IRS, Workplace Violence, Musculoskeletal Disorders & Infection Prevention
Is your workplace engaged in residential care for individuals who require support, specifically those with developmental disabilities, mental health disabilities or substance abuse problems? Does your workplace include intensive supported residences, supported group living residences or provide support to clients and individuals in residential settings?
The health and safety of workers in Ontario’s group home settings continues to be a priority for the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) and its system partners. As a result, an upcoming MLTSD inspection initiative is planned within Ontario’s group home sector.
From January to March 2020, the MLTSD inspection initiative will strengthen protection for healthcare workers, including personal support workers and developmental services workers who provide care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The initiative consists of two phases. Phase 1 focuses on compliance assistance by providing resources and education to raise awareness and help your workplace comply with health and safety regulations. Phase 2 consists of the inspections blitz where inspectors will be visiting workplaces to assess compliance from February 3 to March 13, 2020.
Inspectors will focus on the following key priorities when visiting workplaces:
- The internal responsibility system (IRS), including engaging senior leadership to strengthen leadership accountability and compliance with their duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Workplace violence prevention
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Exposures and infection prevention and control
Below is a selection of resources from PSHSA and Ontario’s Health & Safety System to support your workplace as you prepare for this initiative.
Internal Responsibility System (IRS)
IRS is the system within an organization that requires every workplace party to have direct responsibility for health and safety as an essential part of their job – it is the backbone of occupational health and safety.
Tools
- Community Care – A Tool to Replace Workplace Hazards
- Health and Safety Resource Manual
- Board Members – Know Your Liabilities
- Health and Safety Checklist - MLTSD
- The Internal Responsibility System and the Health Care Sector - MLTSD
- Report an Incident - MLTSD
- Who is a Supervisor under the OHSA? - MLTSD
- Guide to the OHSA - MLTSD
- Guide for JHSCs and Health and Safety Representatives in the Workplace - MLTSD
- Guide to WHMIS - MLTSD
- Guide to OHSA Requirements for Basic Awareness Training - MLTSD
Training
- Worker Awareness eLearning
- Supervisor Awareness eLearning
- Health & Safety for Leaders
- Health & Safety for Board Members eLearning
- Effective Joint Health & Safety Committees
- JHSC Certification Refresher Training
Workplace Violence Prevention
Workplace violence continues to be a risk to staff, patients, residents and clients in Ontario’s healthcare sector. This can have negative effects on the personal well-being of workers and their interpersonal relationships, both within and outside the workplace.
Tools
- Workplace Violence Prevention Toolkits for Healthcare Organizations: workplace-violence.ca
- Community Care Violence Assessment Tool
- Addressing Domestic Violence in the Workplace
- Assessing Violence in the Community
- Bullying in the Workplace Handbook
- Domestic Violence
- Protecting Workers Who Work Alone
- Workplace Violence: Complying with OSHA
- Workplace Bullying Fast Fact
- Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care: A Guide to the Law for Hospitals, Long-term Care Homes and Home Care - MLTSD
- Workplace Violence and Harassment: Understanding the Law - MLTSD
Webinars
- Community Care Web Tutorial: Workplace Violence
Posters
Training
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
MSDs are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They may be caused or aggravated by various hazards or risk factors in the workplace such as high force, awkward or static postures, and repetitive motions. The musculoskeletal system includes: muscles, tendons and tendon sheathes, nerves, bursa, blood vessels, joints/spinal discs, and ligaments.
Tools
- Musculoskeletal Disorders Fast Fact
- Participatory Ergonomics
- Repetitive Work
- How Does My Back Work?
- How Much Can You Lift?
- Building a Successful Client Handling Program
- Ergonomic Tips for Resident or Patient Bathrooms
- Sit-Stand Workstations
- Aging in the Workplace - Decreasing the Impact
- Employees Participating in Change (EPIC)
- Handle with Care Resource Manual
- Part 1: MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario
- Part 2: Resource Manual for the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario
- Part 3A: MSD Prevention Toolbox – Getting Started
- Part 3B: MSD Prevention Toolbox – Beyond the Basics
- Part 3C: MSD Prevention Toolbox – More on In-Depth Risk Assessment Methods
- MSDs involving client handling - MLTSD
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) involving non-client-handling - MLTSD
- MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario
Webinars
- Client Handling Program Enhancement
- Community Care Web Tutorial: Musculoskeletal Disorders
Posters
Training
Infection Prevention & Control
IPAC is an integral component of a workplace’s occupational health and safety program and effective strategies need to be in place for the safety and protection of workers.
Tools
- Protecting Heath Care Workers From Infectious Diseases: A Self-Assessment Tool
- Conducting an Antineoplastic Drug Risk Assessment in Community Settings Resource Manual
- Fentanyl and Carfentanil Exposure in Health and Community Care Workers
- Occupational Illness: Requirements to Report to the Ministry of Labour
- Hand Hygiene
- Ebola – Staying Healthy and Safe at Work
- Safe handling & disposal of sharps and medical supplies in home health settings
- Exposure to biological, chemical and physical agents - MLTSD
- Infections and infectious diseases - MLTSD
- Occupational illnesses and diseases - MLTSD
- Needle and sharps safety - MLTSD
- Reporting occupational injuries and illnesses - MLTSD
Webinars
- Community Care Web Tutorial: Infectious Diseases
Training
Click here for more information on the MLTSD Health Care Sector Compliance Plan and Group Home Inspection Blitz.
Contact your PSHSA Health and Community Care Consultant with any question and to learn more about how we can support your organization in enhancing workplace safety.
