OHCOW

Advancing Vibration Risk Management Webinar
2025-08-19 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Toronto)
MLITSD Northern Region Mining Initiative on HAV
You’re invited to attend a free webinar on Tuesday, August 19 at 10:30 am ET, hosted by Ontario’s health and safety system partners.
In 2025, the MLITSD is launching a focused initiative on hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure in Northern Ontario’s mining sector—and employers need to be prepared. This session will introduce the goals of the initiative and explain how HAV fits into the broader picture of mining risk management.
HAV-related health effects fall within the category of occupational illnesses with specific reporting requirements under the OHSA, but historically overlooked and misunderstood within the broader context of workplace hazard assessment and control.
Like other physical hazards, HAV exposure can—and should—be assessed using screening tools and measurement against established standards. Learn how Ontario’s health and safety system partners—including WSN, WSPS, CROSH, and OHCOW—are supporting this initiative and how they can help to “shake off” the risks of this often-overlooked hazard.
REGISTER TODAY
Help make your workplace safer and register today!
For more information, contact WSPS at 1-877-494-9777.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
2025-09-01 08:00 - 2025-09-30 17:00
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. While progress has been made, prostate cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Canada. This is a month to join together to transform the future of prostate cancer for the 27,900 men in Canada expected to be diagnosed this year. Prostate cancer is one of the least preventable cancers, making advancements in prostate cancer treatment so important.
https://cancer.ca/en/about-us/prostate-cancer

World Suicide Prevention Day
2025-09-10
Mental Injury Toolkit
For practical approaches and information about improving mental health in the workplace, OHCOW’s Mental Injury Toolkit is specifically created to answer questions and provide guidance for the workplace with regards to mental health. The workplace can be a major source of stress for workers. This guide and resource kit will provide workers with a basic understanding and a place to start to learn about workplace stress and what to do about it, including:

Definitions
Common Causes of Mental Distress
Legal Frameworks
Possible Actions
Additional Resources

Mental Injury Toolkit

Canadian employees thinking of suicide at high rates: what can HR do differently?
A new survey of Canadian workers has revealed alarming statistics: 23% had thoughts of self-harm or suicide in the previous two weeks, and 36% had such thoughts in the previous year. Read this research about work-related suicide in Canada: HRR Reporter

World Suicide Prevention Day

Visit the website for the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Changing the narrative requires systemic change. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. ~ International Association for Suicide Prevention.
Workplace Mental Health Webinar Series

OHCOW’s Mayday, Mayday Webinar series has featured sessions on work related suicide, and mental health for the high-risk role of service responders, Crisis Planning for Worker & Responder Mental Health.
See the playlist for the 2025 Mayday, Mayday here.

World First Aid Day
2025-09-13
World First Aid Day is a global observance held on the second Saturday in September. It was instituted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 2000 and has been celebrated each year ever since.
The term “first aid” refers to the help available to anyone with a sudden injury or illness. Its main purpose is to preserve life and prevent exacerbation of the condition. This is not always done by medical staff. In emergency situations, ordinary people often have to provide first aid to save someone’s life. First aid does not require prior knowledge and can be improvised. However, if a first aid person does not know what to do, they may hurt themselves rather than help. This is why the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies encourages everyone to receive basic first aid training or at least educate themselves using all available reliable sources.
World First Aid Day aims to raise awareness of how first aid can prevent injuries and save lives in crises and everyday situations, as well as enhance access to first aid. The events and activities on this day focus on first aid training. Each year, a new general theme for the day is chosen, and participants are encouraged to plan events around the current year’s theme.
Recent polling by the Canadian Red Cross shows that nearly 40 per cent of Canadians say they have been in an emergency situation where they have had to perform first aid; however, only 18 per cent are currently certified. so ensure you have the skills needed to save lives when an emergency happens.
Info about first aid courses:
Canadian Health Care Provider Training Institute
First Aid 4U

