As some may be aware, April 28th is the National Day of Mourning for those who have lost their lives, or become injured or ill, as the result of a workplace accident. Canadian flags will be at half-mast on parliament hill and all federal buildings. Around the nation, candles are lit, people wear commemorative articles of clothing, lay wreaths, and pause for a moment of silence at 11:00am.
Workplace accidents are a serious issue across the globe, and the province. In 2015 alone, 281 individuals in Ontario perished as a result of a workplace accident. Additionally, 51,570 claims for work-related injury and illness were filed. Each of these individuals had the right to return home from work in the same condition in which they arrived, but that right was taken from them. This is why the National Day of Mourning is so important, and why we take time to commemorate those affected by these tragedies and remember the importance of workplace health and safety.
Workplace Health & Safety Training Helps Prevent Accidents
Statistics show that formal workplace health and safety training dramatically decreases the frequency of accidents or injuries within any workplace environment. Providing education on potential hazards present within a working environment, empowers people to make informed decisions before exposing themselves to these potentially harmful situations. The Ministry of Labour, and specifically, the Chief Prevention Office, work with health and safety training providers to help identify appropriate training curriculums and acceptable delivery methods for courses. A positive working relationship and mutual respect for Health and Safety between these two entities, has allowed countless individuals to return home safe each day. The continued development of this relationship, along with mandatory training legislation is key in preventing workplace accidents.
A Story of Growth: Occupational Safety Group Inc. (OSG) in London
Occupational Safety Group Inc. (OSG) is Ontario’s largest private health and safety training provider, and they have called London home for 20 years now. OSG was conceived in 1997 in London, with a staff of two people. Today, OSG provides health and safety training across the Canada and employs almost 50 people. Their head office is located at 3330 Dingman Drive, right by the Wellington and highway 401 interchange. You have likely seen their highway sign if you have driven eastbound on the 401 in that area. OSG’s sister company, Online Learning Enterprises Inc. (OLE) also employs local individuals to support their online Health and Safety Management system, which includes over 100 Health and Safety training courses.
London has provided OSG with ample opportunity over the years and is a contributing factor in their success thus far. Back in 2001, London provided them with one of their first big breaks when the Canadian Summer Games took place here. There were about 150 volunteers involved that would all be zipping from site to site in golf carts – OSG knew that a golf cart incident, from an untrained operator, would draw national media attention, and not the right kind. So, they provided training to all volunteers to ensure they were properly educated on how to safely operate the vehicles. This is only one unique story of how London has helped OSG over the years. The story was originally covered in the London Free Press.
OSG is now celebrating their 20th year milestone and The Forest City is still a huge supporting factor in their growth. They have worked with over 1,000 London companies, and provided training for nearly 9,000 London employees. It is because of the support shown by Londoners for a fellow local business, that OSG is proud to say that they hail from London.
OSG and The Community
On July 22, 2017, from 11am-3pm, OSG wishes to show its sincere appreciation to the London Community by hosting a Family Fun Day for all members of London’s community who wish to celebrate their 20th year milestone with them. This event will be open to everyone, and it is OSG’s way of thanking London for letting us make a home and grow our business here. More details will be shared in the near future!
