Nominations open for Small Business Health and Safety Leadership awards
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has launched the 7th annual Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards and is now accepting nominations. The recognition program acknowledges small businesses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
According to the WSIB, small businesses play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of their workers. The Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards aim to shine a spotlight on those organizations that have gone above and beyond in implementing effective safety measures, reducing workplace injuries, and fostering a culture of safety within their respective industries.
The top three businesses receive monetary prizes. Gold is $10,000 while Silver is $6,000 and Bronze is $6,000.
Just Working Construction Inc. based in Waterloo, Ontario was named a gold level winner in 2022 for its efforts to provide newcomers to Canada with training and employment.
“We've been doing this for eight years now,” says company owner Jeff Van Gysel. He says it’s not just about learning how to work, but also teaching newcomers about their rights as workers. “I wanted to make sure that they knew 100% what they're allowed to ask for, what they're allowed to request, they don't have to be afraid to ask.”
The WSIB emphasizes award-winning small businesses serve as role models for their respective industries. By prioritizing the well-being of their employees and implementing effective safety measures, they demonstrate that even with limited resources, it is possible to create a safe and healthy work environment.
The WSIB encourages any of the small businesses registered with its organization to apply. They must have less than 50 employees, have not had a workplace fatality in its lifetime, and not have any convictions under OHSA or ESA.
The deadline for submissions is May 19th.
