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 resources

IHSA – Certificate of Recognition (COR®)

COR® Resources

COR® Training

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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) and features Kevin Brown and Kristen Lindsay from Ontario's Office of the Worker Adviser.

The Office of the Worker Adviser is a resource that supports injured Ontario workers and ensures their rights are respected and enforced. The OWA team provides assistance in filing claims and navigating appeals, helping injured workers understand their rights and standing up for fairness. There is no charge for OWA services or any contingency fees, and workers keep all benefits they win.

The OWA has been providing services since 1985, with staff members being mostly lawyers and licensed paralegals. Their staff are recognized as experts within the field and frequently present at law society trainings or the Ontario Bar Association Workers' Compensation section.

Kevin highlights three reasons why OWA is a valuable resource: expertise, accessibility, and effectiveness. People can easily reach an experienced OWA representative quickly for advice through various methods, including email, phone, virtual, and in-person. The wait time for representation services is relatively short—between three and four months. They also have offices throughout the province.

Kevin and Kristen also answer some frequently asked questions from workers, such as advice with return-to-work meetings, understanding medical evidence needed for claims, and how workers’ WSIB benefits relate with other forms of disability benefits like employment insurance and CPP.

Free resources

The Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA)

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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 resources

The Office of the Employer Advisor (OEA)

Return to Work Regulation for Construction

Building Bridges with Small Business

WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program

Mandatory WSIB coverage in Construction

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