Recent Articles
Stay informed and protect what matters most with helpful tips and resources on occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, occupational health and safety management systems, training and instruction, and more.
MLITSD Noise Inspection Campaign Ontario: What Employers Should Expect
Ontario’s 2026–2027 noise inspection campaign is underway, with MLITSD occupational hygienists conducting proactive workplace inspections. Their focus includes worker noise exposure, engineering controls, hearing protection, training, and warning signs. This article explains what Ontario’s noise regulations require and provides employers with a practical compliance checklist.
Wildfire smoke and air quality: Protecting Outdoor Workers
With wildfire smoke impacting air quality across Ontario, outdoor workers may face increased health risks. This article outlines practical steps employers can take to reduce exposure, protect at-risk workers, and adapt work schedules based on real-time air quality conditions.
Tips for hiring an occupational Hygiene Consultant in Ontario
Choosing an occupational hygiene consultant in Ontario should not come down to price alone. This article explains what employers should look for before comparing quotes, including competence, exposure assessment judgment, supervision, reporting quality, and whether the work will actually answer the problem.
Work-Related Health and Safety Lessons for Ontario Employers
Work-related health and safety can extend beyond regular working hours, the physical workplace, and assigned duties. This article shares OHS lessons for Ontario employers on workplace conduct, employer-supported events, training, and supervision.
Supervisor Health and Safety Responsibilities in Ontario
Supervisors and managers have defined health and safety responsibilities under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. This article explains what is expected in practice and where workplaces commonly see gaps.
Online Health and Safety Training: Common compliance issues
Online health and safety training can meet certain compliance requirements, but only when it is used appropriately. This article explains where online training fits, where it reaches its limits, and how training effectiveness is typically assessed in practice.
Using PEMEP to Navigate Occupational Hygiene Hazards
Most workplace fatalities in Canada aren’t from accidents. They’re from invisible hazards hiding in plain sight. In 2023, 60% of workplace fatalities were caused by long-term exposure to airborne chemicals that workers couldn’t detect. Discover why occupational hygiene assessments are important and how they help workplaces ensure the health and safety of workers.
Health and Safety Compliance in Ontario: What Inspectors Enforce
In 2024, Ontario inspectors issued over 88,000 health and safety compliance orders to workplaces. We analyzed every one to reveal which laws were most cited and where compliance gaps are most common. Explore the interactive tool to see the top 5 orders for your sector.
Top 3 COR Certification Mistakes to Avoid | WorkBright
Most workplace fatalities in Canada aren’t from accidents. They’re from invisible hazards hiding in plain sight. In 2023, 60% of workplace fatalities were caused by long-term exposure to airborne chemicals that workers couldn’t detect. Discover why occupational hygiene assessments are important and how they help workplaces ensure the health and safety of workers.
How occupational hygiene assessments protect workers.
Most workplace fatalities in Canada aren’t from accidents. They’re from invisible hazards hiding in plain sight. In 2023, 60% of workplace fatalities were caused by long-term exposure to airborne chemicals that workers couldn’t detect. Discover why occupational hygiene assessments are important and how they help workplaces ensure the health and safety of workers.
Statistics and Records in COR®
A strong OHSMS thrives on data: systematically tracking leading and lagging indicators is essential for identifying trends, preventing incidents, and driving continuous improvement. In this article, we explore COR® 2020 Element 12—Statistics and Records—to show you how to select the right metrics, establish a consistent measurement process, and leverage your data to elevate workplace safety performance.
3 legal lessons Ontario employers should know about OHS
Discover 3 key legal lessons from our Safety and Health Week 2025 webinar. Based on real court cases from 2024, this recap highlights what Ontario employers need to know about organizational structure, owner–contractor roles, and supervisor responsibilities under the OHSA and Criminal Code.
Health and safety compliance campaigns – Ontario 2025-2026
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour has announced its 2025–2026 health and safety compliance campaigns, with inspectors focusing on construction, industrial, occupational hygiene, and retail workplaces. Key priorities include material handling, fall protection, chemical exposure, WHMIS compliance, and ergonomic risks. Learn what Ontario employers need to know to stay compliant—and how WorkBright™ can help with customized training, gap assessments, and expert support.
Occupational Hygiene Compliance for Ontario Employers – 2025
Ontario’s 2025–2026 Occupational Hygiene Compliance Campaign is underway—and inspections are already happening. This article outlines what employers need to know about the Ministry of Labour’s focus on airborne chemical hazards (Reg. 833) and WHMIS training (Reg. 860), and offers three practical steps workplaces can take to prepare for inspections and protect their workers.
Welding Fume Exposure in Ontario: Hazards & Compliance Tips
Welding fume exposure is a serious occupational health concern that can lead to long-term illness and regulatory non-compliance if not properly managed. For employers in Ontario, understanding the health risks and applying the hierarchy of controls—aligned with Regulation 833—is essential to protecting workers and maintaining a compliant, effective health and safety program.
