OHCOW

RSI Day Webinar Series 2025 Week 1
2025-02-07 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Toronto)
Clinical Insights & Applying New Technology
February 7, 2025 – WEEK 1
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome Message and Overview
Trevor Schell – Coordinator
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Osteoarthritis of the Carpometacarpal Joint (Thumb)
Cynthia Arnold – OHCOW Physician, Trevor Schell – OHCOW Ergonomist
CMC Joint Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of osteoarthritis affecting, 11% of men and 33% of women, yet the occupational risk factors are often overlooked for the development of this condition. This session examines the anatomy, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention of this disorder.
DOWNLOAD PDF SLIDES
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Melissa Statham – OHCOW Ergonomist
Pravesh Jugnundan – OHCOW Physician, Melissa Statham – OHCOW Ergonomist
Osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the most common forms of osteoarthritis affecting up to 24.2% of the population. This session examines the anatomy, symptoms causes, and prevention of this disorder.
DOWNLOAD PDF SLIDES
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Implementing Markerless Motion Capture Technology for Ergonomics Assessments
Dennis Larson – Postdoctoral Researcher
Recent advancements in computer vision technology are rapidly changing how we conduct musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk assessments in the field. Now with just the tap of a button on our smartphones, we can easily record videos of workplace activities that can uploaded and analyzed by computer vision tools to assess postures and movements involved in completing workplace tasks. However, computer vision may not be a one-size-fits-all solution and both researchers and companies are working to understand how to best implement and interpret results from these technologies to optimize their MSD prevention efforts. Drawing on the findings of a recent study we conducted at the University of Waterloo and other related research, we will provide evidence-based insights to guide best practices for integrating computer vision-based MSD assessment technology into workplace ergonomics and health and safety programs.
DOWNLOAD PDF SLIDES
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Q&A
SEE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST

2/11 Day
2025-02-11
On 211 Day, February 11th (2/11), United Way Centraide, 211 service providers across North America and their supporters use the opportunity to raise awareness of this valuable service in the community.
Go to Web Site
211 Central

RSI Day Webinar Series: Reality Check 2025 - Hazard Mitigation
2025-02-14 10:00 - 12:30
GO TO PLAYLIST

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome Message and Overview

Trevor Schell – Coordinator

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Heat Stress Management: A new toolkit for Ontario Workplaces

André Gauvin – OHCOW Occupational Hygienist
Heat stress is a significant and year-round physical hazard in many indoor, outdoor and underground occupations that deal with either local or environmental heat sources. To make matters worse, its effects may be compounded when personal protective equipment (PPE) is involved. Climate change further compounds the issue; the increasing frequency of extreme heat days, wildfires, and poor air quality exposes outdoor workers to an ever-growing risk of negative health impacts. The impacts of heat stress are serious and is globally recognized. It is critical to address this hazard to protect employees and your business from negative health effects, lost productivity, and employee morale. This session will discuss the hazards of working in the heat, guide you through Ontario’s updated Heat Stress Toolkit, and talk about how these tools can support you in reducing risk.

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Ergonomics and Manual Materials Handling: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

Daryl Stephenson – OHCOW Ergonomist, Andrew Flanagan – OHCOW Ergonomist

This presentation explores the critical role of ergonomics in manual materials handling to prevent workplace injuries and improve productivity. We’ll discuss key ergonomic principles and strategies for designing tasks that minimize physical strain. Additionally, we’ll highlight how the Liberty Mutual manual material handling tables can be effectively utilized to assess risk factors in manual handling tasks. These tables offer evidence-based guidelines for identifying hazardous lifting, pushing and pulling activities, and provide valuable insights into safe weight limits. By integrating these tools with proper ergonomic practices, we can foster a safer, more efficient work environment.

