News

Every year on April 28, we pay respect to all those who have been affected by workplace tragedies. We also renew our commitment to creating healthy & safe work environments for all Ontarians.

As a leading provider of workplace disability prevention training, the courses at Prevention Link aim to improve the well-being of Ontario’s most vulnerable workers, including injured workers, young workers, and those that are new to working in Ontario.

Please find the list of events taking place on the National Day of Mourning in Ontario below.

Prevention Link is thrilled to announce that our virtual training dates for this Summer and Fall are now open for registration! Along with our popular introductory workshops, we have added other one-day workshops including Return to Work 101, Principles of Accommodation Law, and Hearings in Writing.

Participants will also have an option to enroll in our in-person Workers’ Compensation Fundamentals Training Series, taking place at Bayview Wildwood Resort September 25 – 30, 2022. Details are forthcoming.

Who should attend:
WSIB representatives, Workers’ Compensation activists, RTW specialists, union leadership and union stewards, H&S representatives and activists, supervisors, human resources specialists, employers and young workers.

Learn from the comfort of your own home with the support of the Prevention Link Team!

LEVEL 1: RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Duration: 12 hours Prerequisites: None

The first of six core certification courses offered within Prevention Link’s disability prevention curriculum.  This introductory course begins by exploring the history of Ontario’s compensation system and the development of legislation and the general principles of the system.

Participants learn the basics of a disability prevention framework, including:

• Types of workplace injuries and occupational illnesses;
• The legal tests applied by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) when considering entitlement;
• The method to report an injury;
• The steps to initiate a claim;
• Reporting strategies, including time limits and potential penalties.

» July 5 – July 19, 2022
» September 7 – September 21, 2022

Cost: $399.00. Register early to get $50.00 discount!

LEVEL 2: BENEFITS AND SERVICES
Duration: 12 hours Prerequisites: Level 1

In the second of six core certification courses, offered within Prevention Link’s core curriculum, participants will become familiar with the significance of legislation (WSIA), regulations, and policies, including the history of legislative change and Bills that have amended the WSIA.

Participants will:

• Explore changes to the legislation and their effects on benefits and services;
• Discuss the benefits and services available under three district eras;
• Explore benefit calculations including Non-Economic Loss (NEL) and Loss of Earnings (LOE).

Cost: $399.00. Register early to get $50.00 discount!

» August 3 – August 17, 2022
» October 12 – October 26, 2022

RETURN TO WORK 101
Duration: 6 Hours Prerequisites: None

This workshop provides participants with the tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively; and return them to long term healthy and productive employment.

The workshop will review noteworthy case law and Human Rights legislation.

» July 26, 2022
» September 27, 2022

Cost: $99.00. Register early to get $20.00 discount!

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOMMODATION LAW
Duration: 3 hours Prerequisites: None

With a focus on the protected ground of disability and the social area of employment, this workshop will advance a participant’s understanding of human rights legislation and the Duty to Accommodate.

The definitions of discrimination will be explored, the requirements for requesting and responding to accommodation needs will be outlined, and what constitutes “undue hardship” will be examined.

This workshop provides participants with the resources and tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively, and support return to long-term healthy and productive employment.

» July 27, 2022
» September 28, 2022

Cost: $99.00. Register early to get $20.00 discount!

HEARINGS IN WRITING
Duration: 6 hours Prerequisites: None

This workshop will help participants understand the goals and challenges of legal submission writing and how to address them.

In accordance with the WSIB’s Practice and Procedures and with WSIAT’s Practice Directions, participants will learn how to organize and structure submissions to be clear and reader focused.

Using various outlines and templates, the traditional structure of a submission is examined with attention given to strategies and guidelines to produce an effective written hearing submission.

Participants will explore making facts and law persuasive and the technical components of writing, including referring to and attaching documents and a professional format will be reviewed.

» August 18, 2022
» October 4, 2022

Cost: $99.00. Register early to get $20.00 discount!