Silica Exposure: Workplace Risks, Laws & Prevention in Ontario
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a serious occupational health hazard found in many workplaces—especially construction. This article breaks down the health risks of silica in the workplace, legal responsibilities under Ontario regulations, and practical steps for controlling exposure. Learn how to protect workers, avoid costly legal contraventions, and stay compliant with expert guidance from WorkBright’s occupational hygienists.
OHS Management Systems: WorkBright Guest Lecture at TMU
WorkBright was recognized by Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) for delivering a guest lecture on benefits and challenges of implementing an OHS management system and ISO 45001 certification. This article highlights key insights shared with students, including why organizations pursue ISO 45001 or COR® certification and how future safety professionals can bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Occupational Exposure Limits Ontario: What Employers Must Do to Comply
Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) are critical for protecting workers from harmful exposures to chemicals, noise, and other hazards. This guide explains how OELs work, outlines key Ontario regulations like Reg. 833 and 381, and highlights how employers can stay compliant while keeping workers safe.
Key Differences Between ISO 45001 and COR® Certification
Considering ISO 45001 or COR® certification? Both frameworks support safer workplaces through structured health and safety management systems — but they differ in scope, approach, and recognition. This article compares their key features to help you choose the right fit for your organization.
Working for Workers Six Act – Health and safety changes
Ontario’s OHSA saw major updates in December 2024, with new requirements for PPE fit, expanded CPO powers, and tougher penalties for repeat offenders. This article highlights key changes employers need to know — and what steps to take now to stay compliant and protect workers.
Procurement and contractor management for COR® certification
Contractor oversight plays a key role in achieving COR® 2020 certification. This article outlines essential strategies for developing a strong contractor management procedure — from selection criteria and communication protocols to documentation and monitoring — all aligned with COR® standards.
Washroom Cleaning Regulation Being Considered for Workplaces
Ontario is proposing new requirements for workplaces to document and post washroom cleaning records. This article breaks down what’s included in the Ministry’s consultation, what employers need to prepare for, and how to stay ahead of potential regulatory changes under Bill 190.
The Severity-Based Lagging Indicator: Understanding OHS Outcomes
Is counting all injuries equally giving you the full picture? This article explores the Severity-Based Lagging Indicator (SBLI) — a more balanced way to track workplace injuries by factoring in their severity, not just frequency. Learn how this approach can improve your health and safety insights and support COR™ or ISO 45001 goals.
2024 Health and Safety Changes in Ontario: What You Need to Know
From expanded protections for remote workers to electronic postings and updated harassment definitions, Ontario’s 2024 OHSA amendments reflect a shift toward modern, flexible workplaces. In this webinar, Mike Russo, WorkBright, and Luiza Vikhnovich, Sherrard Kuzz Employment and Labour Lawyers discuss recent changes to the Occupational Health & Safety Act — and how to stay compliant in a changing regulatory landscape.
Part 2: Occupational Hygiene and WHMIS Compliance – 2024-2025 Enforcement Plans
In 2024, Ontario is intensifying inspections related to chemical exposure and WHMIS compliance across all sectors. This article outlines key focus areas of the Ministry’s enforcement plans and offers practical steps workplaces can take to protect workers and meet regulatory requirements.
Part 1: Construction Health and Safety Compliance – Ontario’s 2024-2025 Plans
Ontario’s 2024 construction compliance plans are now in effect, with a strong focus on preventing falls and struck-by incidents — two of the most common causes of serious workplace injuries. This article breaks down what employers need to know to prepare for inspections and stay compliant throughout the year.
Navigating the Solar Eclipse: A Guide to Employer Responsibilities Under OHSA and Worker Safety
The 2024 solar eclipse presents a unique workplace hazard many employers may overlook. This article outlines your responsibilities under Ontario’s OHSA and provides five key tips to protect workers from potential eye injuries — helping you plan ahead and stay compliant.
COR 2020 Certification Process: 3 Tips for Success
Achieving COR™ 2020 certification demonstrates your company’s commitment to health and safety excellence — but the process can be complex without the right support. This article outlines three essential tips to help you plan, organize, and navigate the certification journey with confidence.
3 Tips for Protecting Workers from Noise Exposure and Complying with the Law
Noise-induced hearing loss remains one of the most common occupational diseases in Ontario. This article shares three practical tips to help workplaces assess noise risks, reduce exposure, and meet legal requirements — all while protecting worker health and productivity.
Becoming a CPO-Approved Working at Heights Training Provider
When Ontario updated its Working at Heights training standards, Rescue 7 turned to WorkBright™ for expert support. This case study shows how a detailed gap analysis and strategic course updates helped the organization maintain CPO approval — ahead of deadline and with confidence.
Can AI Chatbots be used to Refine Health and Safety Content?
