Amendments to the Ontario OHSA and O. Reg 213/91

Toronto, ON, January 13, 2025. Starting January 1, 2025, several important amendments to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Regulation for Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91) will come into effect.

Below is a summary of the changes. Please take a moment to review them, as updates to policies, particularly regarding violence and harassment, may be required:

1. Provision of Menstrual Products (Washroom Facilities)

Effective January 1, 2025

Section 28.1 (New Regulation Added):

1. For projects where 20 or more workers are regularly employed, constructors must provide menstrual products.

2. The menstrual products must:

   • Include both tampons and menstrual pads.

   • Be kept clean and hygienic.

   • Be available in one or more locations that:

     • Offer a reasonable amount of privacy.

     • Are reasonably accessible to all workers.

3. This regulation does not apply to projects expected to last less than three months.

Terminology Update:

• Subsection 29.1(2.3) of the Regulation has been amended to replace “sanitary napkins” with “menstrual products” for inclusivity.

2. Washroom Facility Maintenance and Record-Keeping

Effective July 1, 2025

• Employers and constructors must ensure all washroom facilities are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

• Records of cleaning activities must be maintained and accessible.

Effective January 1, 2026

• Cleaning records must document the date and time of the two most recent cleanings.

• Records must be posted near the facility or electronically, provided workers know how to access them.

• For construction projects, constructors must document all cleaning, servicing, or sanitizing performed within the past six months or the project’s duration, whichever is shorter.

4. Virtual Workplace Harassment

Effective October 28, 2024

• The definitions of "workplace harassment" and "workplace sexual harassment" now include harassment occurring virtually, such as through digital communications (emails, messaging apps, video calls, etc.).

5. Electronic Posting of Information

Effective October 28, 2024

• Employers can now post required health and safety information electronically, provided workers are informed of:

  • Where and how to access this information.

  • Accessibility requirements to ensure all workers can readily obtain the information.

• This includes documents such as:

  • The OHSA,

  • Explanatory materials,

  • Occupational health and safety policies, and

  • The names of Joint Health and Safety Committee members.

6. Remote Joint Health and Safety Committee Meetings

Effective October 28, 2024

• Joint Health and Safety Committee meetings are now permitted to occur remotely, removing the requirement for in-person meetings at the workplace.

Ford Government Imposes Stiff Penalties for Repeat Safety Violations

Toronto, ON, November 27, 2024. In a significant move to enhance workplace safety, the Ford government has announced a new policy imposing a minimum fine of $500,000 on companies with repeat safety violations. This measure aims to hold businesses accountable and ensure a safer working environment for employees across Ontario.

Visit the full article on The Star's website.

MOL letter to IHSA regarding COR Equivalency

Toronto, ON, November 4, 2024.  Readers of our twice-weekly e-mail blast will recall that in fall 2021, the Ontario WSIB-funded Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), which administers the COR® (Certificate of Recognition) program, first announced its plan to implement an equivalency process whereby organizations achieving ISO 45001 third party conformance verification could be granted COR® 2020 equivalency (attachment).  The plan was well-received by Ontario construction sector employers, and has advanced the implementation of health and safety programs modelled along the ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management standard.  

Moving forward in time, IHSA suddenly and unexpectedly announced in August 2024 that ISO 45001 equivalency would be terminated - initially as of September 2024, which was later extended to March 2025 in response to industry outcries (attachment).  IHSA's decision was widely interpreted as an indication that the equivalency process was "too successful", and eroding IHSA's COR® program.  

On October 25th, IHSA's plan to kill ISO 45001 equivalency was itself killed by the provincial government.  In a letter of that date addressed to IHSA President Enzo Garritano, the Hon. David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, wrote: 

"The upcoming elimination of the equivalency process will negatively effect stakeholders, industry, and those who bid and buy construction in Ontario. The equivalency allows employers who have successfully implemented ISO 45001:2018 to maintain that certification without requiring full certification to COR® 2020. Holding two certifications to similar CPO accredited standards would be duplicative, expensive, and without any added health and safety benefit. As Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, I am now directing the IHSA under subsection 22.6(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to continue granting COR® 2020 equivalency to firms that are certified under the ISO 45001:2018 standard on a permanent basis (emphasis added)."  

 It's probably fair to say we've now come to the final chapter in the saga of COR® ISO 45001 equivalency.

 For more information on the changes or details on COR® 2020 or ISO 45001:2018 management systems, please contact Brad Kutchoski bradk@trh-group.com, Principal - Health & Safety Programs.

Tower Crane Safety Alert After Near-Miss Incidents

Toronto, Canada, October 29, 2024. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has issued a safety alert regarding the inspection of hoist reduction gears in tower cranes (https://www.ontario.ca/page/alert-inspection-tower-crane-hoist-reduction-gear). This alert follows two recent "near miss" events where faulty gears caused crane loads to drop uncontrollably.

