IHSA Safety Podcast

Hosted by IHSA Safety Podcast

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143

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

The IHSA Safety Podcast is a free podcast from the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association that seeks to improve the lives of workers in Ontario; one thought-provoking discussion at a time. <p>We engage with professionals and industry influencers to help them implement and improve health and safety solutions for workers and the workplace. Each episode explores best practices, resources, and training to control and eliminate safety hazards in work environments involving high-risk activities in the industries that IHSA serves: construction, transportation, and electric utilities ]]>

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60 recent

October 19, 202641 min

A Day in the Life of a Logistics Supervisor: The Leadership behind Safe Fleets

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses fleet safety management in Ontario's transportation industry and features Courtney Foster, Logistics Supervisor with Salit Steel. Courtney discusses the role of a logistics supervisor, including reviewing pre-trip logs, coordinating with dispatch, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. She describes Salit Steel's in-house fleet operation and explains how open communication, driver support, and leadership commitment contribute to a strong health and safety culture. Courtney examines key challenges facing transportation companies, including traffic congestion, distracted driving, weather conditions, and driver fatigue. She explains how Salit Steel uses technologies such as electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics, dash cameras, and fatigue-detection systems to monitor driver behaviours, identify potential risks, and support proactive safety management. Courtney highlights the importance of executive commitment to safety and driver mental health and emphasizes the value of clear policies, strong onboarding programs, and maintaining equipment to ensure drivers have the tools they need to operate safely every day. Free resources Fleet Safety Council HSEp for transportation companies Struck-by hazards in transportation Ergonomics for Transportation – How to Prevent Strains, Sprains and Overexertion Keep your promise poster (transportation) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

October 4, 202652 min

A Day in the Life of a Tow Truck Operator: The Critical Role Operators Play in Roadside Safety

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses Ontario’s towing industry and features Max Worth, General Manager at Abrams Towing. Max discusses the wide range of responsibilities tow truck operators take on each day, from conducting vehicle and equipment inspections to responding to roadside assistance calls, collisions, police impounds, and commercial vehicle breakdowns. He explains that towing is far more complex than many people realize, requiring strong communication skills, critical thinking, mechanical knowledge, and the ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations. Max highlights the dangers of high-speed traffic, roadside debris, hazardous spills, and exposure to traumatic incidents. He emphasizes the importance of Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over law, noting that near misses involving passing vehicles remain one of the most common hazards in the industry. He also shares real-life examples that demonstrate why motorists must slow down and give roadside workers space to perform their jobs safely. Max also discusses how advancements in technology, including remote-controlled towing equipment, navigation alerts, and in-cab cameras, are helping improve safety for operators. He also emphasizes on the value of mentorship, hands-on training, and a strong safety culture in preparing new workers for the industry. Free resources CAA: Slow Down, Move Over Slow Down, Move Over Sticker Motor Vehicle Incidents Defensive Driving: Highway Traffic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 21, 202648 min

Skilled Trades in Ontario: Your Guide to Apprenticeships and Career Opportunities

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast explores the career opportunities available through skilled trades and apprenticeships in Ontario, and features Candice White, CEO and Registrar at Skilled Trades Ontario. Candice discusses the growing demand for skilled trades workers, the apprenticeship journey, and the important role skilled trades play in Ontario’s workforce and economy. Skilled trades should be viewed as a first-choice career path rather than a fallback option, offering opportunities for meaningful work, stable income, career growth, and the ability to earn while learning. Candice outlines the apprenticeship process, from exploring different trades and securing a sponsor to completing on-the-job and in-class training requirements and achieving certification. She also shares success stories that demonstrate how apprenticeships can provide purpose, stability, and rewarding career opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds. Candice also highlights the resources, toolkits, financial support, career fairs, and outreach programs available through Skilled Trades Ontario, and encourages parents, students, and employers to be curious, explore the opportunities available, and recognize skilled trades as a respected and rewarding career path. Free resources About Trades Apprenticeship Apprentice Toolkit Sponsor Toolkit Experienced Workers Powerline Technician Apprenticeship (PLTN) Line Crew Ground Support (LCGS) program See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 5, 202622 min