11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Q&A

RSI Day Webinar Series: Key Topics in Occupational Ergonomics 1
2025-02-21 10:00 - 12:30
Key Topics in Occupational Ergonomics 1
February 21 – WEEK 3
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome message and Overview
Trevor Schell – Coordinator
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Creating and Fostering Inclusive Work Environments to Prevent MSDs Among Older Workers
Dr Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
This presentation will explore the definition of older workers, typically those aged 50 and above, and the unique challenges they face. It will identify the risks and hazards related to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Finally, it will propose solutions and strategies to prevent and mitigate against MSD. By addressing these objectives, we aim to create a safer and more supportive work environment for older workers.
DOWNLOAD PDF SLIDES

LINK TO WEBINAR

RSI Day Webinar Series - Key topics in Occupational Ergonomics 2
2025-02-28 10:00 - 12:30
Key topics in Occupational Ergonomics 2
February 28 – WEEK 4
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome Message and Overview
Trevor Schell – coordinator
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Visual Ergonomics: The Relationship Between Vision and Office Ergonomics
Dwayne Fuchs – OHCOW Ergonomist, Dr. Joe Valente – Optometrist
OHCOW Ergonomist Dwayne Fuchs (R.Kin.) along with Optometrist Dr. Joe Valente will discuss the relationship between vision and computer use in the office. It will include the following: Computer Monitor/Screen Ergonomics; Office Lighting and Glare; Common Visual Complaints and Conditions; Differences between Corrected and Non-corrected vision; and Recommendations for change based upon individual visual requirements.
DOWNLOAD PDF SLIDES
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Review of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) Reference Guide
Trevor Schell – OHCOW Ergonomist, Melissa Statham – OHCOW Ergonomist
The QEC is perhaps one of the most versatile and user friendly workplace hazard identification tools. It was designed to be quick, easy to use and not require extensive training before use. This session will cover an overview of the QEC tool and case studies demonstrating its use.
DOWNLOAD PDF SLIDES
QEC REFERENCE GUIDE
QEC DOWNLOAD PAGE
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Q & A VIEW PLAYLIST

Kidney Health Month
2025-03-01 08:00 - 2025-03-31 17:00
March is Kidney Health Month in Canada. If you haven’t yet considered the way your mighty kidneys impact your overall health, now is the time.
Kidneys are often misunderstood and their value to overall health underestimated. Kidneys are vital organs with an important role, including removing waste from the body, helping to make red blood cells, and regulating blood pressure. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease, and heart disease can be both a cause and a complication for those living with kidney disease. See the Kidney.ca website for more information.
GO TO WEBSITE

World Hearing Day
2025-03-03
This year’s theme builds upon the 2024 focus on changing mindsets towards ear and hearing care. We invite individuals of all ages to empower themselves to ensure healthy ears and hearing for themselves and others. This campaign aims to inspire behaviour change to protect hearing from loud sounds, prevent hearing loss, check hearing regularly, use hearing devices if needed, and support those living with hearing loss. Empowered individuals can drive change within themselves and in society at large. See the website here.
Key messages for 2025:

By 2030, over 500 million people are expected to have disabling hearing loss requiring rehabilitation.
Over one billion young people face the risk of permanent hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds during recreational pastimes such as listening to music and video gameplay.
How we hear in the future depends on how we care for our ears today as many cases of hearing loss can be avoided through the adoption of safe listening and good hearing care practices. For those living with hearing loss, early identification and access to timely rehabilitation are essential to achieving their highest potential.
You can take steps today to ensure good hearing health throughout life.

International Women's Day 2025
2025-03-08
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively for #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction. See website here.

Brain Awareness Week 2025
2025-03-10 08:00 - 2025-03-16 17:00
Brain Awareness Week is the global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. Every March, participants host imaginative activities in their communities that share the wonders of the brain, and the impact brain science has on our everyday lives.
Event organizers include colleges and universities, hospitals, medical research facilities, K-12 schools, advocacy groups, outreach organizations, professional associations, government agencies, corporations, and more.
GO TO WEBSITE

World Kidney Day
2025-03-14
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect approximately 850 million people worldwide[1]. If left undetected and not treated timely, CKD can progress to kidney failure, leading to severe complications and premature mortality. By 2040, CKD is projected to become the 5th leading cause of years of life lost[2], highlighting the urgent need for global strategies to combat kidney disease.
Populations at high risk for kidney disease should undergo targeted testing.
The major risk factors for kidney disease are:

Diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity
Family history of kidney disease.

