Does your workplace make safety training a priority for new workers? Not doing so can place workers in harm’s way and employers in legal jeopardy.  
 
Data recently published by Sentry, a U.S.–based insurance provider, confirms what we have long known in Ontario – newness to the job matters. Their data reveals one in three injuries suffered by workers in retail and warehouse operations occur within one year of beginning work.

Another U.S. insurance company, Travelers, published their 2024 data showing similar injury rates for new workers across many sectors. Industries most affected include restaurant, construction, transportation and retail and wholesale sectors, exceeding the one in three injury average.
 
Ontario’s Institute for Work and Health (IWH) has been examining the relationship between job tenure and work injuries for decades. Their research has found workers are three times more likely to be hurt in their first month in a job than they are after their first year.
 
In the U.S. as in Ontario, a closer look also reveals the lack of training is a major factor contributing to elevated injuries among new workers. “Many companies treat safety training as an infrequent or one-and-done event,” explains Dan Grant, director of safety services at Sentry Insurance, in an interview about their 2024 Retail & Wholesale Injury Report. “Our data is clear: ongoing training and mentorship for new hires are critical to reducing first-year injuries.”
 
WHSC OFFERS TRAINING FOR NEW WORKERS & THE BROADER PURSUIT OF SAFER WORK!

Significant OHS training obligations

In addition to being essential to worker safety, here in Ontario training is mandatory for new and existing workers. In the broadest sense, Ontario’s Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) requires employers to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect their health and safety.
 
More specifically, employers must ensure workers they employ complete basic occupational health and safety awareness that meets mandated standards (Ontario Regulation 297). Additional examples of mandatory training include WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment, working at heights and equipment operator training. Employers must also provide job and workplace-specific training including an overview of workplace hazards, safety protocols, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
 
Employers must also ensure supervisors complete awareness training and must be done within one week of starting work as a supervisor. They must also ensure supervisors are competent. A competent supervisor is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance, is familiar with the OHSA and regulations that apply to the work and is knowledgeable about any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace.

WHSC can help with compliance

Connect with us today. As Ontario’s only government-designated health and safety training centre with more than 35 years of experience, Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) can help you comply with all legal training requirements, including those for new workers. This includes worker health and safety awareness, WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment, working at heights, equipment operator training, joint health and safety committee Certification, health and safety representative training for smaller workplaces, construction health and safety awareness, and supervisor awareness and competency.
 
REGISTER TODAY FOR ESSENTIAL TRAINING AND COMPLIANCE

Whether you choose to train with us in-person or in a virtual classroom, training is led in real time by a highly experienced, WHSC-qualified instructor to ensure critical learning is achieved. For virtual training, all that is required is a high-speed internet connection, and a computer or tablet with a functioning camera, speakers and microphone.

Unsure of your workplace training needs? Contact a WHSC training service representative near you who will be happy to help. Or review our complete training catalogue and upcoming scheduled training opportunities.

Do you need training in French? Contact WHSC representative Christopher Gervais at cgervais@whsc.on.ca or 613-407-2187.

Related resources
Sentry 2024 Retail & Wholesale Injury Report
Travelers 2024 Injury Impact Report
IWH systematic review finds evidence for higher risks of acute injuries

Need more information?
Contact a WHSC training services representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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