Building a Strong Safety Culture: Lessons from Ontario's Safety Leaders

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the strategies and safety practices that set successful small businesses apart, and features Carrie Briley, Director of Health and Safety Program Design at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Carrie explains that successful businesses focus on practical, low-cost safety improvements, engage workers in identifying hazards and solutions, and treat health and safety as an ongoing part of daily operations rather than a standalone program. She shares practical advice for small businesses to improve workplace safety, including: · Talking regularly with workers about risks and potential solutions · Keeping records of training, inspections, and corrective actions · Using WSIB resources such as the Business Safety Portal, Health and Safety Talks, and the Health and Safety Excellence Program (HSEp) to support continuous improvement and safety performance. Carrie also discusses the redesigned WSIB Small Business Safety Awards, which recognize businesses with fewer than 50 employees that have demonstrated innovative and effective approaches to workplace health and safety. Health and safety is an investment that supports employee wellbeing, and employers are encouraged to start small, focus on their most significant workplace risks, involve workers in safety discussions, and take advantage of WSIB resources and support programs to drive continuous improvement. Free resources Small Business Resources WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program (HSEp) Small business services | WSIB WSIB See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 25, 202631 min

Creating Better Safety Talks: Tips for Engaging Workers and Preventing Injuries

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses safety talks and features Mike Estalilla and Karolina Chelminiak , Program Developers and Instructional Designers at IHSA. Mike and Karolina explain that a safety talk should be a short, interactive discussion that addresses real workplace hazards and encourages worker participation. Safety talks are most effective when they are relevant, engaging, worker-focused, and followed by meaningful observation and feedback. When properly planned and delivered, they become a valuable tool for changing behaviours and improving workplace safety Mike and Karolina explore practical strategies for planning and delivering safety talks, including understanding the workforce, using storytelling to create relevance, and applying principles of adult learning and neuroscience to encourage knowledge retention and behaviour change. They also highlight ways supervisors can evaluate whether safety talks are effective, including asking review questions, observing worker behaviours, measuring understanding over time, and adjusting future talks based on worker feedback and performance. Safety talks should be viewed as an ongoing learning process rather than a compliance exercise, helping to build a stronger safety culture and improve workplace performance. Free resources Safety talks Safety talks manual See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 7, 202623 min

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in Aggregates

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast focuses on slips, trips, and falls in Ontario’s aggregate industry and features Ryan Smith, Health and Safety Consultant at IHSA. Ryan discusses why slips, trips, and falls remain one of the most common workplace injuries in the sector, highlighting key contributing factors such as poor housekeeping, unsafe surface conditions, complacency, inadequate risk assessments, weather conditions, and insufficient hazard reporting. He also discusses how fatigue, distractions, rushing, and routine work can increase the likelihood of incidents when workers fail to recognize or address hazards. Ryan emphasizes the importance of maintaining three-point contact when accessing equipment, using fall protection when required, and ensuring pedestrian walkways, tool storage areas, and equipment access points remain free of hazards. He also discusses the importance of proper safety footwear, regular inspections, worker involvement in hazard identification, and ongoing safety conversations to combat complacency. Preventing slips, trips, and falls is a shared responsibility, and even small hazards should never be ignored, as they can lead to serious injuries if left unaddressed. Free resources Aggregates - Slips, trips, and falls Aggregates See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

July 25, 202632 min

Improving Heavy Equipment Safety in Aggregate Operations

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast focuses on heavy equipment safety in Ontario’s aggregate industry and features Ryan Smith, Health and Safety Consultant at IHSA. Ryan discusses the key hazards associated with working around heavy equipment, including blind spots, pedestrian interactions, unstable ground conditions, stockpiles, articulated equipment, and heavy equipment right-of-way. He highlights the importance of equipment-specific training, pre-shift inspections, preventative maintenance, and effective communication in preventing incidents. Ryan also explores how emerging technologies, such as proximity warning systems, fatigue detection tools, autonomous equipment, improved cab filtration, and automatic greasing systems, are helping improve worker safety. Ryan highlights broader industry challenges, including exposure to silica and diesel exhaust, slips, trips and falls, and labour shortages. He emphasizes that building a strong safety culture, providing comprehensive training, encouraging proactive hazard reporting, and continuously identifying ways to improve are essential to creating safer aggregate workplaces. Free resources Aggregates Silica Control Tool See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