 The alert underscores the critical need for regular inspections and maintenance of hoist reduction gear assemblies to prevent similar incidents. It also reminds employers, constructors, and suppliers of their legal obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Specific recommendations for inspecting hoist gear reduction assemblies are provided. For further details on ensuring compliance with OHSA requirements, please refer to the CAN/CSA-Z248-17 Code for Tower Cranes.

Hanon Ribbon Cutting

Vaughan, ON, October 28, 2024. Today, Ontario provincial and municipal politicians visited the Hanon Systems project site that CS-TRH is supporting.  Hanon will be manufacturing cooling and heating systems for the EV, hybrid and gas-powered vehicle markets.  Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan, were on hand to congratulate Hanon on the new facility.  Congrats to CS-TRH team members Michael Leitner and Alannah Morrison on maintaining a great looking site! 

CS TRH 25th Annual Golf Tournament Raises $25,000 for SickKids!

Beeton, Canada, September 10, 2024. We are thrilled to announce the success of our 25th annual golf tournament, which raised an incredible $25,000 for the SickKids charity! Held at the beautiful Club at Bond Head, the event brought together golfers from all walks of life for a day of fun, competition, and giving back.

A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, and participants who made this milestone event possible. Your generosity and support will make a significant difference in the lives of children and families supported by SickKids.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year as we continue this wonderful tradition of community and charity. Together, we are making a positive impact!

Important Update – COR® 2020 – ISO 45001:2018 Equivalency Program

Toronto, Canada, September 6, 2024. The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has announced significant updates regarding the COR® 2020 program. The originally proposed date of September 1, 2024, for discontinuing COR® 2020 equivalency certificates for firms certified under the ISO 45001:2018 standard has now been pushed to March 3, 2025.

 Firms currently holding ISO 45001:2018 certification will no longer be eligible for COR® 2020 equivalency. Existing equivalency certifications will remain valid until their specified expiration date. Firms that wish to maintain COR® certification will need to successfully complete the COR® 2020 audit process. IHSA encourages affected organizations to review and update their Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) to meet the COR® 2020 standard.

 For more information, please see the COR® 2020 Standard or the COR® 2020 Program Guideline.

COR® 2020 Equivalency for ISO 45001:2018 Changes

Toronto, Canada, August 23, 2024. Effective September 1, 2024, IHSA will discontinue issuing COR® 2020 equivalency to firms certified under ISO 45001:2018. What this means is:

• Firms with existing ISO 45001:2018 certification will no longer be eligible for COR® 2020 equivalency or reciprocity. 

• All current COR® 2020 equivalency certifications will expire as indicated on their certificates. 

• Firms wishing to obtain COR® 2020 certification must successfully complete the COR® 2020 audit process.

 For more information, please see the COR® 2020 Standard or the COR® 2020 Program Guideline.

Boots and Hearts Barn Burner - Charity Hockey Game

Toronto, Canada, July 24, 2024. CrossSafety is proud to be sponsoring The Boots and Hearts Barn Burner Charity Hockey Game.  This is a fantastic event that raises funds for local charities, including the RVH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), John Tavares Foundation‘s programs for kids, PIE Education, Rotary Club, and more.  We hope to see you there!  Get more details at https://bootsandheartsbarnburner.ca/.

The TRH 25th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Toronto, Canada, July 23, 2024. The TRH Group’s 25th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in support of the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto) is scheduled for September 10, 2024 at The Club at Bond Head. Sick Children's Hospital is world-renown for quality care and support services for children in need and their families. We are honored to be associated with them for this year's Silver Anniversary event. Come join us for a great day out on the greens with Hockey Legend Doug Gilmour and sponsor a great cause! Click https://www.crosssafety.ca/s/25th-Charity-Golf-Tournament-Brochure-v2.pdf for the brochure to sign up and send to golf@trh-group.com.

Celebrating 24 Years at GTAA

Toronto, Canada, May 17, 2024. Thompson Roach & Hughes Consulting Inc. (TRH Group) is pleased to celebrate 24 years providing construction project safety support and oversight services at Pearson Airport for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.  We congratulate our dedicated team of specialists, appreciate our longstanding relationship with the great people at GTAA, and look forward to the continuing transformation of Pearson through the future LIFT program: https://www.torontopearson.com/en/future-of-pearson.

Tower Crane Near Miss Incidents: Gear Assembly Lubrication

Toronto, Canada, May 9, 2024. IHSA has posted a hazard alert in response to two recent near miss incidents involving malfunction of the gear assembly lubrication system of tower cranes.  Read more here: www.ihsa.ca/pdfs/news/alert-inspection-of-hoist-reduction-gear-on-a-tower-crane.pdf.

The 2024 CrossSafety BlueBook™ has Arrived!

Toronto, Canada, May 1, 2024.  The 2024 BlueBook - Essential Health and Safety Laws for Ontario Workplaces™ is now available for shipping and pick up from our GTA offices. This book’s content meets the legal requirement for workplace availability of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, with Carefully Curated Additional Content and Bonus Tools! Order yours today at https://www.crosssafety.ca/bluebook/p/essential-health-and-safety-laws-for-ontario-workplaces-k7kxc.