Prevention Link is thrilled to announce that our virtual training dates for this Winter and Spring are now open for registration! Along with our popular introductory workshops, we have added other one-day workshops including Return to Work 101, Principles of Accommodation Law and now also Hearings in Writing! You will also have an opportunity to take Level 3 in person at Bayview Wildwood Resort in May! Limited seating is available and COVID-19 government guidelines are being closely monitored.

Who should attend:
WSIB representatives, Workers’ Compensation activists, RTW specialists, union leadership and union stewards, H&S representatives and activists, supervisors, human resources specialists, employers and young workers.

Learn from the comfort of your own home with the support of the Prevention Link Team!

LEVEL 1: RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Explore your rights & obligations under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. This introductory course begins by exploring the history of the health and safety and compensation systems in Ontario, the development of legislation and the general principles of the system. There are 8 self-paced modules (10 hours) with presentations, videos, discussions and quizzes.

Course Overview:

• History & Principles of Workers’ Compensation
• When is an Injury Compensable
• Reporting an Injury and Filing a Claim
• Return to Work Basics

» March 1 – 15, 2022
» April 20 – May 4, 2022

Cost: $399.00. Register early to get $50.00 discount!

LEVEL 2: BENEFITS AND SERVICES (Prerequisite course: Level 1)
Participants explore the significance of legislation (OHSA, WSIA), regulations and policy, changes to the legislation, including the effects these changes have had on benefits and the benefits available under the WSIA. They also explore detailed examples of benefit calculations and parameters affecting the final numbers as well as the structure of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and appeal system, and the adjudication process.

Course Overview:

• Regulation & Policy
• Benefits & Services
• Funding the System
• Professional Responsibilities
• WSIB File Examination

Cost: $399.00. Register early to get $50.00 discount!

» February 24 – March 10, 2022
» March 29 – April 12, 2022
» May 25 – June 8, 2022

LEVEL 3: APPEALS & DISPUTE RESOLUTION (Prerequisite course: Level 1 & Level 2)
An interactive and analytical course, Prevention Link has developed a holistic and intuitive course meant to build participants into mock hearing settings. Participants will gain skills on representing workers at oral hearings before the Workplace Safety Insurance Board as well as the Workplace Safety Insurance and Appeals Tribunal.

We will examine reviewing of the file; gathering additional evidence; researching law; policy and precedent; preparation of witnesses; and questioning, cross-questioning and re-direct at a hearing.

This course will take place between May 1-6, 2022, at Bayview Wildwood Resort.

Cost: $1800.00.* Register early to get $100.00 discount! *Cost is based on single-occupancy room and meal plan.

Important Information:

• Proof of vaccination will be required.
• COVID-19 protocols at Bayview Wildwood Resort can be found online.
• Provincial government guidelines regarding closures are being closely monitored. An update will follow should any scheduling change.
• Evening work will be required.

RETURN TO WORK 101
The online version is based entirely on the in-person curriculum but has been structured to provide the personal and fun interaction that you are accustomed to with the advantage of allowing you to work at your own pace.

The objective of this course is to provide participants with the tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively and return them to long-term healthy and productive employment. The course will review noteworthy case law and human rights legislation.

» March 8, 2022
» April 26, 2022

Cost: $99.00. Register early to get $20.00 discount!

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOMMODATION LAW
With a focus on the protected ground of disability and the social area of employment, this workshop will advance a participant’s understanding of human rights legislation. We will explore definitions of discrimination, outline the requirements for requesting and responding to accommodation needs and examine what constitutes “undue hardship.”

» March 9, 2022
» April 27, 2022

Cost: $99.00. Register early to get $20.00 discount!

HEARINGS IN WRITING
This workshop will help participants understand the goals and challenges of legal submission writing and how to address them. In accordance with the WSIB’s Practice and Procedures and with WSIAT’s Practice Directions, participants will learn how to organize and structure submissions to be clear and reader focused. Using various outlines and templates, the traditional structure of a submission is examined with attention given to strategies and guidelines to produce an effective written hearing submission.