July 15, 202621 min

Tiny Ticks, Big Risks: How to Prevent Lyme Disease and Protect Ontario Outdoor Workers

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast focuses on tick risks in Ontario and how workers can protect themselves from tick-borne illnesses, and features Dr. Curtis Russell, Senior Program Specialist at Public Health Ontario. Dr. Russell explains that while tick populations and Lyme disease cases can vary year to year depending on weather, the long-term trend in Ontario shows a steady increase—particularly for black-legged ticks, the only species in the province known to transmit Lyme disease. He outlines where ticks are most commonly found, such as brushy, wooded areas with leaf litter, and notes that their range has expanded across much of southern Ontario. Dr. Russell shares practical prevention strategies for people working outdoors, including wearing light-coloured clothing, tucking in clothing, using repellents, and performing thorough tick checks both before leaving a worksite and again at home. He also explains how to properly remove a tick, the importance of early removal to reduce the risk of disease transmission, and why common myths—such as ticks jumping or falling from trees—are inaccurate. In addition to Lyme disease, Dr. Russell briefly discusses other tick-borne illnesses in Ontario and reinforces that the same prevention measures apply. Free resources · Guard against insect bites and stings · Insect bites and stings (safety talk) · Lyme disease (safety talk) · Ontario Vector-Borne Disease Tool · Ontario Tick-Borne Diseases · eTick · TickTOOL See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

July 9, 202645 min

Construction Site Inspections in Ontario: What Inspectors Really Look For

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast explores what Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) inspectors look for during construction site inspections, and features Aris Finnson, a former Occupational Health and Safety Inspector with MLITSD. Aris explains that the primary goal of an inspection is to assess whether a strong internal responsibility system (IRS) is in place by verifying that hazards are identified, planned for, and controlled. Inspectors often form an impression within the first few minutes on site, based on visible indicators such as housekeeping, signage, use of personal protective equipment, fall protection practices, and overall site organization. Aris highlights that: Workers should be able to identify their supervisor, explain their tasks and hazards, and know how to report concerns Strong supervision, clear communication, and proactive planning are major indicators of a compliant and well-run site Common issues leading to orders include fall protection gaps, improper ladder use, poor housekeeping, missing PPE, and incomplete documentation Aris encourages workplaces to focus on protecting workers every day—rather than preparing only for inspections—by maintaining strong planning, supervision, communication, and accountability across all levels of the organization. Free resources What Supervisors Need to Know Basics of Supervising Training Supervisor Log Book See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

June 11, 202631 min

Health and Safety Research in Action: Practical Insights for Safer Workplaces in Ontario

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses how workplace health and safety research is being translated into practical tools that employers and workers can use to improve safety outcomes across Ontario, and features Rod Cook, Vice President of Workplace Health and Safety Services at WSIB, and Dr. Amin Yazdani, President of the Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness and Performance (CISWP). Rod shares how the WSIB is investing in research and partnerships to better understand the root causes of workplace injuries and support prevention-focused solutions across sectors. Dr. Amin explains how CISWP’s applied research approach brings data collection directly to job sites through mobile labs and advanced technologies, helping generate insights based on real working conditions. Together, they discuss how research findings are being translated into practical, accessible tools that employers can use to strengthen their health and safety programs. They highlight the importance of collaboration between organizations, researchers, and industry in driving meaningful improvements in workplace safety, and explain how employers, supervisors, and health and safety professionals can use research-informed tools and resources to support safer workplaces. Free resources WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) WSIB Online Services Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness and Performance (CISWP) CCOHS Business Safety Portal See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .