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You probably wouldn’t ask your mechanic for financial advice, so why would you trust just any old source for occupational health and safety information?
You need access to reliable, up-to-date safety information, so we've put it all together in one place. Whether you're looking for the latest news or Canadian safety stats, or you want to find out how to choose the right PPE for your employees, you're sure to find it here.
More than 14,300 health and safety professionals across Canada trust Canadian Occupational Safety Magazine for their industry news and resources. The magazine covers a wide range of topics for all industries, from general safety management to specific hazards in the workplace.
Browse their current headlines for the latest news in the Safety, Hygiene, Leadership, Legal, and Psychological categories. The Convictions section offers an overview of the fines imposed on companies found in violation of health and safety act regulations, while the Products tab shows you the newest products and services in the safety industry.
Looking for further education? COS Mag also connects you to the Canada Professional Development Centre, where you’ll find a variety of webinars – both free and paid – at your disposal.
CCOHS is an independent department that falls under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada. The Centre is the primary national agency for the advancement of safe and healthy workplaces and preventing workplace illnesses, injuries, and deaths.
If you’re looking for credible, straightforward information about workplace hazards and conditions, CCOHS is the place to go. The website offers comprehensive information on hazards including chemical, ergonomic, health, physical, psychosocial, safety, and workplace. There is also a health and wellness portal, which highlights the connection between mental health and workplace performance
For professionals in need of clarification about health and safety laws and requirements, CCOHS can help keep you in compliance with their legislation section. It covers everything from the acts and regulations to WHMIS to the rights and responsibilities of employers, workers, and the government (see How to Refuse Unsafe Work for related reading).
CCOHS also offers online and classroom courses to help educate people about workplace health and safety. Some courses are eligible for continuing education points.
While less comprehensive, the Canadian government’s workplace safety website is a valuable resource for employees and employers who want to understand their rights and responsibilities as they relate to health and safety at work.
There are numerous pamphlets and informational resources that may be particularly useful for employers, including a hazard prevention program guide, accident investigation information, and an overview of the Canadian Labour Code.
WSPS offers health and safety expertise, insight, and solutions for creating healthy work environments for the agricultural, industrial/manufacturing, and service sectors. They offer training, conferences, consulting solutions, and resources.
The WSPS website breaks down topics and hazards so it’s easy to find the information you’re looking for, and their step-by-step guides (like this one on policies and programs) help ensure you have a complete understanding of the what, why, and how of the topics.
WSPS also has an Event section, which highlights conferences and events that can connect you to other health and safety professionals. One of the unique features is the CEO Health + Safety Leadership Network, which connects leaders from various organizations who want to transform workplace health and safety on a broad scale.
Commonly known by its acronym, WHMIS is Canada’s national hazard communication standard and offers information for suppliers, employers, workers, and trainers. Of course, the focus here is hazard communication.
WHMIS offers overviews and updates to legislation that relates to hazard communication, and it’s a great source for fact sheets, flyers, posters, and publications on the topic. Those interested in learning more about hazard communication standards and processes will also find e-courses and webinars.
Healthy Workplace Month might be in October, but the website is a good resource to use throughout the year. CHWM aims to increase awareness about the need for a comprehensive approach to workplace health, which includes such topics as healthy living, workplace culture, mental health, physical environment, and corporate social responsibility.
The website has a wealth of tools and resources to help employers create healthy workplaces for their workers. And while it might not seem directly related to the physical safety of employees, there are strong links between employee wellness and safety at work.
If you’re looking for some inspiration to boost your workplace wellness, check out the CHWM Showcase, which spotlights the healthy workplace initiatives of participating businesses across Canada.
Stay Up to Date to Stay Safe
Information is power, and these six websites offer plenty of it. From legislation and hazard communication to the latest news, updates, and training resources, you’ll find virtually anything you need to keep your workplace as safe as it can be.