Provincial
Virginia introduces America’s first permanent workplace virus rule
Virginia, the first state to introduce a temporary workplace virus measure last year, has voted to enact a permanent ruling.
Fire code updates demand steady upkeep
Although they increasingly rely on professional service providers to keep up with the complexities of compliance, owners/managers ultimately carry the responsibility for life safety and bear the brunt of enforcement.
Ontario invests extra $761-mil into long-term care
The investment comes from the province's new funding model that helps accelerate the construction of urgently needed long-term care projects.
Alberta’s recycling program expanding to accept additional electronics
Up to 24,600 tonnes of electronics products not previously accepted in Alberta's program could be recycled under the two-year $43 million pilot project.
More smokers stoke litter and fire risk
Business, professional and public interest groups are devising and deploying strategies to promote common sense and minimize risk, discord and environmental fallout.
Hot weather plans get a workout in summer 2018
Workplace health and safety practitioners advise that measures to safeguard building services personnel from heat stress should be fairly straightforward.
Environmental surfaces can be infection gateway
Recently released guidelines from Ontario's Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee address the cleaning and disinfecting challenges that housekeeping staff continue to face in healthcare facilities.
Ontario looks to boost elevator availability
Ontario is looking to boost elevator availability in multi-storey residential buildings, as well as long-term care and seniors’ homes.
Canadian children lack accessible play spaces
Playgrounds across the country continue to leave children on the sidelines with design and maintenance practices that are not fully inclusive.
Handling recycling and waste is hurting janitors
Every day, millions of janitors compromise safety when handling garbage and recycled materials.
U of Manitoba begins largest accessibility audit
The University of Manitoba is currently undertaking the largest accessibility audit ever conducted in the province.
New technology advances safety management
Information technology is safety management, with rapid advances in cloud computing and data management technologies.
Restoring power to electrical systems post flood
Flooding heightens the risk of occupational electrical-related fatalities and injuries when restoring power to electrical systems.
Building services seen as precarious employment
Cleaners, security guards, parking attendants and building-specific food service workers could attain union certification through a streamlined one-step process if proposed amendments to Ontario's Labour Relations Act are adopted.
Existing asbestos stockpile raises concerns
Although Canada is finally banning asbestos-containing products for good by 2018, the government hasn’t yet clarified issues related to existing asbestos.
Safety considerations for electrical work
A recent survey of managers in Ontario indicates that about 40 per cent don’t realize the Ontario Electrical Safety Code applies to work in their buildings.
New AODA updates underscore maintenance
With 2017 underway, Ontario-based companies must now enact specific AODA requirements to ensure accessibility for employees and customers.