Safety Group
The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is pleased to sponsor a ninth year of the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) Safety Group Program for hospitals. While the organizations that participated in the 2010 OHA Safety Group are currently concluding another successful year, the OHA is pleased to extend a warm invitation to all hospitals for the 2011 OHA Safety Group.
The WSIB Safety Group Program is a prevention initiative aimed at eliminating injury and illness from Ontario workplaces. The program provides incentives for workplaces to develop sustainable health and safety programs, rewards demonstrated achievements in health and safety, and supports mentoring and networking within the group to achieve success.
Considerable expertise in health and safety exists within Ontario hospitals and the formal networking structure of the OHA Safety Group allows for best practices to be shared, while supporting members as they continue to improve their work environments. As a sponsor, the OHA assists members with processing their applications to the WSIB, developing their safety plans for the coming year and submitting required reports to the WSIB. In addition, the OHA organizes a minimum of six (6) educational meetings (at least two of which are held regionally, and one that takes place at the annual HealthAchieve conference and exhibition).
Safety Group Regular Program: Participants with less than five (5) years in WSIB Safety Groups select five (5) safety elements from an approved list provided by the WSIB. One of these is chosen by majority vote of the members as a common element to all members. The OHA staff, educational meetings and networking opportunities support the participants throughout the year in the completion of the chosen safety elements.
Safety Group Advantage Program: Participants with five or more years experience in WSIB Safety Groups are assisted in the development of a safety management system, looking at the way hazards are identified, risks assessed, and controls implemented. Members are also introduced to Health and Safety Management System reviews, providing a means for continual improvement.
At the end of the year, all members in the group can be in a position to receive a financial rebate, based on the success of both their organization and the entire group.
Should you be interested in further program information, contact Rachel Bredin, Assistant Consultant, Health & Safety, at 416-205-1576 or rbredin@oha.com.