To celebrate Healthy Workplace Month this October, Workplace Safety North (WSN) is offering in-person mental health training sessions, and a free occupational health webinar to promote safer, healthier workplaces.
On October 2, the webinar, “Understanding and addressing occupational disease risks in key industries,” will be led by Dr. Paul Demers from the Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC). Dr. Demers will share the latest research on preventing occupational diseases, with a focus on high-risk sectors like mining, forestry, and pulp and paper.
“Participants will gain a deeper understanding of occupational disease and the role of disease surveillance systems in protecting workers,” says Demers. “We’ll also discuss specific actions employers and industry partners can take to prevent these risks.”
Top reasons to attend:
- Understand hidden risks: Learn about the latest research on how certain jobs and industries correlate to occupational diseases, including cancers and respiratory issues.
- Be prepared with data: Get insights from the Occupational Disease Surveillance System, which monitors health data for over two million Ontario workers.
- Gain industry-specific knowledge: Discover the key risks faced by workers in industries like forestry, mining, and paper products, and how to tackle them head-on.
- Apply proven prevention strategies: Learn actionable steps to reduce exposure to harmful conditions and improve safety protocols.
- Stay informed on new developments: Hear about the Ontario Exposure Data System and how it’s designed to strengthen workplace protections.
“By attending this webinar, you’ll be equipped with essential knowledge to help protect workers from occupational disease risks,” says Demers. “ This will help ensure healthier and safer workplaces in Ontario’s key industries.”
“We encourage all those who are interested to attend this free webinar,” adds Demers. WSN and the OCRC expect the following to attend: health and safety professionals; workers, managers, and employers in mining, forestry, and pulp and paper industries; Joint Health and Safety Committee Members; Health and Safety Representatives; policymakers; and occupational health specialists. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions during the presentation.
To register, visit upcoming events on the WSN website: https://www.workplacesafetynorth.ca/en/training-events/oct-2-webinar-understanding-and-addressing-occupational-disease-risks-key
In addition to the webinar, WSN is also offering in-person mental health training sessions in September and October in northern Ontario. Two sessions – Mental Health 101 and Workplace Mental Health: A Framework for Leaders – are designed to give workers and supervisors tools to support mental well-being in their workplaces. They are scheduled in Dryden Sept. 25 and 26, and in Sudbury on Oct. 15 and 16.
Adrienne Allam and Melanie Jorgensen are WSN Health and Safety Specialists who are also certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisors with the Canadian Mental Health Association. They will host the sessions in Dryden and Sudbury respectively. To learn more about workplace mental training and free resources, visit the WSN website.
About Workplace Safety North
An independent not-for-profit, Workplace Safety North (WSN) is one of four sector-based health and safety associations in Ontario. Headquartered in northern Ontario, WSN administers the Ontario Mine Rescue program, and provides province-wide Ministry-approved workplace health and safety training and services for the mining and forest products industries.