» February 23, 2022
» March 22, 2022
» May 18, 2022

Cost: $99.00. Register early to get $20.00 discount!

ABOUT OUR ONLINE TRAINING
Our team has created interactive courses using an industry-leading learning management system with modules, presentations, videos, and discussions to make this valuable program engaging. Learn all about the workers’ compensation system in Ontario from the comfort of your own home with the support of the Prevention Link Team.

TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for leading this course. You are very knowledgeable, and I appreciate that you went the extra mile to provide us with extra information and guiding us towards documents and policies related to our areas of need. Your efforts were very much appreciated.” A.P. – OECTA

“I really appreciated the opportunity to do the virtual training. This wouldn’t be my preferred mode of learning, but given the circumstances, I’m glad I didn’t have to delay my training until things returned to normal.” E.M. – ETFO

“Thank you so much for the support and the training was very good. So well thought out and presented, I feel much better equipped now to help people.” J.M. – Toronto, Ontario

sf/cope343

Prevention Link is thrilled to announce our virtual training dates for this fall. Along with our popular introductory workshops of Level 1 and Level 2, we have added other workshops. We have updated the Return to Work 101 one-day workshop and converted it for use online via Canvas. We have also added the Principles of Accommodation Law workshop to our inventory of available courses. You will also have another opportunity to take Mental Health First Aid course and get certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Who should attend: WSIB representatives, Workers’ Compensation activists, RTW specialists, union leadership and union stewards, H&S representatives and activists, supervisors and employers, young workers.

Click on a date for more details, schedule, and to register.

LEVEL 1: RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Explore your rights & obligations under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. This introductory course begins by exploring the history of the health and safety and compensation systems in Ontario, the development of legislation and the general principles of the system. There are 8 self-paced modules (10 hours), with presentations, videos, discussions, and quizzes.

Course Overview:

• History & Principles of Workers’ Compensation
• When is an Injury Compensable
• Reporting an Injury and Filing a Claim
• Return to Work Basics

October 13-27, 2021
The deadline to register is September 29, 2021.
Register before September 20^th to receive our early bird discount.
Cost: $399.00. Register early to get $50.00 discount!

LEVEL 2: BENEFITS AND SERVICES (Prerequisite course: Level 1)
Participants explore the significance of legislation (OHSA, WSIA), regulations and policy, changes to the legislation, including the effects these changes have had on benefits, and the benefits available under the WSIA. They also explore detailed examples of benefit calculations and parameters affecting the final numbers, as well as the structure of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and appeal system, and the adjudication process.

Course Overview:

• Regulation & Policy
• Benefits & Services
• Funding the System
• Professional Responsibilities
• WSIB File Examination

November 23 – December 7, 2021
The deadline to register is November 9, 2021.
Register before October 26^th to receive our early bird discount.
Cost: $399.00. Register early to get $50.00 discount!

RETURN TO WORK 101
The online version is based entirely on the in-person curriculum but has been structured to provide the personal and fun interaction that you are accustomed to, with the advantage of allowing you to work at your own pace.

The objective of this course is to provide participants with the tools to develop strategies to assist workers with disabilities, individually and collectively; and return them to long-term healthy and productive employment. The course will review noteworthy case Law and Human Rights legislation.

Cost: $99.00. Register early to get $20.00 discount!

September 28 – October 5, 2021
The deadline to register is September 10, 2021.

October 21, 2021
The deadline to register is October 5, 2021.
Register before September 20^th to receive our early bird discount.

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOMMODATION LAW
With a focus on the protected ground of disability and the social area of employment, this workshop will advance a participant’s understanding of human rights legislation. We will explore definitions of discrimination, outline the requirements for requesting and responding to accommodation needs, and examine what constitutes “undue hardship.”

Cost: $99.00. Register early to get $20.00 discount!

November 25, 2021
The deadline to register is November 5, 2021.
Register before October 22^nd to receive our early bird discount.

