Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) says it will host a Feb. 12 program outlining details about safety programs offering financial incentives for participants.
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MoL) and Workers SafetyInsurance Board (WSIB) programs include “Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employer Program (SOSE)” and the Health and Safety Excellence Program. There will also be information about the Certificate of Recognition (COR) 2020.
“All contractors now have an opportunity to improve their safety program and receive significant rebates and recognition for their achievement,” says a memo from Elizabeth Huynh, the OGCA’s member services and programs co-ordinator.
“A few weeks ago, Minister Monte McNaughton announced the SOSE Accreditation Program that will allow for accreditation of employers who have achieved an updated COR 2020,” she wrote.
“WSIB Chair Elizabeth Witmer also announced the Health and Safety Excellence Program that will provide funding for employers who successfully complete its modules. It will support the implementation of COR and accreditation.
“Early in the New Year, IHSA (Infrastructure Health and Safety Association) will introduce an updated COR 2020 that is recognized by the Chief Prevention Officer for the Accreditation program.”
She wrote the Feb. 12 event will feature:
- Chief Prevention Officer Ron Kelusky will present the SOSE Program and explain the benefits, requirements and how to apply to the program;
- IHSA vice-president Paul Casey will explain COR 2020, including opportunities for COR certified companies to update their status, and integration to the new MOL program;
- “The WSIB representative will present the Health and Safety Excellence Program and will explain how it can be used to move towards COR certification and how you can receive incentives for completing plan modules. Participation in the Program will require each company to join a sponsoring organization (similar to Safety Groups) so that role will be explained and sponsoring firms will be available to talk to you. Please see attached for the current list of sponsors”; and
- A panel discussion will be held focusing on the integration of the programs with a question and answer session to follow.
The program starts wth registration at Verdi’s Convention Centre, 3550 Derry Rd. E., Mississauga, and continues until noon.
For more information, email Huynh at elizabeth@ogca.ca.