We open up the mailbag to answer your questions! Safety experts Kirsi Henry, Jack Minacs, Pam Patry and Lori Shepherd discuss returning to the office, tips on becoming an HSR, seasonal workers and more. 

Note: This episode was recorded on April 6, 2022. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm up-to-date prevention measures that are in place in your area. 

RESOURCES 

WHMIS – Do all employees need training every year?
Chemicals, Hazardous Materials & WHMIS | https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/chemicals-hazardous-materials-whmis

Seasonal employees and JHSC requirements
•	Guide for health and safety committees and representatives | https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-health-and-safety-committees-and-representatives

Health and safety representative (HSR) 
•	Health & Safety Representative | https://www.wsps.ca/health-safety-representatives
•	Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Basic Training | https://shop.wsps.ca/products/health-and-safety-representative-hsr-basic-training

How can businesses deal with the dropping of mandates if some employees and customers are not quite ready? 
•	COVID-19 information and resources |https://covid19.wsps.ca/
•	Should you keep some COVID controls in place? | https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/should-you-keep-some-covid-controls-in-place

Return to office 
Prepare for emergency situations including COVID-19 | https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/covid-19-emergency-preparedness-response
•	How to apply your COVID-19 safety plan to other hazards | https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/how-to-apply-your-covid-19-safety-plan-to-other-hazards
6 tips for preventing MSDs in the post-pandemic office | https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/6-tips-for-preventing-msds-in-the-post-pandemic-office

Other Resources
•	Disconnecting from Work Poster | https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/posters/wsps-right-to-disconnect-infographic-poster
•	MLTSD initiatives 2022-2023: inspection schedule |https://www.ontario.ca/page/workplace-compliance-initiatives

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
•	Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre: https://www.wsps.ca/Small-Business-Centre/Home.aspx
•	Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Duty Consultant by email dutyconsultant@wsps.ca or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).
•	Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Contact smallbizsafety@wsps.ca 

Follow WSPS on social media
•	Twitter: https://twitter.com/WSPS_NEWS
•	Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsps.news
•	LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workplace-safety-&-prevention-services
•	YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WSPSpromo

#18 – Mailbag Special

There are COVID-19 variants lurking – what do they mean for you, your business and the masks you use? Safety experts Kirsi Henry and Jack Minacs get the scoop from WSPS’ “mask guru” Wagish Yajaman.

Note: This episode was recorded on February 9, 2021. All information presented was in effect at that time. Please check with your local Public Health unit to confirm up-to-date prevention measures that are in place in your area. 

RESOURCES 

Intro
WSPS Article: 5 steps to keep up with evolving COVID-19 requirements
https://www.wsps.ca/Information-Resources/Articles/5-steps-to-keep-up-with-evolving-COVID-19-requirem.aspx  

Ontario Small Business Support Grant
https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/

Ontario support grant to small businesses to assist with the costs of PPE.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs#section-1 

IN THE NEWS: Masks: the Next Frontier

WSPS article on current mask recommendations
https://www.wsps.ca/Information-Resources/Articles/6-ways-to-meet-COVID-variants-head-on.aspx

WSPS article on how to safely use, handle and dispose of face coverings
https://www.wsps.ca/Information-Resources/Articles/how-to-safely-use-face-coverings.aspx 

WSPS Fact Sheet: Filtering Face Pieces, Masks and Fabric Face coverings
https://d1ow5xpphy0w2p.cloudfront.net/common/Masks-Face-Coverings-Featr-Sht-LR-Final.pdf 

WSPS Poster: Using the Hierarchy of Controls to fight COVID-19
https://d1ow5xpphy0w2p.cloudfront.net/common/covid19-hierarchy-of-controls-poster.pdf 

Ontario.ca: Using Masks in the Workplace
https://www.ontario.ca/page/using-masks-workplace 

New York Times animation on how masks work
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/30/science/wear-mask-covid-particles-ul.html

Toronto Star article: One mask or two? As other countries explore new options, Canada sticks to its COVID-19 advice
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/01/28/one-mask-or-two-as-other-countries-explore-new-options-canada-sticks-to-its-covid-19-advice.html 

Washington Post opinion article on premium masks
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/01/26/n95-masks-safest-next-best-options/

Contact Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Looking for Small Biz resources and more information? Visit the WSPS Small Business Centre
https://www.wsps.ca/Small-Business-Centre/Home.aspx

Have health and safety questions? Contact the WSPS Duty Consultant by email dutyconsultant@wsps.ca or call 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).

Have questions about this podcast or show ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Contact:  smallbizsafety@wsps.ca
 

Follow WSPS on social media

Twitter
https://twitter.com/WSPS_NEWS

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/wsps.news 

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/workplace-safety-&-prevention-services

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/WSPSpromo


Download the free WSPS COVID at Work App 
This new app gives workers access to helpful health and safety information and resources on the go. Download from:

The App Store 
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/prevent-covid-at-work/id1531461767 

Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apps.wsps

#4 - Masks: the Next Frontier

Run a small business? Let our safety experts walk you through simple steps to make your workplace safer and your business better.

Brought to you by Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) in Ontario, Canada.

#18 – Mailbag Special

Small Biz Safety Podcast

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