As Ontario’s leading provider of occupational health and safety training, Workers Health & Safety Centre is always looking to identify and bridge occupational health and safety training gaps. The 2023/2024 fiscal year was no exception as we significantly expanded our services and reached traditionally underserved audiences and communities. Learn about these efforts and more in our latest Annual Report, now available online.
 
Removing barriers to quality health and safety training and filling significant training gaps were among Workers Health & Safety Centre’s key accomplishments in the last year. Learn about these successes and more in WHSC’s 2023/2024 Annual Report now available online. 

Along with core funding for WHSC programs and services, two one-time special grants from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) supplemented our efforts. Through these special projects we were able to further expand our reach to underserviced communities and vulnerable workers. 

Specifically, these funds allowed us to offer essential training at deeply discounted prices, or in some cases at no cost, reaching many with the least ability to pay. Because language is a barrier too, we also used these funds to translate additional WHSC training programs and information resources to French, plus create a French website to help promote the largest catalogue of instructor-led French language training in the province. Both initiatives are further evidence of the work which distinguishes us within Ontario’s health and safety system.

Relatedly, in the 2023/2024 Annual Report is a special report on WHSC’s work to champion instructor-led training throughout MLITSD consultations on their review of joint health and safety committee Certification training standards. Responding to those inside and outside the system who advocate an asynchronous e-learning option for Certification training, the report explains how evidence and experience demonstrates e-learning as a false solution. To build knowledge and skills essential for real world application and the worker right to participate in matters of occupational health and safety training, training needs an engaging, real-time exchange between participants and instructors, where learning is demonstrated, observed, evaluated, and confirmed. 

A decision on any changes to Certification training standards is still pending, regardless the year’s achievements, including delivery of one of the highest levels of WHSC training hours in recent years, are worth celebrating, notes WHSC executive director, Andrew Mudge. “Last year was a standout year for breaking barriers to quality training and the safer, healthier work it supports,” says Mudge. “By enhancing our training reach, access, service, and quality, through a worker first perspective, we were able to expand the kind of training upon which our clients and constituents rely. I know I speak for all connected with WHSC when I say, we are determined to preserve and advance our unique role and contributions in the health and safety system. Working people in this province deserve no less.” 

Download and read WHSC's 2023/2024 Annual Report

Check out WHSC’s summer training schedule. Register for WHSC training.

Visit WHSC’s French language training web site:  https://www.whsc.on.ca/Accueil.

For service or training in French, contact Training Services Representative, Christopher Gervais, cgervais@whsc.on.ca or 613-407-2187.

Don’t see what you need? Contact a Training Services Representative in your area.

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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