AI chatbots like ChatGPT aren’t a substitute for qualified health and safety expertise — but they can still play a valuable supporting role. This article explores how AI can help simplify technical content, improve readability, and standardize tone across safety documents to better connect with workers.
Unlocking the Power of WSIB’s SafetyCheck for Informed Decision-Making
WSIB’s SafetyCheck tool gives Ontario businesses free access to valuable workplace injury data — but many don’t realize how powerful it can be. This article explores three smart ways to use SafetyCheck for benchmarking, contractor selection, and identifying risk trends in your own workplace.
Choosing the Right Protective Footwear for Your Workers
Foot injuries and slips are a leading cause of workplace incidents — but the right protective footwear can make all the difference. This article walks you through five essential steps to selecting CSA-compliant footwear that fits the job, meets legal requirements, and keeps your workers safe and comfortable.
Health and safety enforcement inspections in Ontario: 2022 recap
The Ministry of Labour issued over 80,000 health and safety compliance orders in 2022 — but what does that mean for your business? This article breaks down key trends, top contraventions, and how Ontario workplaces can use this data to strengthen compliance and contractor oversight.
Heat Stress Prevention Ontario: Do Employers Need a Program?
Heat stress is a serious workplace hazard that can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and medical emergencies. Ontario employers must take steps to protect workers exposed to hot conditions indoors or outdoors. Learn when a heat stress control plan is required and how to implement one effectively.
Preparing for a health and safety enforcement inspection.
A visit from a Ministry inspector doesn’t have to be stressful — if you know what to expect. This article explains how to prepare, what documents to have ready, and how to respond to orders, helping your workplace stay compliant and inspection-ready at all times.
Ticks and Lyme Disease: How to prepare your outdoor workers
As tick season approaches, protecting outdoor workers from Lyme disease is more important than ever. This article explains how to manage the risk, spot early symptoms, and take simple steps to keep your team safe — plus, download a free workplace poster to help employees recognize blacklegged ticks.
Making your workplace health and safety committee meetings more effective—Part 2
Joint Health and Safety Committees are essential to a safe workplace — but when meetings lack structure or focus, their impact suffers. This article offers practical tips to strengthen your committee’s effectiveness, improve engagement, and ensure your meetings lead to real, lasting safety improvements.
Making your workplace health and safety committee meetings more effective—Part 1
Joint Health and Safety Committees are essential to a safe workplace — but when meetings lack structure or focus, their impact suffers. This article offers practical tips to strengthen your committee’s effectiveness, improve engagement, and ensure your meetings lead to real, lasting safety improvements.
Does your workplace need a respiratory protection program? Here are 3 things you can do now.
Respiratory hazards can be deadly — and Ontario inspectors are paying close attention. This article highlights three key actions your workplace can take right now to protect workers and stay compliant: assess airborne risks, ensure proper training, and build a solid respiratory protection program.
What you should consider when choosing a health and safety training course
Not all health and safety training is created equal — and poorly chosen courses can waste time and money. This article outlines what to look for in a quality training program, from choosing the right delivery format to ensuring content is relevant, engaging, and sticks with your team long after the course ends.
Naloxone in workplaces and opioid risk. What Ontario businesses should know.
Ontario employers will now be required to determine if a naloxone kit is required in the workplace. This article outlines how to assess if your workplace requires a naloxone kit, what the law requires, and what steps your business should take to stay compliant — and potentially save a life.
Telework from home: Keeping employees safe
With more employees working from home, it’s essential to recognize that telework comes with its own set of health and safety risks. This article outlines practical steps employers can take to identify home office hazards, implement controls, and ensure remote workers are protected — all while staying compliant with Ontario’s updated health and safety laws.
Hosting a corporate party? Keep your employees safe and limit your liability.
Corporate parties can boost morale, but they also come with risks. This article shares key tips to help your business host a safe and inclusive event — from managing alcohol and transportation to reducing hazards and protecting against liability.
Useful Resources for Managing Health and Safety – The First 3 Months on the Job
Stepping into a health and safety role can be daunting. This article shares five practical tips and go-to resources to help you get oriented, understand workplace hazards, and build confidence during your first three months in a health and safety role.
Tips for Recruiting a Health and Safety Professional
Recruiting for a health and safety role can feel overwhelming. This article offers practical tips to help you attract qualified candidates in the field of occupational health and safety. Learn where to find reliable information about the profession and how to position your job posting to draw in the right talent.
What to consider before hiring a contractor
Businesses across Canada spend thousands of dollars each year on building construction, repairs, equipment installation, and facility management such as cleaning, snow removal, and landscaping. Price, time, and quality are generally deciding factors when hiring a...
Keeping new workers healthy and safe at work
New workers are three times more likely to be injured on the job — but the risk can be significantly reduced with the right approach. This article outlines practical steps employers can take before, during, and after a new worker starts to ensure a safe, supportive, and well-supervised transition into the workplace.