This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses mental health and self-care within the construction industry and features construction supervisor Andy Fournier.

Andy discusses areas of supervising that can lead to stress, such as tight schedules and deadlines. One way he manages stress is to set realistic expectations and understand that deadlines can change due to unforeseen factors. It’s better if a project is delayed than to cut corners and put lives at risk. It's also important to be open and honest with clients about deadlines and adjusting their expectations.

Andy states that prioritizing self-care is vital and should include actions like focusing on the most important tasks and setting boundaries to prevent burnout. He makes it a point to disconnect from work outside of work hours, which has been good for his mental health.

Although the stigma around mental health remains, more individuals are starting to talk more openly and freely about stress and emotional challenges with coworkers or those who have experienced similar struggles and can relate. Andy highlights his practice of incorporating mental health discussions into safety meetings, encouraging workers to talk about their challenges and support one another.

Free resources

Mental Health at Work - A Mental Health Guide for Construction Small Businesses

Mental Health Safety Talks: Facilitator's Guide

The Role of a Supervisor

What Supervisors Need to Know

The Working Minds for the Trades - Manager

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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 resources

The Role of a Supervisor

The Competent Supervisor

What Supervisors Need to Know

The Working Minds for the Trades - Manager

Basics of Supervising

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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses personal protective equipment (PPE) and features Ryan Smith, health and safety consultant at IHSA.

Ryan highlights the necessity of having the appropriate PPE fit and proper training on how to use them. The right fit, the right gear, and the right training could mean the difference between going home safe and not going home at all.

Ryan identifies common PPE mistakes on construction sites, such as not wearing hard hats at all times when on site, not wearing appropriate eye protection where there's a risk to the worker's eye, and not using fall prevention or fall protection as required. He also mentions comfort as one of the key factors employers should consider when it comes to PPE use. Investing in high-quality PPE appropriate for a specific task is critical, as it encourages and promotes regular use and proper maintenance, both of which enhance safety on the job.

Ryan also emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement from leadership in following the primary safety measures on jobsites so that workers don’t have to rely solely on PPE to stay safe. Any positive change in site culture should begin at the top and spread downward; hence, employers must put in the effort to ensure their workplace safety culture is high-standard and compliant.

Free resources

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Construction Health & Safety Manual

Safety Talks

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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 resources

Opening the Door to Support

The Working Mind for the Trades - Manager

The Working Mind for the Trades – Worker

2026 National Conference: The Power of Peer Support

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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses IHSA’s Associate COR® Consulting Program and features IHSA’s Chris McKean along with health and safety consultants Mike Russo, Abe Khalil, and Chris Ring.

Chris McKean explains that the Associate COR® Consulting Program was developed to help Ontario workplaces achieve COR® certification and to promote collaboration and continuous improvement in health and safety practices among IHSA members. He states that COR®-certified companies are statistically safer than non-certified ones, and the program aims to extend that strong safety culture across more workplaces.

Mike, Abe, and Chris Ring share their motivations for joining the program, emphasizing the desire to support companies in navigating the COR® certification process, which can often feel overwhelming for some companies. They note that many organizations are already implementing effective safety practices; they just need help documenting and refining them, which is the purpose of the program.

They also discuss how the program helps close gaps in audit quality and member satisfaction, ensuring that companies receive consistent, competent guidance throughout their certification journey.

Free resources

IHSA – Certificate of Recognition (COR®)

Maple Safety Consulting

Occupational Health & Safety Prevention Services

WorkBright

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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 resources

IHSA - Certificate of Recognition (COR®)

Basics of Supervising Training

JHSC Training Part 1

JHSC Training Part 2

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This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses women in the trades and features four skilled tradeswomen who are building, welding, wiring, and driving real change in the industry.

Gabrielle, a carpenter apprentice; Kenedi, a heavy equipment operator; Kenya, a apprentice; and Catrina, an electrical apprentice, speak about what inspired them to pursue careers in the trades—from family involvement to sheer curiosity, as well as a love for hands-on, creative work.

They discuss the challenges they’ve faced as women in male-dominated workplaces; some encountered resistance, while others received support and acceptance. They also highlight how workplace culture—whether strong or weak—can make a significant difference, emphasizing the importance of a positive and inclusive environment.

The women share tips for those considering a career in the trades, such as not being discouraged by negative opinions but to use them as motivation instead. They also discuss other topics like the need for more private, clean washroom facilities, proper PPEs that fit, mental health support, as well as their hope to see more women enter the trades.

Free resources

Women in Construction Health and Safety

Challenging stigma and preventing mental harm

Safety talk: Toxic masculinity

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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

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