March 20, 2013 – Thanks to IHSA for letting us know Ontario’s Ministry of Labour has launched consultations on the development of a province-wide integrated occupational health & safety strategy, calling it the first of its kind for Ontario.

“This is an opportunity for us to learn from our stakeholders on how best to develop a strong, integrated occupational health and safety strategy,” said George Gritziotis, Ontario’s chief prevention officer. “This strategy is an important opportunity to establish clear priorities that will guide the occupational health and safety community. I look forward to receiving comments.”

This strategy will provide a clear vision to guide Ontario’s OH&S system and workplaces, says the ministry, adding it will also help shape operational plans and programs for the ministry and its partners in the years ahead.

The strategy will focus on issues such as:

• addressing the needs of vulnerable workers
• supporting small businesses
• high-hazard activities
• effective support for workplace parties

The consultations will cover the entire range of OH&S, from prevention to compliance and enforcement. The feedback received will help in the development of the strategy. Ultimately, the final strategy document will guide the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of OH&S programs and services the province.

A full consultation paper and an abridged version are available for download BELOW. The ministry encourages parties to distribute these consultation papers to their networks.

The DEADLINE FOR FEEDBACK is May 17, 2013.