Small Biz Safety

#20 – Rebates, free resources & 3 things to do right now! Learn 3 things you can do right now to protect your business and employees (5:00) – and how to double your WSIB rebates and receive $1,000 towards your health and safety program (1:29). Hiring Ukrainian workers? We have translated resources (25:20)! Last up, be sure to apply for WSIB's Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards (26:...

The summer season means many young workers are beginning new jobs. But is your business taking the steps needed to ensure their safety? Learn about the importance of health and safety training for young workers and get tips to make sure it's engaging and memorable (16:30). Also, we welcome Elisa Kilbourne, a volunteer from Threads of Life, who shares her heartbreaking story about losing her son du...

We open up the mailbag to answer your questions! Safety experts Kirsi Henry, Jack Minacs, Pam Patry and Lori Shepherd discuss returning to the office, tips on becoming an HSR, seasonal workers and more. Note: This episode was recorded on April 6, 2022. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm up-to-date prevention measures tha...

Is your business experiencing increased customer aggression? Safety expert Kristy Cork shares tips on managing angry or agitated customers. Then, Drea Mulligan from Sleeping Giant Brewery offers insights on creating a culture of caring for employees. Note: This episode was recorded on March 1, 2022. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health un...

As the Omicron variant continues to spread, we welcome back WSPS 'mask guru' Wagish Yajaman to help us better understand current masking recommendations. Note: This episode was recorded on January 19, 2022. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm up-to-date prevention measures that are in place in your area. RESOURCES Remembe...

It's almost the end of 2021 - now is a great time for a safety check-in. Improve your OHS program with easy-to-use tips in this 'mini-episode'. Note: This episode was recorded on December 7, 2021. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health Unit to confirm up-to-date prevention measures that are in place in your area. RESOURCES Ontario Passes th...

Learn how the proposed Working for Workers Act could impact your business (1:07). Then, we welcome a special guest from Ottawa Public Health to discuss the upcoming flu season (8:42) and highlight the importance of 'off the job' safety (16:39). RESOURCES IN THE NEWS: Working for Workers Act 2021 & HSR Training Working for Workers Act, 2021 - Ontario Newsroom The Right to Disconnect - The Financial...

Find out how the next steps in Ontario's reopening plan will impact your business (1:15). Then, learn how to protect your employees from COVID-related harassment and de-escalate situations that may turn violent (9:20). Note: This episode was recorded on October 25, 2021. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm up-to-date prev...

In this special Small Business Week episode, guest host Lori Shepherd chats with Candace Campbell from London, Ontario based small business Nuts for Cheese . Get inspired by their success and hear tips to refresh your safety program. Note: This episode was recorded on October 15, 2021. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm...

Episode #11: Ontario's Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate Find out how Ontario's new Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate system will impact your business (1:01), and learn about a new tool to build your safety plan in 3 easy steps (2:35). Then, get tips on cleaning and disinfecting your workplace (3:53). Note: This episode was recorded on September 16, 2021. All information presented was in e...

Episode #10: Free safety training, a new Digital Main St. grant and reopening tips Does your small business qualify for free health and safety representative (HSR) training and new Digital Main St. funding (1:25)? Find out! Next, you'll hear tips on keeping your COVID protocols strong throughout Ontario's reopening (4:30). Then, as kids go back to school and more people take to the roads, remember...

#9 – Free Health and Safety Training for Your HSR Learn how businesses with 6-19 employees can access free training for their health and safety representative (HSR) with a reimbursement from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skill Development (2:15). Also, get the latest from the Public Health Agency of Canada on what activities are recommended for fully vaccinated Canadians (4:21). You'll also...

Learn more about Ontario's new Roadmap to Reopen and how to apply for a WSIB Small Business H&S Leadership Award (0:41). Also get the latest on rapid testing in workplaces and how to register for a free test kit (4:25). And it's finally summer! Safety expert Kirstin Onorato has tips on keeping workers safe from heat stress, especially while wearing PPE (12:34). Then, hear how vaccination rates wil...

We welcome special guest Sheldon Kennedy, former NHL player and crusader for victims of abuse. As co-founder of Respect Group, Sheldon shares what small businesses can do to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace. Note: This episode was recorded on May 5, 2021. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm up-to-date prev...

Learn from the results of COVID-19-related workplace inspections. Find out where to get guidance on vaccinations and the workplace (2:41). And, just in time for seasonal hiring, get some tips on hiring and getting through to young workers (6:14). Note: This episode was recorded on April 8, 2021. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit t...

Get up to speed on the province's new small business education campaign and how you can prepare to reopen safely (2:21). Also, if a work refusal happened in your business what would you do? (11:21) And ace your virtual training with our 5 tips! (17:23) Note: This episode was recorded on March 4, 2021. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health...

There are COVID-19 variants lurking – what do they mean for you, your business and the masks you use? Safety experts Kirsi Henry and Jack Minacs get the scoop from WSPS' "mask guru" Wagish Yajaman.   Note: This episode was recorded on February 9, 2021. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm up-to-date prevention measures tha...

In this episode, you'll learn what the Ontario government's expanded enforcement initiatives and the current State of Emergency mean for your business and what you need to do to prepare (2:02). Kirsi Henry and Jack Minacs will also reveal a secret ingredient for improving health and safety that's right there in your workplace – the health and safety representative (9:09). And it's time for your Ne...

Ontario workplaces are preparing for COVID-related education and enforcement visits from provincial offences officers. What are these visits all about and how can you prepare? Then, get ready to be inspired! Kirsi Henry and Jack Minacs speak to Alisia Williams, of Ron H. Williams Inc. – bronze winners of WSIB's Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards. And 'tis the season to take care of...

Kirsi Henry and Jack Minacs discuss Ontario's new COVID-19 Framework and steps you can take to create a safety plan. They also discuss the province's screening requirement - how can you make it work at your business? Finally, what can you do if one of your employees or customers breaks your COVID-19 safety rules? RESOURCES FOR THIS WEEK'S TOPICS COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe an...