Ontario Launches Workplace Health & Safety Contact Centre

Ontario has launched a new toll-free number -- 1-877-202-0008 -- to report workplace health and safety incidents or unsafe work practices, or for general inquiries.

On November 1, 2010, the Ministry of Labour launched a Health & Safety Contact Centre, which allows anyone, anywhere in Ontario to call one number to report a workplace health and safety incident, critical injury, fatality or work refusal. The public can also call that number if they suspecy unsafe work practices or for general inquiries. The number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Before the launch, separate numbers existed for each provincial region. With one number, Ontario is creating a more efficient and streamlined phone system for workplaces and the public to contact the Ministry.

Source: CIEN Magazine Article

For more information, see the Ministry of Labour's Website

Migrant Worker Deaths Spark Protests

On Wednesday, September 22, 2010, The Toronto Star reported on the workplace deaths of Paul Roach and Ralston White at an apple farm in Ontario. Both of these individuals were seasonal migrant farm workers from Jamaica.

The deaths of these two men further highlights the importance of workplace health and safety programs. A protest is scheduled to be held today at 12:00 at the Ontario Ministry of Labour to highlight the issues faced by migrant workers.

Survey on Poverty and the Injured Worker

A message from the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups (ONIWG):

Are you an injured worker? Do you work with injured workers?

The Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups needs your help with a survey on the poverty and well-being of permanently injured workers. This survey is part of ONIWG's ongoing work, but has a new urgency because of the recent proposed changes to workers' compensation that aim to cut costs at the expense of injured workers.

The survey takes about 25 minutes and is now available on the Injured Workers Online web site below.

Need more information? Contact Bonnie Heath at injuredworkersurvey@gmail.com or 416 509 6007.

Be part of this important work!

For more details visit: http://www.injuredworkersonline.org/Politics/Poverty.html

The Ministry of Labour is investigating after part of an old church collapsed during its demolition while a worker was still inside

The Ministry of Labour is investigating after part of an old church collapsed yesterday during its demolition while a worker was still inside in Picton Ontario.

He escaped without serious injuries, but the incident is now a sore spot in the community.

Go to CKWS Television to watch the video and read the full story.

Go to the Ontario Ministry of Labour website for more information on Health and Safety .

All workers have the right to return home each day safe and sound.

Safe at Work Ontario is the Ministry of Labour strategy to protect workers’ health and safety on the job.

The ministry enforces the Occupational Health and Safety Act.