Go to website for more information.
SEE WEBSITE

National Inhalant and Poisons Awareness Week 2025
2025-03-17 08:00 - 2025-03-22 17:00
March 17-22
The third week in March is National Inhalant and Poisons Awareness Week. This prevention week focuses on providing education, resources, and information on risks of poisons and inhalant. Many workplaces have dangers for workers in potentially coming in contact with poisons in its many forms.
What are inhalants?
Although other misused materials can be inhaled, the term inhalants refer to the various substances that people typically take only by inhaling. These substances include:

solvents (liquids that become gas at room temperature)
aerosol sprays
gases
nitrites

One Hit of an Inhalant Can Cause:

Nausea and disorientation
Limb spasms
Loss of consciousness and asphyxiation
Death

More information to come on this topic.

Webinar: New Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Infographic for Agricultural Workers
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:00
Join us to learn more about OHCOW’s new Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among Temporary Foreign Agriculture Workers (TFAW) Infographic and the experience and science behind it.
We will discuss the importance of the issue, and the innovative collaboration between OHCOW ergonomists and our temporary foreign agriculture worker outreach team that led to the infographic creation.
We will review the infographic, as well as our associated new worker warm-up wallet card and discuss how both resources can be used with, and by, Ontario temporary foreign agricultural workers.
We will also review our Where Does is Hurt? Body Mapping Workshop for temporary foreign agricultural workers, and discuss how this type of engagement can help better understand where workers may be experiencing aches and pains, whether these might be related to their work, and how we can draw from this information to explore recommendations and strategies for prevention.
Lastly, we will discuss how to access virtual or print copies of our temporary foreign agricultural worker resources, and opportunities to collaborate on, or host, our workshops for workers in your networks.
Presenters will include:

Eduardo Huesca, Project Manager, OHCOW
Melissa Statham, Ergonomist, OHCOW-Windsor Clinic
Andrew Flanagan, Ergonomist, OHCOW-Sarnia Clinic
OHCOW’s TeaMWork Project Temporary Foreign Agricultural Worker Outreach Team

REGISTER TODAY

Parkinson's Awareness Month
2025-04-01 08:00 - 2025-04-30 17:00
Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition, and everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is different. More than 110,000 people in Canada live with Parkinson’s. It can be caused by genetics, but many cases are caused by hazardous exposures, particularly in the workplace.
Stay tune for more info.
Home

Spring Into Action 2025
2025-04-04 08:30 - 13:00
Health and Safety Forum • Online and In-Person
This HYBRID event took place online and in person at Carpenters Union Local 93, 8560 Campeau Drive, Kanata.
Who should attend: Health care workers, advocates and colleagues, Joint Health & Safety Committee members, useful to all work sectors particularly the trade sector, and anyone interested in Occupational Health and Safety! An opportunity to connect with industry experts and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in health and safety. Register now and ACT on your commitment to a healthier and safer workplace!
Speakers & Information Sessions:
Dr. Daryl Stephenson, PhD, CCPE, OHCOW Ergonomist
Ergonomics and Manual Materials Handling
Download PDF Slides

André Gauvin, BSc, MHK, CCPE, CIH, OHCOW Occupational Hygienist & Eduardo Huesca, OHCOW Migrant Worker Project Manager
Addressing Heat Stress in Agricultural Workplaces: The Heat Stress Toolkit and Case Study
Download PDF Slides

Carmine Tiano, Director of Occupational Services from the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
Shifting the Paradigm to Total Worker Health
Download PDF Slides

Meghan Friesen, BA, ROH, OHCOW Occupational Hygienist & Krista Thompson, MHSc, ROH, CRSP, OHCOW Occupational Hygienist
Silica Exposure and Tools of the Trade
Download PDF Slides
Itinerary
8:30 a.m.: Registration / Refreshments 8:30am
8:50 a.m. sharp: Opening
Info sessions
11:30 a.m.: Break / Refreshments
1 p.m.: Closing Remarks

