At the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Annual General Meeting (AGM), an announcement was made regarding a five per cent premium rate reduction on the average rate, which will take effect January 1, 2017, enabling $250 million to remain in Ontario's economy. This represents the first premium rate reduction since 2001.
This newsletter is published six times a year to highlight important issues in Canadian employment and labour law. This month they address two issues: Taking the “High” Road - Alberta Court of Appeal Clarifies Enforcement of Drug and Alcohol Policies, and Employment Practices Liability Insurance – What’s it all about? In addition - the topic of ' Group Insurance Benefits - Avoid Dangerous Employer Liability Traps!' is being presented at a free breakfast seminar being held on Wednesday September 28, 2016.
Recent changes to construction regulations came into force July 1st and include - new drill rig regulations, enforcement of the noise regulation and reg 833 - the control of biological or chemical agent exposure in Ontario workplaces - and the new GHS WHMIS. It was also recently announced that cabinet passed the amendments to regulation 213/91 for suspended access equipment which will be coming into force on January 1st 2017. These are extensive regulatory changes that require not only information and compliance guidance for industry but also extensive training.
Almost 40,000 Ontario farms and over 100,000 adult readers received their August version of 'Better Farming' recently. You can view a digital copy here.
With the Haven fire suppression unit, fires could be extinguished before anyone even knew they had started. We are sharing this article from the recent Ontario Farmer magazine about the HAVEN Fire Safety Device. This is an additional way to protect property from fire loss. This is especially applicable to rural areas where “ seconds count “. Strategically located HAVEN fire suppression devices have the potential to prevent major fire loss. A simple idea that can save lives and property.
What would you guess is the single most important ingredient in modern food production? Good seeds? Rainfall? Fertilizer?
Ontario improving occupational health and safety outcomes & Ontario has made amendments to strengthen and clarify existing requirements relating to the use of suspended access equipment.
Wayne Woldt, Nebraska Extension agricultural engineer, explains the FAA's new regulations for small unmanned aircraft systems.
Farmers may be Exempt From Some Federal Drone Regulations
Farmers may find themselves exempt from some of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) regulations when it comes to drone usage.
On June 21, the FAA released a list of rules for using drones including the aircraft's weight being less than 55 lbs, a maximum groundspeed of 100 mph and a minimum weather visibility of 3 miles from a control station. The FAA said that, in a few months, farmers can apply for exemption waivers if they can prove the drone will be used safely.
Imagine building a floating Dairy Barn - CFBA Builders!
Ontario to Double Cap for Loan Guarantees
The CFBA is pleased to report that effective March 2016, the Canadian Farm Builders Association has representation on the Task Group that is reviewing the National Farm Building Code of Canada.
Heat, Storms, Hazardous Plants and Insects - What Employers Need to Know and Do to Keep Outdoor Workers Safe this Summer and Fall.
The Ministry of Labour monthly report presented to the Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee, containing information regarding the construction-related fatalities and critical injuries in Ontario.
Ontario honoured 65 food retailers at this year's Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards.
Beginning on May 16 the MoL will be undertaking its first 2-month blitz of the year. This blitz will be targeting “ falls from heights” on construction projects and inspectors will be looking for: appropriate work planning; training in both working at heights and the site-specific training required in using the fall protection system at a project; the proper use, configuration and inspection of fall protection systems; the use of guardrails, where appropriate; the correct configuration of travel restraint systems; and, the use of adequate attachment or anchor points.
Consultation: Construction Hazard Awareness Training - The ministry is consulting on proposed changes that would, if approved, require employers to ensure that workers performing work to which the Construction Projects Regulation applies complete a construction hazard awareness training program. The ministry is also seeking feedback on draft construction health and safety awareness training program and provider standards.
