What is Distance Learning?

PSHSA’s Distance Learning is instructor-led training delivered online in real-time via Zoom. All learners take the training remotely in the same virtual classroom at the same time with the instructor.

The instructor leads learners through discussions and exercises and provides ongoing feedback and support throughout the live synchronous session. Breakout room functions are also used to facilitate group exercises so that learners can apply what they have learned to work-related examples. These exercises and discussions provide a check-in to ensure learners understand the content. The instructor will provide support throughout the discussions, and via chat texts and review of exercises.

Distance Learning ensures access to the health and safety training Ontario workers need while allowing them to learn remotely, and provides participants with the same critical occupational health and safety content and access to expert guidance as the classroom equivalent.

How does it work?

Begin by registering online for an upcoming Distance Learning session. To register multiple participants, you will need to add individuals as ‘Saved Employees’ in your profile. There will be an option to include multiple ‘Saved Employees’ when registering for a new course.

You will be emailed a link to the Zoom Distance Learning session along with any course materials for downloading three (3) days before the training start date. We recommend you download the free Zoom application to test your audio in advance of your session. If there are any issues with downloading your digital copy of the course materials, please contact PSHSA’s Client Experience team to ensure you are ready for the session at ClientExperience@pshsa.ca .

On the day of your course, utilize the Zoom link to log onto your training session at the set start time. Your facilitator will be waiting for you!

What are the technical requirements for accessing my PSHSA Distance Learning training session?

To access PSHSA Distance Learning training sessions, the following equipment and materials are required:

• Computer or laptop for visual display. (A tablet or phone isn’t sufficient to display the digital learning materials and online platform.)
• Internet connection (recommended browser: Google Chrome).
• Audio connection (via computer or phone).
• Link, meeting ID and password to the Zoom session (provided via email in advance of the session start date).

Additional recommended equipment includes:

• Audio headset
• Webcam/Camera

Am I required to use my camera or show video?

Use of a webcam/camera is highly recommended when attending your Distance Learning training session as it improves the training experience and assists the facilitator.

However, you are not requried to use a webcam or show video, and are able to hide your video through Zoom. You will continue to be able to listen and speak during the meeting, share your screen and view the webcam video of other participants. Further information on this is included in the email sent to you in advance of your session.

How do I join the training session?
You can join your session by clicking the meeting link or going to join.zoom.us and entering in the meeting ID that is emailed to you in advance of the training start date. You cannot forward/share your individual meeting ID with another person.

How do I join computer/device audio?

 On most devices, you can join computer/device audio by clicking Join Audio, Join with Computer Audio, or Audio to access the audio settings. Learn more about connecting your audio. Sometimes, you may experience an echo. Echo can be caused by many things, such as a participant connected to the meeting audio on multiple devices or two participants joined in from the same local. Learn about common causes of audio echo.

Where do I download the latest version of Zoom?

You can download the latest version of Zoom from Zoom’s Download Centre. Learn more about downloading Zoom.

How to I use Zoom on my PC or Mac?

After downloading Zoom, learn how to use the Zoom Desktop Client.

Do you need a Zoom account to use Zoom as a participant?
A Zoom account is not required if you are attending the session as a participant. You can join the session as a participant without creating an account by clicking the meeting link emailed to you. Learn more about joining a Zoom meeting. 

Do I have access to technical support should I need it?

The Zoom Help Centre is very robust and can support with numerous common technical issues. You will also have the opportunity to test the Zoom platform, including audio, video and internet connection, before the course begins.

If you are unable to resolve issues using the Zoom Help Centre, you are advised to contact your internal IT support. PSHSA is not able to provide technical support during the course. We recommend testing your system and connection in advance of your training session to resolve any issues beforehand.

How is encryption and security being handled?

Each course is being set up using best practices to secure the session itself, including password protection. We encourage you to take a look at PSHSA’s Privacy Policy as well as Zoom’s Privacy Policy for more information.

What do I do if I need special accommodations?

PSHSA is committed to providing accessible services. We encourage you to voluntarily self-identify if you require any form of enhanced accessibility. Any such disclosure is confidential, in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you require assistance, please contact AODA@pshsa.ca or 416-250-2134.

What if something comes up and I can’t attend my scheduled course?

Cancellations will be received up to 7 business days prior to the scheduled session. You must cancel this course prior to logging onto PSHSA’s learning management system by using the information above. Once the cancellation notice is received, the refund will be processed accordingly. If the cancellation request is within 7 business days prior to the course date, please visit our website www.pshsa.ca and chat with a live agent or call 1-877-250-7444.

Note: Cancelation requests within 7 business days of the scheduled session will be considered but not guaranteed.

How do I transfer to a different course?

Transfers are accepted 3 business days prior to the scheduled session. If you need to make a change to your virtual classroom date and transfer to another session, please contact PSHSA Client Experience at 416-250-2131 (1-877-250-7444).

How do I become a JHSC Certified Member?

To complete the JHSC member certification process, you will need to successfully complete both JHSC Certification Part 1 and JHSC Certification Part 2. After completing Part 1, you will have 1 year to complete Part 2. To support ongoing learning for certified members, the Training Program Standard has introduced Refresher Training. Those certified by the CPO under the JHSC Certification training and other requirements established on October 1, 2015 are required to take JHSC Certification Refresher training every 3 years to maintain their certification