Sponsored by: ODLC Health & Safety Committee and OHCOW Local Outreach Committee

Occupational Health Nurses Week
2025-04-06 08:00 - 2025-04-12 17:00
OHN (Occupational Health Nurses) Week is a national observance each April that celebrates and recognizes members of the occupational and environmental health nursing profession. While some people understand the functions of a nurse in clinical settings, this week serves as a way to bring attention and awareness to the thousands of OHNs who work in promoting and protecting the health of workers in Canada and around the globe. Through case management, coaching and health counseling, health promotion and wellness activities, legal and regulatory compliance, and workplace hazard detection and mitigation, occupational and environmental health nurses improve the health of employees and contribute to a healthy bottom line for businesses.
SEE WEBSITE

World Health Day
2025-04-07
World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April 2025, will kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. The campaign, titled Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, will urge governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.
WHO and partners will also share useful information to support healthy pregnancies and births, and better postnatal health.
Find out more:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2025

National Nursing Week
2025-04-12 08:00 - 2025-04-18 17:00
Mark your calendars! National Nursing Week takes place from May 12-18, 2025, and we’re thrilled to announce this year’s theme: The Power of Nurses to Transform Health.
This theme highlights the incredible impact nurses have in shaping health care, driving innovation, and advocating for patient-centred care. Visit this web page often for more details on how we’ll be celebrating the dedication and contributions of nurses across Canada.
National Nursing Week serves as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of nurses across Canada and around the world.
SEE WEBSITE

Canadian National Volunteer week
2025-04-27 08:00 - 2025-05-03 17:00
Volunteers Make Waves
Together, we create ripples of change
#VolunteersMakeWaves #NVW2025
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves. It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building.
Water is in constant motion, always flowing, shifting, and transforming with every powerful wave or quiet ripple. And so is each volunteer’s contribution toward creating impact in our communities.
National Volunteer Week

World Day for Safety and Health at Work
2025-04-28
This year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 focuses on “Revolutionizing health and safety: the role of AI and digitalization at work”.
This theme will examine various new technologies through an occupational safety and health lens, including:
Advanced robots
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
Exoskeletons
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
Internet of Things (IoT)
Virtual and Augmented Reality
The campaign will also shed light on new work practices, such as automation of tasks, big data analysis, smart digital systems and workers management through AI.
New technologies have also given rise to new types of work, such as digital platform work and remote work/hybrid work/telework, which will be further examined.
https://www.ilo.org/meetings-and-events/world-day-safety-and-health-work-2025

Day of Mourning
2025-04-28
Read OHCOW’s Day of Mourning Statement here.
See more information on the Worker’s Health and Safety Centre Web Page, including public ceremonies across Ontario on this important day.

International Workers' Day
2025-05-01
International Workers’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate the union movement’s victories and recognize the importance of continuing our global fight for labour rights, equity and economic justice.
For more than a century International Workers’ Day has acknowledged and celebrated the achievements of the trade union movement. The list is long and includes the establishment of employment standards, occupational health and safety legislation, and old age security.
CUPE’s page for IWD
UFCW page for IWD

National Physician's Day
2025-05-01
https://www.cma.ca/about-us/what-we-do/press-room/cma-recognizes-national-physicians-day

Mayday! Mayday! 2025 Workplace Mental Health Series Week 1
2025-05-01 10:30 - 12:00
Welcome to the 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. The five week webinar series format allows for an ever-expanding audience from around the world, all gathering to learn, share experience and generate ideas. Register today and join the discussion. Integrating Initiative: WMH into OHS.

