini episode, we share how the Health and Safety Excellence program can help improve your safety program and provide WSIB rebates! Learn how Orillia-based small business Simcoe Sewer & Water Ltd. got started – and how you can too. Then, get an update on how you can DOUBLE your rebates! Note: This episode was recorded on September 28, 2022. All information presented...

#22.2 - Small Business Week Mini Episode – Save time and money with workplace ergonomics Small Business Week falls in October, but did you know October is also Ergonomics Month? In this mini episode, we're joined by Ergonomics Specialist Don Patten. Find out why ergonomics is important for the safety of workers - and how it can save you time and money! Then, get 3 tips on how to easily implement e...

Host Meron Samuel chats with Dr. Bill Howatt, an international expert in workplace mental health, about a new resource called the Mental Harm Prevention Roadmap. Learn how this free resource can support workers' mental health and prevent mental harm – no matter where you are on your journey! Note: This episode was recorded on October 5, 2022. All information presented was in effect at that time. S...

If a Ministry inspector knocked on your door today – would your business be ready? We welcome Adina from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) to share tips so you'll be ready for a possible inspection (2:43). Also, get updates on new COVID guidelines (:58) and how you can train your health and safety rep for free (1:25)! Then, learn how quality sle...

It's almost Healthy Workplace Month - find out how Canada's Healthy Workplace Challenge can benefit your business (2:12). Then, what ' s the connection between nutrition and health and safety? We welcome Toronto-based nutritionist Stephanie Kay to share how better eating can improve your wellbeing – and your workplace (4:22).  SHOW NOTES October is Canada's Healthy Workplace Month: Canada's Health...