IHSA Safety Podcast

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the legal responsibilities, safety standards, and regulatory framework that every construction supervisor needs to know and features construction supervisor Andy Fournier.Andy discusses the most important supervisory responsibilities on a construction project, one of which is prioritizing safety above all else. He speaks against a culture that puts schedule and deadlines over safety, stating that while no one may remember how quickly a project is completed, everyone will always remember the impact of safety oversights, such as incidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities. Jobsites should promote a culture in which taking the extra time to do things correctly is valued, even if it means the project takes longer than planned.Another responsibility Andy prioritizes as a supervisor is proper planning. Poor planning can lead to frustration and chaos on jobsites, which makes it crucial that supervisors stay ahead of potential issues with adequate planning.Andy further discusses some tips on being able to handle different types of personalities and also shares some tools and resources that have improved his understanding of the different construction regulations. Free resourcesThe Role of a SupervisorThe Competent SupervisorWhat Supervisors Need to KnowThe Working Minds for the Trades - ManagerBasics of SupervisingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the importance of mental health training in the workplace and features Enzo Garritano, IHSA’s President and CEO.Enzo highlights the necessity of understanding mental health and its impact in the workplace. Everyone in the workplace plays a part in mental health, and it should be treated like any other workplace risk, with a focus on raising awareness and understanding the support roles and resources available.Enzo discusses ‘Opening the Door to Support,’ one of IHSA’s eLearning programs designed to equip learners with essential skills and tools to support mental health in the workplace. This interactive, six-module program covers essential topics such as breaking down stigma, identifying red flags, leading by example, communicating supportively, and supporting others.Enzo emphasizes the critical need for both management and workers to participate in mental health training to increase their awareness and understanding of mental health. Getting training is a starting point that provides opportunities for growth in the subject matter, and leaders should invest in getting their workers and teams involved. Free resourcesOpening the Door to SupportThe Working Mind for the Trades - ManagerThe Working Mind for the Trades – Worker2026 National Conference: The Power of Peer SupportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the essential elements of building a strong safety culture in the construction industry and features Tracy O'Brien, health and safety manager at Tomlinson.Tracy defines a positive safety culture as a self-sustaining and supportive environment where safety is ingrained in everyday practices, encouraging open communication and allowing all employees to voice concerns without fear of penalty.An effective safety culture impacts not only the physical safety of workers but also the overall productivity and success of construction projects. Signs of a strong safety culture include visually clean sites, proper PPE use, maintained housekeeping, and active engagement from supervisors and workers who feel heard and valued.Tracy discusses the stigma surrounding near-miss reporting and how creating a supportive environment for sharing incidents can help identify potential risks and prevent future occurrences. She also shares real-life incidents that reinforce the importance of safety culture during emergencies and the need for continuous improvement in safety practices. Free resourcesIHSA - Certificate of Recognition (COR®)Basics of Supervising TrainingJHSC Training Part 1JHSC Training Part 2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) and the evolution of health and safety in Ontario's construction industry and features Brian Barron, CEO of the OCS.Brian speaks on his extensive history in construction and health and safety in Ontario. Drawing on his experience as a former inspector with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) and a construction small business owner, Brian shares that his transition from the MLITSD to CEO of the OCS was motivated by the OCS's commitment to improving the construction industry through collaboration between labour and management, as well as its focus on training and quality of life for workers.Brian explains that the OCS, established in 1993 to support provincial-wide collective bargaining in the construction industry, has a three-part mandate: to facilitate collective bargaining with data and information, to provide opportunities to network between labour and management, and to advance unionized construction in the ICI sector.Brian also explores topics on health and safety culture within Ontario’s construction industry, discussing improvements, current challenges, and the biggest health and safety priorities. He also explains factors that contribute to a stronger safety culture in unionized workplaces and the lessons non-unionized workplaces can take from them.  Free resourcesThe Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS)Entry Level Construction (IHSA training)IHSA YouTube channelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2022, Ontario recorded the highest number of transport truck collisions in a decade, causing 71 fatalities due to inexperienced drivers, risky moves by some truck drivers, and mechanical failures. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Kim Richardson, senior advisor with The Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC), discusses the crucial need for smarter and more thorough training in the trucking industry.Kim, a long-time truck driver in Ontario, explains that the PTTAC is calling for a major shift in recognizing truck driving as a Red Seal trade, which would mean stricter standardized training across the country and potentially lead to safer roads for everyone. The Red Seal certification program, which is being developed by the Red Seal committee, aims to make commercial truck driving a principal trade in five provinces, with Alberta taking the lead. The program will require drivers to attend an approved school and carrier involved in the Red Seal program, and a minimum of 2,000 hours behind the wheel before a written test can be taken. To further raise awareness for the program, the Red Seal committee, consisting of industry leaders, carriers, insurers, and schools, developed a three-part approach: educate, advocate, and support. Industry leaders should educate their industries on the benefits of the Red Seal apprenticeship, while government and association leadership at high levels should advocate for the program. Carriers' support is also essential, as their involvement is crucial for the program's survival.Kim further discusses what a ‘misclassified driver’ represents, how a Red Seal certification addresses international drivers and their eligibility to operate in Canada, and how interested parties in the Red Seal approach can get involved. Free resourcesProfessional Truck Training Alliance of CanadaTrucking Operations: Your Personal SafetyStruck-by Hazards in TransportationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One common mistake organizations often make is using the terms "assessment," "inspection," and "audit" interchangeably. These terms have different meanings and serve different purposes in health and safety, making it essential to not confuse them. This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the differences between assessments, inspections, and audits in workplace safety and features Michael Falls, health and safety management systems consultant with IHSA in the COR® department.Michael addresses each term and explains that assessments are systematic evaluations used to identify hazards and risks associated with specific tasks, processes, or environments. Inspections are routine checks of the workplace, looking at equipment, processes, and unsafe conditions. Audits are systematic, independent, and documented processes for gathering evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine how well an organization meets pre-established criteria.Michael states why each of these processes matters in workplace safety, providing real-life examples of each process, as well as explaining how they are tied to legal compliance. Common mistakes organizations make in assessment, inspection, and auditing processes can be avoided by understanding and applying the terms accurately. Misusing these terms introduces risks that can lead to gaps in safety practices, missed opportunities for improvement, and unclear roles and responsibilities.Michael also emphasizes the crucial roles employers, supervisors, and workers play in assessments, inspections, and audits, as their input and overall participation are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the processes. Free resourcesIHSA – Certificate of Recognition (COR®)COR® ResourcesCOR® TrainingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA) is a little-known resource in Ontario that’s been quietly saving employers time, money, and stress, and it does not cost a thing. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, OEA’s Director, Susan Adams, and one of their Employer Specialists, Dunstan Francis, discuss what the OEA does and how they assist Ontario employers.The OEA offers expert guidance, representation, and support to employers. They provide legal services and advice at no cost to help employers safely bring their workers back to work following an incident. The OEA primarily serves Ontario small businesses, as these employers often struggle with the challenges of running a small business and usually have limited resources. They collaborate with system partners—like IHSA—and employer associations to address the challenges faced by small businesses, participating in consultations about changes to policies and processes and providing feedback based on their experiences.Dunstan explains the main reasons why a small business in Ontario would want to work with the OEA: they offer free legal services and advice, they save employers time and money, and they provide representation for an appeal or return-to-work process. The OEA is easily accessible, and employers can connect with them through phone, email, social media, in-person events, and virtual meetings.In addition to discussing the reasons the OEA has services specific to construction employers and the construction industry, Susan and Dunstan also answer some frequently asked questions from employers, such as whether employers need to register or pay premiums to WSIB, the length of time they have to keep a person employed following an injury, and whether certain worker claims should be their responsibility or that of another party.Free resourcesThe Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA) Return to Work Regulation for ConstructionBuilding Bridges with Small BusinessWSIB Health and Safety Excellence ProgramMandatory WSIB coverage in ConstructionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Motor vehicle incidents (MVIs) are a leading cause of workplace injuries in Ontario. With thousands of Ontario workers driving daily, including professional and non-commercial drivers, it is crucial for employers to invest time and effort in building a road safety program. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, Michelle Roberts discusses how employers can build and implement an effective road safety program that can save lives and boost efficiency.Michelle states that employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their employees, including when driving. An effective road safety program protects workers, improves operational efficiency, reduces costs related to vehicle damage and insurance claims, and meets regulatory requirements. The Plan–Do–Check–Act Model is a straightforward approach employers can use to build a road safety program that fits their workplace.Hazard identification and risk assessment are crucial steps in developing effective safety programs, including road safety programs. Employers should involve drivers, supervisors, joint health and safety committee members, and fleet managers in the hazard assessment process to ensure a well-rounded perspective.Michelle also emphasizes the importance of creating policies that provide clear expectations and guidelines to manage identified hazards effectively. Employers can develop driving-related policies by building them from scratch or adapting existing ones to fit their workplace. IHSA offers various resources that include policy templates, sample programs, and road safety guides that employers can customize.Free resourcesRoad Safety SolutionsHealth & Safety PolicyPolicy and program templatesBuild Strong PoliciesRoad Safety Plan TemplateSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.