Global Ergonomics Month 2025
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00
Human-Centred Design
Celebrated in October each year, Global Ergonomics Month is an international outreach campaign promoting human-centred design through the science, application and profession of ergonomics or human factors. These disciplines are focused on optimizing human well-being as well as overall system performance by proactively designing work and work systems to fit the people interfacing with them in ways that improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and comfort. Ergonomics is ultimately good for business and good for people. See the content from previous years of Global Ergonomics Month here.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
This summer and fall, OHCOW has partnered with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Workplace Safety North (WSN), and Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) for a Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) initiative. Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that can affect the vascular, neurological and muscular systems of the hands. Regular exposure to vibrating hand tools/equipment (dependent upon the magnitude, frequency, and duration) such as jackhammers, chisels, chainsaws, sanders, grinders, drills etc., increases the risk of developing HAVS. Some of the trades/industries in which workers are at risk include construction, forestry, foundry, assembly manufacturing, mining and agriculture.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) Mining HAV Initiative
In 2025 the MLITSD is launching a focused initiative on hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure in Northern Ontario’s mining sector—and employers need to be prepared. Use the QR code or go to the link to see list of resources.

Ergonomic Resources

Video
See the new three-part video playlist regarding HAVS.

Info Sheet
See page and download PDF.

Podcasts
Back to School: Ergonomics for Educators and Students
Everything from carrying a backpack to eyestrain from screens to school desks can cause injury. Get the facts with this detailed info sheet. Back to School: Ergonomics for Students and Educators This info sheet accompanies the Oh-Pods Podcast on the same topic.

Hear Podcast

Ergonomics of Fall Yard/Garden Chores: Preparation for Winter
Many yardwork chores may lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) if done incorrectly. Get some useful information about preventing injury with this info sheet. Download PDF: Ergonomics of Fall Yard/ Garden Chores: Preparation for Winter

Hear Podcast

Ergonomics and Sleep Podcasts
How you sleep and factors like mattress quality can affect your health and sometimes result in musculoskeletal disorders. Download PDF: Ergonomics and Sleep

This info sheet accompanies a 2-part OH-PODS podcast. Tune in to hear!

PART ONE
PART TWO

Office Ergo e-Learning

CSA Office Ergonomics Standard (Z412-17), our new Office Ergonomics learning resource reflects changes in the office environment (i.e. multiple monitors, tablet use, remote workstations, etc.), as well as continuing to address ergonomic concerns related to the traditional office setting. Designed with independent modules for ease of use, this colourful and engaging e-learning resource contains 7 modules. Start a free account at MyOhcow first!

Office Ergo e-Learning
Job Demands Analysis (JDA)

This Job Demands Analysis (JDA) includes both a Physical Demands Description (PDD), as well as an analysis of Cognitive and Psychosocial Demands (CDA). This JDA template has been developed to be best used on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet, to accurately and efficiently capture the demands of a job. All features of the template are fully functional on computer as well.

Go to Tool

Office Ergonomics Calculator

The Office Ergonomics Calculator was designed to highlight areas of improvement between you and your workstation. It is a tool to indicate areas where improvement may be needed in your workstation setup. For more information about office ergonomics, see the reference guide.

Go to Calculator
Ergonomics Reference Guide
Keyboard Shortcut Tutorial
If you use a computer on a regular basis you need to be using keyboard shortcuts to minimize mouse use, increase keyboard efficiency, and reduce ergonomic risk. Different computers / operating systems have different shortcuts. Learn more about the shortcuts for the system that you use.

Go To Keyboard Shortcuts

World Mental Health Day 2025
2025-10-10
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness of mental health, provide education and advocate against the social stigma globally. The World Federation for Mental Health established the date in 1992 to raise global awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies

One of the biggest challenges for workplaces today is achieving a balance between the demands of work and employees’ mental health and wellness. Workplace stress is a serious health and safety hazard that can have devastating effects. Creating safe and equitable working conditions, in which safety and wellness issues are taken seriously and promptly addressed, means a more productive work environment. When a workplace prioritizes work/life balance, everyone benefits. Working together, both can recognize and manage workplace psychosocial factors and ensure a supportive and healthy workplace environment, while allowing businesses to thrive. While the World Mental Health Day theme for 2025 is “access to services-mental health in catastrophies and emergencies,” the principles relate to emotionally healthy workplaces from a community and occupational perspective as well.

