Today, the Ontario government announced it is launching online training to promote safe workplaces. The government has invested $3 million to provide free virtual health and safety training. Through these courses, the government is making it easier for job seekers and workers to get these essential qualifications while also practising physical distancing and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The 10 courses on offer will be provided through Employment Ontario and will be available for free to up to 100,000 job seekers. Topics include infection control, conducting health and safety incident investigations, ladder safety, slips, trips and falls prevention, and preventing workplace violence and harassment. Job seekers will be able to participate in these courses from their own homes. Enrollment in these courses is through a local Employment Ontario service provider.
Virtual options are also available for worker and employer members of Joint Health and Safety Committees. Real-time training will be provided by qualified instructors approved by Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer over video conferencing. These sessions included how to establish a Health and Safety Committee, resolving health and safety issues, workplace inspections, and accident investigations.
These courses and training will help job seekers have the confidence to rejoin the economy, businesses the confidence to hire new employees and give consumers confidence that businesses have the training to continue to serve them safely.
Yesterday, the government announced an additional $150 million in funding to municipalities and urban Indigenous community partners administered through the Social Services Relief Fund to continue to protect vulnerable people from COVID-19. The money will be available to improve homeless shelters and create innovative housing solutions for longer-term housing. The government continues efforts to support and protect vulnerable individuals.
