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 resources

The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS)

Entry Level Construction (IHSA training)

IHSA YouTube channel

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Choosing the right contractor for your home renovation is about more than cost—it’s also about safety. On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, we discuss contractor safety standards when it comes to home renovations. This episode takes a different approach as it plays out real-world scenarios and conversations between a homeowner and potential contractors.

The conversations emphasize the importance of contractor safety standards and the critical decisions homeowners must make when hiring a contractor for their home renovations. Key tips to keep in mind when hiring a contractor include:

· Always ask for proof of WSIB coverage and liability insurance

· Pay rapt attention to how the contractor talks about safety

· Remember that the cheapest quote isn't always the best deal

Free resources

Hiring a Roofing Contractor: Tips for Homeowners

Hiring a Commercial Diving Contractor

Homeowner, Unit Owner, Tenant: My Responsibilities

See 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 resources

Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada

Trucking Operations: Your Personal Safety

Struck-by Hazards in Transportation

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.