WEEK ONE
Thursday, May 1, 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm ET
Integrating Initiative: WMH into OHS

Fundamental truth: Workplace Mental Health is Occupational Health
Speaker: John Oudyk, Occupational Hygienist, OHCOW
Public Sector Perspective: Experience, Resources & Psychosocial <-> MSD prevention case study
Madi Stratis, Workplace Wellness Consultant, PSHSA
New tool to help: CCOHS Business Safety Portal & other WMH & OHS resources
Karen Cassidy, Director, Business Solutions CCOHS

Open discussion follows. VIEW PLAYLISTSLIDES PDF – JOHN OUDYKSLIDES PDF – MADI STRATISPDF – CASSIDY

Construction Safety Week
2025-05-05 08:00 - 2025-05-09 17:00
Construction Safety Week Website
Bring Safety Week to life at your company. You can access and download all of the tools and resources you’ll need to get started on planning your week, including tips, best practices and all of the Safety Week branded materials to support your events and communication. All materials for Safety Week 2025 will be available soon.

Safety and Health Week
2025-05-05 08:00 - 2025-05-10 17:00
Safety and Health Week Website
Safety and Health Week is an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community. The initiative focuses on employers, employees, partners, and the public working together to create safe workplaces and communities.
Join the conversation this hash#SafetyAndHealthWeek!

Mental Health Week
2025-05-05 08:00 - 2025-05-11 17:00
CMHA Mental Health Week Website
This Mental Health Week (May 5-11), the CMHA is encouraging people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country.
See OHCOW’s Mayday Mayday Webinar series for more information.

World Asthma Day
2025-05-06
World Asthma Day (Canada) Website
Lighting Landmarks Across Canada Shine Blue for World Asthma Day & Asthma Awareness Month
This World Asthma Day (Tuesday, May 6) and Asthma Awareness Month, iconic landmarks across Canada will illuminate in blue, standing in solidarity with the more than 4.6 million Canadians living with asthma and in remembrance of the 300 lives tragically lost to the disease each year.
If you’re near one of these landmarks, snap a photo and share it using #WorldAsthmaDay and #AsthmaAwarenessMonth to raise awareness and help put asthma in the spotlight!
Participating Landmarks:
Ontario
CN Tower*| Toronto
Niagara Falls | Niagara (Illuminated at 10 PM for 15 minutes)
Peace Bridge | Fort Erie

Mayday! Mayday! 2025 Workplace Mental Health Webinars Week 2
2025-05-08 10:00 - 12:00
Welcome to the 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. The five week webinar series format allows for an ever-expanding audience from around the world, all gathering to learn, share experience and generate ideas. Register today and join the discussion.
WEEK TWO
Thursday, May 8, 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm ET
Lessons Learned – Workplace Experiences & Stories

Getting workers/members engaged in efforts to improve workplace stress conditions
Speaker: Carrie de Graaf, President, OSSTF D8 Edu.l Support Staff
Real Talk: A Short Workplace Stress Survey launched our Psychological Health Journey
Speaker: Hayley Bennett, Wellness Coordinator, Bruyère Health
Voice of experience: 15 years, 15(+) insights on workplace survey support
John Oudyk, Occupational Hygienist, OHCOW

Open discussion follows. VIEW PLAYLISTSLIDES PDF – de Graaf, OudykSLIDES PDF – BennettSLIDES PDF – Oudyk

Mayday! Mayday! 2025 Workplace Mental Health Series Week 2
2025-05-08 10:00 - 12:00

National Nursing Week
2025-05-12 08:00 - 2025-05-18 17:00
Ontario Nurses Association Website
During Nursing Week, we celebrate the dedication, expertise, and achievements of registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs.) This year, for ONA nurses, Nursing Week is being held May 12-18.
Our 2025 Nursing Week theme is:
Raising our voices. Speaking the truth.
Faire entendre nos voix. Dire la vérité.
This theme captures our growing momentum in telling Ontarians the brutal truth. We find ourselves at a crossroads. Never before has it been so important to speak out and speak the truth about what is going on in our health-care system.
Nursing Week offers a great opportunity to do more than celebrate. We can also amplify our concerns and our bold ideas for solutions. We know the value of the experienced and highly skilled nurses in our health-care system, and how it is endangered if we don’t address recruitment and retention of the nursing workforce.