Mayday, Mayday!
Watch OHCOW’s 9th annual Mayday, Mayday Symposium, which continues to build on the double meaning of it’s title (International labour day + Universal cry for help) to translate the knowledge and experience of our OHCOW professional staff, partners and guest speakers to increase psycho-social hazard awareness and prevention of related harm and injury to workers.

Below are some of the most popular workplace mental health resources developed in partnership with OHCOW.

StressAssess Survey Tool and App
StressAssess Workplace Edition is a free, evidence-based online survey tool designed to assist workplaces in identifying psychosocial hazards that can lead to stress and mental injury, providing suggestions and pathways to address them, and thus preventing harm.
StressAssess Survey Tool and App

Mental Injury Toolkit (MIT)
An Introduction and Action Guide Created by Workers for Workers: This 6-part Guide and Resource Toolkit provides workers with a basic understanding and place to start when learning about work-related stress. It provides definitions, common causes of mental distress, legal frameworks (focusing on Ontario), possible actions to take, and resources.
Mental Injury Toolkit (MIT)

Bullying Awareness Week 2025
2025-10-12 08:00 - 2025-10-18 17:00
Achieving Bully-free Workplaces
Bullying in the workplace, academia and schools is a worldwide problem.
October 12-18, 2025 has been designated Workplace Bullying Awareness Week, to draw attention to the damage bullying does and incite efforts to stop it.
See our resources for more information. Resources on Workplace BullyingThe Canadian Institute for Bullying Resources

Northern Strong Health and Safety Expo
2025-10-16 08:30 - 12:30 | Workplace Safety North, 235 Cedar Street, Sudbury, Ontario, P3B 2N6, Canada
The 2025 NORTHERN STRONG: Health and Safety Expo – Now available to view!
An engaging morning of information sessions featuring your Northern System Partners. Both virtual and in-person options are free.
This HYBRID event begins at 8:30 AM EDT both online and in-person at Workplace Safety North, Sudbury Office, 235 Cedar Street.
Open to everyone, including colleagues, Joint Health and Safety Committee members, professionals from all work sectors, and anyone passionate about occupational health and safety. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your Northern System Partners and leave with practical tools and resources to strengthen workplace health and safety.
VIEW HERE:
Download Slides
View Video

Invisible Disabilities Week
2025-10-19 08:00 - 2025-10-25 17:00
Not all Disabilities are Apparent. The third week of October is a week to bring awareness, education and support to your family, friends, co-workers, community and around the world during Invisible Disabilities Week October 19 – 25, 2025.
Invisible Disabilities Week Canada refers to a dedicated week in Canada that aims to raise awareness about disabilities that are not immediately apparent or visible to others. It focuses on educating the public about the unique challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities and promoting inclusivity and understanding. Neurodivergence, bi-polar disorder, the disease of multiple sclerosis (MS) and conditions like being hearing impaired are just some examples of such unseen disabilities.
The Canadian Association for Supported Employment Sponsors this week specifically as it relates to Inclusive workplaces. According to their website, one fifth of the workforce in Canada experiences some form of disability, and the most common disability types can be invisible.

The most common disability types reported by persons experiencing disability in Canada can be invisible (Statistics Canada. Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017 to 2022) :

Pain-related 62%
Flexibility 40%
Mobility 39%
Mental health-related 39%

How can Workplaces help an Employee with an Invisible Disability?

When there is no “visible proof” of disability, requesting accommodations can be complex. An employee may not wish to disclose their disease or condition to everybody, to avoid stigma or protect privacy.
Disclosure can help to positively shift an inclusive culture in a workplace where there is good communication and respect. See the below resources for more information.

