Tailored tool to help small and medium-sized businesses meet safety obligations
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) rolls out a new Business Safety Portal, aiming to revolutionize how small and medium-sized businesses manage workplace safety. With nearly 99.7% of Canadian businesses falling into this category, the portal promises to address a crucial need.
“Small business owners wear many hats,” says Anne Tennier, president and CEO of CCOHS. “They’re juggling HR, operations, finances, and somewhere in there, they have to meet health and safety obligations. It can be overwhelming, and we wanted to give them a tool that makes this easier.”
Personalized approach to safety
The portal offers a personalized experience tailored to each business. Using an onboarding questionnaire, business owners answer simple questions about their industry, the size of their workforce, and common hazards. In return, the portal delivers customized safety content, from fact sheets to templates and infographics.
“Imagine a small business owner who isn’t sure what their safety priorities should be,” Tennier explains. “The portal asks a few targeted questions, and then—boom—they get specific resources that make sense for their situation. For a small construction company, it might highlight the importance of guarding and noise management. For an office environment, it could be all about ergonomics.”
CCOHS designs the portal with accessibility in mind. Users can access it from their smartphones or tablets, ensuring vital information is always at their fingertips. “We know that business owners are always on the move,” Tennier says. “Whether they’re at a worksite or traveling, they need safety resources that are mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.”
Resources tailored for simplicity
Understanding that many small businesses lack in-house safety experts, the CCOHS team prioritizes plain language and user-friendly tools. “We’re dedicated to cutting through the legal jargon,” Tennier emphasizes. “Our curated fact sheets break down complex legislation into clear, actionable steps.”
Beyond that, the portal provides customizable templates for everything from safety policies to meeting minutes. Users can also take advantage of a centralized digital file cabinet, where they can store and organize critical safety documentation, like inspection records or training certificates.
“Having everything in one place, accessible from anywhere, is a game-changer,” Tennier says. “It’s all about making safety management simpler and more effective.”
Support that grows with business needs
CCOHS doesn’t stop at providing static resources. The portal offers ongoing support, including access to the CCOHS Safety Info Line, where users can get expert advice. Additionally, businesses can participate in roundtable discussions to learn from peers and share experiences.
“Our goal is to listen and adapt,” Tennier notes. “We’re hosting business roundtables and constantly enhancing the portal. Every year, we’re adding new e-learning courses and updating content based on user feedback.”
The Business Safety Portal is available for an annual subscription.