December 1, 2021
The deadline to register is November 12, 2021.
Register before October 29^th to receive our early bird discount.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis. Course participants will learn how to recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis and encourage that person to:

• Talk about declines in their mental well-being.
• Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improve mental well-being.
• Reach out to these supports.
• Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis.
• Use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being.

Cost: $169.00.

October 22 and 29, 2021
The deadline to register is October 19, 2021 at 12 p.m.
Enrollment Codes are provided to participants from October 8 to October 19, 2021.

ABOUT OUR ONLINE TRAINING
Our team has created interactive courses using an industry-leading Learning Management System with modules, presentations, videos, and discussions to make this valuable program engaging. Learn all about the workers’ compensation system in Ontario from the comfort of your own home with the support of the Prevention Link Team.

Testimonials

“Thank you for leading this course. You are very knowledgeable, and I appreciate that you went the extra mile to provide us with extra information and guiding us towards documents and policies related to our areas of need. Your efforts were very much appreciated.” A.P. – OECTA

“I really appreciated the opportunity to do the virtual training. This wouldn’t be my preferred mode of learning, but given the circumstances, I’m glad I didn’t have to delay my training until things returned to normal.” E.M. – ETFO

“Thank you so much for the support and the training was very good. So well thought out and presented, I feel much better equipped now to help people.” J.M. – Toronto, Ontario

gh/cope343

Vaccines are a vital tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19, and are an important component in the promotion of general health and disease prevention in our communities and workplaces.

Make an informed decision that is right for you:

• Read reliable sources.
• Follow credible media outlets.
• Talk to your health care provider.

Click the images below to download our printable poster and shareables for social media.

 

Learn about COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada by watching our recorded conversation with Dr. Chénier who guided us through the work of our immune system, how the body responds to clear infections and how a vaccine supports the body’s natural abilities to heal, and the kinds of vaccines that are on the market right now. Using this new understanding, we hope is that you will be able to better advocate for yourselves with your health care providers by asking questions about vaccination that are relevant for your health condition.

What you need to know: Download our essential fact sheets on COVID-19

More resources:
Federal Government
Ontario Government
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)
Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC)
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
WSIB claims and COVID-19

This year marks the 37^th annual National Day of Mourning, a day first declared in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress, to remember the many Ontario and Canadian workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness because of work-related incidents. Prevention Link honours and pays respect to the many families and friends who have been affected by these tragedies. This year, we remember workers who have been injured, made ill or who have died from all work-related causes, including the virus that causes COVID-19.

“One workplace death or injury is one too many,” said Laurie Hardwick, Director of Prevention Link. “Occupational health and safety are everyone’s responsibility, and we must collaboratively strengthen our resolve to ensure every Ontario worker gets home safe.”

In 2019, according to the most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. In Ontario, 245 workers died, and 200,613 claims were registered with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in 2020.

“It is vital for every Ontario worker to know their health and safety rights in the workplace from the first day they start a job,” said Hardwick. “Our Lighthouse Initiative aims to do just that by helping newcomers to Ontario’s workforce, young workers, and long-time workers in any sector learn more about their rights and the laws that guide them as a worker in our province.”

The Lighthouse Initiative offers critical information in 12 languages, via downloadable interactive fact sheets – with tips, quizzes, and links – to help guide workers on their rights and obligations in Ontario workplaces. Visit preventionlink.ca/lighthouse to access the fact sheets, which are also available in a pocket-sized z-card format by emailing info@preventionlink.ca.

Prevention Link staff will be commemorating National Day of Mourning events in their communities online this year. We encourage you to join a Day of Mourning virtual event in your community as well. A comprehensive list of Ontario-wide events and most recent statistics from Ontario are available on the Workers Health & Safety Centre website.

Prevention Link, a Government of Ontario supported initiative governed by the Ontario Federation of Labour Executive Committee, is a leading provider of training and advisory support on secondary prevention of workplace injury in the province. For information, visit preventionlink.ca and follow @PreventionLink on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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