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Workplace Safety North’s new risk management awards accepting applications

Workplace Safety North (WSN) introduced a new awards program to recognize Ontario forest products and mining companies. The WSN Risk Management Awards build on the provincial risk-based analysis program by using the industry’s own research to focus on the most effective ways to protect workers.

The awards also build on evidence-based research from the WSN Internal Responsibility System  Climate Assessment and Audit Tool.

“The Risk Management Awards focus on how high-risk hazards are managed,” says Cindy Schiewek, WSN director of health and safety services, “and rewards companies that can demonstrate they have key practices in place to keep workers safe and healthy.”

The awards program is based on health and safety research from each specific sector. The organization explains in a press statement that over the past few years, workers and managers have been meeting in risk assessment and root-cause analysis workshops to talk about and rate the workplace hazards that worry them most.

“It’s important to recognize all the research industry has done,” says Schiewek, “and spotlight how they are tackling the top health and safety risks in their sector.”

From the research, WSN created a database of the top 10 risks of all sectors in the paper, converting, printing, forestry and mining sectors in Ontario. The Risk Management Awards recognize employers who are following the control activities designed to minimize risk and keep workers healthy and safe.

This year, the forest products sector is focused on lockout and tagout of machines and equipment to address stored energy hazards.

“The really nice thing about this award is that it focuses on the specific top risks identified by workers and managers in the industry. Plus, workers take part in the awards process by helping complete and submit the entry,” adds Schiewek.

Deadline for sending in applications is April 30. Once WSN approves them, companies are to submit an assessment by June 15. WSN staff will conduct field visits to verify submissions by July 31. The organization will recognize award winners at the WSN annual general meeting held in North Bay, Ont., and virtually in September.

Application details and other information are available here.