Small businesses often experience higher worker injury and fatality rates than large organizations in the same sector due to limited health and safety knowledge and resources.
A recent study conducted by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) addressed gaps in research on new businesses – often classified as small businesses – and occupational health and safety (OHS).
Study highlights and findings
A cross-sectional survey of 351 Ontario single-owner businesses less than three years old, most employing two to five workers in higher injury risk sectors such as construction, retail, and janitorial services, revealed substantial gaps in OHS management. Using a nine-question tool developed by IWH, only 10 per cent of businesses reported completing all nine recommended safety actions, while 25 per cent had done none. Just over one-third met the study’s threshold for meaningful OHS management, defined as completing two or more actions, leaving roughly two-thirds without a foundation in place. Worryingly, 36 per cent of new businesses showed no evidence of even basic OHS practices despite worker exposure to workplace hazards. The findings also indicate that OHS knowledge and self-confidence are strongly associated with initiating health and safety management, and both can be improved through
education and training as outlined in past research. Consistent with this, 78 per cent of respondents said they would prefer to access OHS resources before or at the time of business registration, highlighting a critical opportunity to reach businesses earlier in their life cycle, when building knowledge and confidence can establish effective safety practices from the start.
“Small businesses are a vital engine in our economy, but it is clear too many lack the tools and confidence to keep workers safe,” says Andrew Mudge, Executive Director, Workers Health & Safety Centre. “By making health and safety resources easier to access, especially early on, and combining education and training with clear requirements, we can help employers build strong lifesaving health and safety practices from day one. We’re here to help.”
The make-up of small businesses in Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) reports that approximately 100,000 employer businesses launch in Canada annually. According to Statistics Canada, Ontario led the nation with over 407,000 small businesses, which are defined as having fewer than 100 employees, as of late 2023. Nationwide, businesses with one to 19 employees comprise 91.1 per cent of all employer businesses and collectively employ 4.4 million people, representing nearly 25 per cent of the workforce. Many of these businesses operate in high-harm sectors involving physical hazards, such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, retail, social assistance and healthcare.
Employer legal duties are the same regardless of business size
Under the
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), small business employers have the same responsibilities as any employer: they must take every reasonable precaution to protect workers by identifying and controlling workplace hazards, provide proper information, instruction, and supervision to safeguard health and safety, and ensure that all workers and supervisors complete required training, including basic occupational health and safety awareness, and that records of this training are maintained. In addition, most workplaces in Ontario that employ between 6 and 19 workers are required to ensure that a health and safety representative is selected from among the workers. For workplaces with 20 or more workers,
joint health and safety committee requirements and certification training also apply.
Earlier decades of systematic reviews, supported by IWH research, found that safety inspections, fines, and increased employer awareness of the financial implications of non-compliance can encourage compliance to legal obligations and promote safer workplaces, ultimately reducing work-related injuries.
The case for multidisciplinary approaches
In addition to this is the case for a multi-disciplinary approach to interventions of workplace health and safety. An initiative targeting newly established businesses sought to improve air quality in nail salons across the Boston area, with the goal of lowering workers’ exposure to harmful chemicals. To accomplish this, it used multiple strategies. City public health officials had spent six years conducting educational outreach, informing salon owners about the hazards and how to address them, but saw minimal results. They eventually shifted tactics by updating regulations and licensing requirements, mandating that all new salons install proper ventilation systems before they could open. This regulatory change proved significantly more effective. Further evidence indicates that policy efforts tend to be most effective when they blend awareness-building measures, such as
education and training, with both incentives and regulatory requirements.
Building safer small workplaces through training
Research consistently shows that education and training play a key role in enhancing both OHS knowledge and workers’ confidence in applying safe practices as noted above. At the Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC), we offer a range of programs designed to help small businesses protect their workers while also meeting their legal obligations.
Not sure where to start, for information and to register check out the courses below or contact us and
speak to a training representative near you.
WHSC also offers training and information for specific workplace hazards.
Need more information?
Contact a
WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email:
contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit:
whsc.on.ca
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