Relevant Websites:
Invisible Disabilities Association
Stats about Disability in Canada
More References:

Statistics Canada. Labour force status of persons with and without disabilities aged 15 years and over, by age group and gender. Released March 28, 2024.
Tillotson, Jack et al. How to Make Workplaces More Inclusive for People with Invisible Disabilities. Harvard Business Review. Published April 4, 2023.
Department of Justice Canada. Serious Problems Experienced by Diverse People with Disabilities: Western Canada. January 18, 2022.
Prince, Michael. Persons with invisible disabilities and workplace accommodation: Findings from a scoping literature review. January 2017. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation 46(1):75-86. Copy of draft manuscript.

MOVEMBER: Men's Health Month 2025
2025-11-01 08:00 - 2025-11-30 17:00
A Special Report: The Real Face of Men’s Health
Read the new report for a look at what men’s health really looks like. Canadian research by the Movember Institute of Men’s Health gives insights into men’s health and how it relates to their work and their family lives. It looks at not only statistics but real case studies, and delves into what is causing high rates of depression and premature mortality among men across the country. What positive ways can men be better served by physical and mental health resources? Download a pdf of this important document.
Read Report Movember is a global movement tackling mental health, suicide, prostate and testicular cancer. Grow a Mo or choose how you’ll get involved. Sign up today and have fun, raise funds, and help men live longer, healthier lives!
Do Movember at work
Fundraise at your workplace to champion men’s health!
Boost connection with colleagues and drive employee engagement! Movember can stimulate serious conversations about men’s mental health and wellbeing. But it’s also about having fun and feeling engaged and motivated. A friendly competition between departments or industry partners can help build community spirit and raise more funds too for this important cause!
Women can be involved too! Commit to running or walking 60KM over the month, at your own pace! Movember is a fun inclusive event that everyone can participate in, whether a workplace or a community group!
Sign up today
Get the App!

Kick off your Movember journey with the official app. It allows for more social interactions to support your fundraising efforts, and closer connection to the Mo Community to feel supported through the month. User friendly for newcomers.
Get the App
Movember and Occupational Health and Safety
Great impact can be made in the workplace, as men at risk of injury on the job or occupational illnesses can research and share information. Men aren’t always keen on opening up conversations with health and safety representatives and supervisors about their concerns. Let’s start! Anyone who suspects an illness, including cancer, might be work-related, can contact OHCOW for advisement. Check out our Work-Related Cancers page for more information. The Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC) features a Disease Surveillance System Data tool which helps show relative risk for a variety of sectors and exposures.
It is known that men are less likely to seek support for mental health, depression and emotional distress. In 2023, research was done specifically on the mental health of workers in the skilled trades, and found a connection between physical safety on the job and mental health. OHCOW’s StressAssess Survey is a valuable tool for analyzing psychosocial stressors in the workplace. The Opioid-Related Harms among Ontario Workers project is a four-year collaboration between the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) and the OCRC at Ontario Health. It addresses the connection between male-dominated trades and opioid use.
OHCOW’s Mayday, Mayday Webinar series has featured sessions on mental health in male-dominated trades, such as the 2023 webinar, Crisis Planning for Worker & Responder Mental Health.
See the playlist for the 2025 Mayday, Mayday here.
Let’s keep issues surrounding men’s health on our radar all year long, starting this month with MO-VEMBER!

Lung Cancer Awareness Month
2025-11-01 08:00 - 2025-11-30 17:00
Prevention

The Silica Control Tool was created to address the severe health risks caused by crystalline silica in the workplace. It was originally developed for the construction industry in British Columbia, but adapted for Ontario workers too. A new version of the tool was created this year for the Surface Mining sector. Any workplace where gravel, dust, cut glass, or other substances is present increases the risk for workers for lung cancer and other diseases. Sign up for the free tool today!
GO TO SCT PAGE
Diesel Exhaust: Lung Cancer Risk Calculator
At OHCOW, we are working to make tools accessible to those who risk lung disease and cancer due to hazardous exposure in the workplace. As an organization who holds knowledge transfer as one of our main goals, there are many resources on our site that address this topic. The Diesel Exhaust Lung Cancer Risk Calculator can help with those who work where automobile exhaust is present.
Research

