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What is an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)

 If you are in the construction business or working anywhere else where safety is a priority, chances are good that you’ve encountered the term Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) before. But, just what is it? And why should you care?” Let’s break that down to basics. In a nutshell, an OHSMS is a structured framework which helps businesses to manage the risks to safety in the workplace. It’s not just about ticking boxes or avoiding penalties (though that’s important too); it’s for providing a safer environment for everyone at the site. It is like handing out road maps showing how to handle hazards, control risks and making safety processes develop over time. At Health and Safety Advisors , we specialize in helping construction companies in Toronto and beyond develop and implement OHSMS frameworks like COR 2020 and ISO 45001.

What is a WHS consultant?

 A WHS consultant is a professional who specializes in Work Health and Safety (WHS) , helping businesses ensure their workplaces comply with safety laws and promote a safe working environment. WHS is the term commonly used in Australia (equivalent to **Occupational Health and Safety – OHS – in other countries). Role of a WHS Consultant: A WHS consultant typically: Identifies risks and hazards in the workplace Develops safety management systems and procedures Advises on legal compliance with WHS legislation Conducts audits, inspections, and risk assessments Delivers safety training to employees and management Investigates incidents and implements corrective actions Helps businesses prepare for WorkSafe or Safe Work audits Who Needs a WHS Consultant? Construction companies Manufacturers Warehousing and logistics Healthcare facilities Any business seeking to improve safety or meet legal requirements

Empowering a Safer Workplace: The Importance of Health and Safety Training Courses

  Introduction Health and safety training is more than a legal requirement—it's a cornerstone of a productive, compliant, and resilient workplace. Well-designed training courses not only help businesses meet legislative obligations but also cultivate a proactive safety culture that protects workers and enhances organizational efficiency. Why Health and Safety Training Matters Legal Compliance Every employer has a duty under occupational health and safety legislation to ensure that workers are properly trained to perform their jobs safely. Training helps businesses stay compliant with regulatory standards and avoid costly fines or penalties. Risk Reduction Effective training reduces the risk of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses by educating employees on how to identify hazards, use protective equipment, and respond to emergencies. Improved Productivity A safe workplace is a productive workplace. When employees feel safe and confident in their roles, absente...

Ways to Prepare Your Supervisors for COR

 The COR journey of your company depends heavily on your supervisors! The people who make sure that safety procedures are recognized and routinely implemented on the ground serve as the link between policy and practice. At Health and Safety Advisors , we recognize that success or failure in your COR journey will depend on how well your supervisory team is trained. Preparing your supervisors for COR (Certificate of Recognition) is critical for achieving certification and ensuring a strong safety culture. Here are practical steps to get your supervisors ready: 1. Educate Them on COR Fundamentals Provide training on: What COR is and why it's important Its role in reducing workplace incidents How it affects operations, audits, and compliance 2. Train on Roles & Responsibilities Clarify their specific duties in: Conducting inspections and safety meetings Documenting incidents and near misses Enforcing safe work practices 3. Provide Internal COR T...

Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OHSMS): What is it?

 You're not alone if establishing an OHSMS seems overwhelming. We can help with that. Our specialty at Health and Safety Advisors is assisting Toronto-based and other construction organizations in creating and putting into practice OHSMS frameworks such as ISO 45001 and COR 2020. We can help you whether you're just starting out or need assistance improving your system. An Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OHSMS) is a structured framework that organizations use to proactively manage workplace health and safety risks. Its main goal is to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by creating safer working environments through systematic planning, implementation, and evaluation of safety practices. 🔍 Key Components of an OHSMS Policy A clear statement from top management showing commitment to health and safety. Planning Identifying hazards and assessing risks Setting safety goals and objectives Developing procedures to control risks Implement...

Safety Training for High-Risk Construction Activities with Health and Safety Advisors

  Key Types of Safety Training Construction work involves many risks, and safety training helps workers handle these challenges. Here are some essential types of training for high-risk construction jobs: 1. Fall Protection Training Falls are a leading cause of injuries in construction. This training teaches workers how to use safety gear like harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets. It also helps them spot and reduce fall hazards on the job. 2. Scaffolding Safety Training Scaffolding accidents can be serious. This training covers how to safely set up, use, and inspect scaffolds. Workers also learn about weight limits and how to avoid falls or injuries from falling objects. 3. Electrical Safety Training Electricity can be very dangerous on construction sites. This training helps workers understand electrical hazards, handle equipment safely, and follow lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental shocks or energizing machinery. 4. Heavy Equipment Operation Training Operating large...

Occupational Health and Safety in Toronto

  Occupational Health and Safety in Toronto may offer your business an expert, informed, and unbiased viewpoint on handling your health and safety needs. Your team of specialists is supported by health and safety consultants. We can assist you with the setup, execution, and upkeep of your safety program. A thorough internal and external auditing process has been used to design, implement, and assess the health and safety management system annually. A gap analysis will be performed, and a comprehensive set of recommendations will be provided to help you create, implement, and maintain your health and safety program effectively. The Health and Safety Advisors will perform a thorough review of your current program.