OHCOW

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 2024
2024-11-25 08:00 - 2024-12-10 17:00 (America/Toronto)
For this important 16 day event, the Government of Canada’s theme for 2024 is Come Together, Act Now. It emphasizes how crucial it is to involve everyone in Canada – particularly men and boys – in changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. It is also a call to action urging all of us to recognize the signs of gender-based violence and to reach out for support, for ourselves or loved ones.
Please go to OHCOW’s page that features a video to draw attention to the problem of women meeting with violence whether at home, in public places, or in the workplace.
See OHCOW Page

Occ|tober and Beyond Webinar Series 2024
2024-11-28 12:00 - 13:30
12:00pm – 1:30pm EST
Occupational Illness and Disease Prevention
Can we prevent what we can’t see?
Occupational illnesses are conditions that usually require continued exposures over time to develop. They may even result from a combination of environmental and work-related factors. Ontario’s Health and Safety Associations are working to increase knowledge of various workplace exposures, which can not always be seen! In this session, learn how Ontario’s Health and Safety System is helping to identify hazards and implement effective control measures to prevent occupational diseases.
Speakers: Kelly Fernandes – WSPS Specialized Consultant; Steve Gore – WSPS Industrial Hygiene Specialist; Jasmine Kalsi, ROH, Infrastructure Health & Safety Association.
VIEW PLAYLIST FOR THIS SERIES

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
2024-12-03
More than 6.2 million Canadians have a disability – and many have disabilities that are not visible. Persons with disabilities face discrimination, incur many additional expenses, and often encounter barriers to finding meaningful and well-paid work. We recognize that disabilities are diverse in nature – whether physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health-related – and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But whatever a person’s needs may be, the Government of Canada is committed to making our country more accessible and more inclusive for everyone.
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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
2024-12-06
It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. As we mourn their loss and remember their lives, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today.
There is a website that commemorates the lives lost on that tragic day, and provides other information on protecting the rights of women and minorities.
GO TO PAGE

Human Rights Day
2024-12-10
Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10 — the day on which the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
The Declaration states that each person is entitled to fundamental rights, including the right to equality, and the right to life, liberty and security of the person. It also recognizes the right to freedom of religion and speech and the right to participate in the cultural life of the community.
For more information see Canada’s web page for Human Rights Day.
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Christmas Day
2024-12-25

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month
2025-01-01 08:00 - 2025-01-31 17:00
January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month
Beginning in 2024, January is known as “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month” throughout Canada. Health Canada and key stakeholders will raise awareness on this topic through social media campaigns and targeted events.
See OHCOW’s page about new information and legislation surrounding the work of Firefighters.
In June of 2023, the enactment of Bill C-224, A National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting provides for the development of a national framework designed to raise awareness of cancers linked to firefighting with the goal of improving access for firefighters to cancer prevention and treatment. The Canadian Association of Fire chiefs has more information.
In partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), the International Association of Firefighters IAFF designated January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.
Stay tuned for more information to come.

Bell Let's Talk Day
2025-01-22
Bell Let’s Talk Day 2025 to Prioritize Youth Mental Health as Young Canadians Face Growing Crisis
Bell unveiled MHRC’s new report on youth mental health and announced it will prioritize youth mental health on Bell Let’s Talk Day (January 22, 2025) and launch a text-to-donate campaign with 100% of funds raised going to six youth mental health providers.

Heart Month
2025-02-01 00:00 - 2025-02-28 23:59
February is Heart Month
February is Heart Month is an annual opportunity for individuals, groups, and businesses to raise funds and awareness for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
In 2024, our community raised over 1.25 million dollars, smashing past records thanks to our incredible match sponsors and donors. We are grateful to have the support of over one hundred community initiatives throughout February.
Go to Website

Black History Month
2025-02-01 - 2025-02-28
February is Black History Month
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.
The 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.
Go to Website

Psychology Month
2025-02-01 08:00 - 2025-02-28 17:00
Psychology Month is celebrated every February to highlight the contributions of Canadian psychologists and to show Canadians how psychology works to help – people live healthy and happy lives, their communities flourish, their employers create better workplaces, and their governments develop effective policies.

World Cancer Day
2025-02-04
The Importance of Knowledge Translation
Join us for a special World Cancer Day webinar, hosted by Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) and Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), as we explore the differing cancer risks among male and female workers in Ontario, Canada. This event will focus on the importance of knowledge translation—how we can effectively communicate occupational cancer research to raise awareness and drive change.
Experts will discuss the latest findings on cancer risks in the workplace and share strategies for improving awareness and prevention through knowledge-sharing resources and tools. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how collaboration and innovation can drive real change in protecting workers from occupational cancer.
REGISTER

RSI Day Webinar Series 2025 Week 1
2025-02-07 10:00 - 12:30
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.
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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.
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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