Mcintyre Powder Project
OHCOW has also initiated research on lung disease contracted by those in the mining industry, particularly those miners who were exposed to McIntyre Powder. See our webpage detailing the work that has been done on this issue.
More information about lung cancer is available on our Work Related Cancer page, and on the federal website, Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
2025-11-01 08:00 - 2025-11-30 17:00
What is the Pancreas?
The pancreas is a pear-shaped gland, measuring about six inches, located in the abdomen near the stomach. Its emits enzymes that aid in digestion, metabolism and blood glucose levels. When cancer occurs in the pancreas, it is known to be difficult to detect and treat.
According to the Pancreatic Cancer Canada website, more than 7,000 Canadians were diagnosed with the disease in 2024. It is fatal in almost 90% of cases, making it among the deadliest of all cancers. Research shows that Gen-Xers and Millennials are facing a significantly higher risk of developing pancreatic and other cancers than previous generations.

Firefighting and Pancreatic Cancer
Firefighters die of cancer at a rate up to four times higher than the general population. Presumptive coverage under the WSIB streamlines the assessment of certain firefighter WSIB claims by presuming the worker’s injury or occupational disease is work-related, making it faster and easier for firefighters to access WSIB benefits and services. In 2023 Ontario expanded presumptive occupational cancer coverage for firefighters and fire investigators to include pancreatic cancers. See Ontario website.
Other at-risk occupations

Metal processing: Exposure to metalworking fluids, degreasers, and rust.
Agriculture: Farmers have reported frequent exposure to pesticides.
Chemical, petroleum, and rubber industries: Involves exposure to a variety of chemicals.

Printing and dry cleaning: Both industries involve exposure to specific solvents and chemicals.
Manufacturing: Workers in transformer manufacturing and those involved with dyes are at risk.

PANCREATIC CANCER CANADA
How to Help
Fundraising 5K event: Kicking PancreAS™!
The Kicking PancreAS™ (formerly Light up the Lake™) is a fun, high-energy evening 5K run/walk for all ages and abilities! Every step you take helps push for life-saving research, improved treatment and management options and, and hope for those impacted by this disease.
London November 22:Springbank Gardens; Burlington November 30: Burlington Waterfront
Here are other ways to help:
Make a donation – Your gift can help us to shift the narrative around pancreatic cancer from the well-held notion that it is a death sentence, to it being a treatable and survivable cancer.  Give today.
Follow Us – Follow Pancreatic Cancer Canada on social media, and post your photos using the hashtags #PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth and #SurvivalNotSympathy. Whether you’re wearing purple in a selfie, or sharing the landmarks lit purple in your city/town; we want to see what this day means to you.
Host your own Fundraiser – Create an event in your community to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and funds to advance advocacy, support services and innovative research. Learn more.
Engage Your Community – Ask your town or city to make a Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month proclamation during council proceedings to officially recognize this disease and its significance for members of the community. You can also ask local businesses to display a poster with the signs and symptoms or fact sheet in their window (available below).
Start a Conversation – Share your story on social media and get your network talking about pancreatic cancer. You can share your own story related to pancreatic cancer, posts from our social media pages.

Digital Health Week
2025-11-17 08:00 - 2025-11-23 17:00
What is “Digital Health”? With regards to the healthcare industry, it can mean everything from data governance to navigating digital landscapes to promoting use of healthy digital platforms. It can address inclusivity, AI and emerging tech, responsible data use and data protection and security.
See the Canadian website here.

World COPD Day
2025-11-19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent lung condition that usually remains underdiagnosed or is diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease process. While it is traditionally associated with cigarette smoking, it can also be caused by some workplace conditions. For more information, see OHCOW’s page on COPD Resources and the COPD Canada site. OHCOW RESOURCES ON COPD
