Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Certification Training l WHMIS l Payment Options l General Course Inquiries

Basic Certification Training

Who has to be certified?

A workplace that regularly employs 20 workers must have two certified members; one from management and one chosen by the workers or union. In a workplace where a designated substance applies, there must also be two certified members. Workers on a construction project that is going to last 3 months or longer, and employs 50 or more workers must also have two certified members. These certified members will sit on the Joint Health and Safety Committee.

How do I get certified?

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has a list of approved providers for Basic Certification Training. http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/Public/CertificationTrainingApprovedProviders. All of the providers must submit their program to the Board for approval prior to becoming an approved provider. Health & Safety Professionals Inc. delivers a three-day classroom based course, which is approved by WSIB.

What is the difference between Part I and Part II Basic Certification training?

Part I is generic training and is applicable to all workplaces and sectors. The main topics included in the course are: legislation as it applies to the Certified Member, the Joint Health and Safety Committee, and how to Recognize, Assess, and Control hazards. Part II training is meant to be specific to the needs of each individual workplace. The employer is expected to determine the training needs based on a hazard assessment of the workplace. This should be done with the Certified Members who have a very good understanding of how to assess hazards.

Which Part II Workplace Specific Hazard Training courses should I take?

You will need to take the courses that correspond with the significant hazards which your employer has identified in your workplace.

What does the word “significant” mean?

You will need to consider whether the hazard has contributed to a workplace injury or illness or has the potential to do so. How serious have the injuries or illnesses been, or how serious could they be, if the workers are exposed? Have you had near misses, in other words, an incident that could have resulted in an injury had the circumstances been slightly different. How many of the workers in your workplace are exposed to the hazard?

How do I assess the significant hazards in my workplace?

You will need to examine various aspects of your workplace. Start with the workplace inspections. What issues have come up in the past? What hazards are your workers exposed to on a regular basis? What are the consequences associated with these hazards? Review your Material Safety Data Sheets, your WSIB statistics, your First Aid records, the minutes of your Joint Health and Safety Committee minutes, general observations, and concerns expressed from the workers. Review the list with your Joint Health and Safety Committee, and get their input. After this review, you will have an understanding of the hazards in your workplace

Do both Certified Members need to take the same Part II courses?

Since the employer, in consultation with the Joint Health and Safety Committee, has determined the hazards in the workplace, we recommend that both certified members take the same Part II courses.

What do I do after I’ve taken Part II courses?

Each Certified Member needs to fill in form #3189A http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/FormsEmployers
An employer representative must sign the form, and then send it to WSIB, Prevention Services. After completion of Part II, WSIB will issue a certification card.

WHMIS <top>

Do all my workers need to be trained in WHMIS?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act states, “…an employer shall ensure that a worker exposed or likely to be exposed to a hazardous material…receives, and that the worker participates in, such instruction and training…” Section 42. (1)

“Workers exposed” are those that handle the hazardous materials. Workers “likely to be exposed” are those that may be in the vicinity of the hazardous materials, at some point in their workday. This includes vacation time or temporary positions.

Who decides what kind of training, and how long it will be?

“The instruction and training…shall be developed and implemented in consultation with the committee, or health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace.” Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 42. (2)

How often do I have to train my workers in WHMIS?

“An employer shall review, in consultation with the committee or health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace, the training and instruction provided to a worker and the worker’s familiarity therewith at least annually.” Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 42. (3). This review may occur more frequently if determined to be necessary, or there are changes in circumstances that may affect worker health or safety.

Payment Options <top>

What method of payment do you accept?

We accept business cheques, cash, Visa or MasterCard. Make cheques or money orders payable to Health & Safety Professionals Inc. Please call our office (705-945-0117 or 1-877-945-0117) Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

We require payment or purchase order numbers prior to the commencement of the course. Special arrangements can be made in certain circumstances.

General Course Inquiries <top>

Is your training centre barrier free?

Yes. Anyone requiring assistance, is requested to inform us before the course, so that we may make appropriate arrangements.

If I can’t attend, can someone go in my place?

Yes. We prefer to be notified in advance, but we recognize that this is not always possible.

If I can’t attend the course I’ve signed up for, can I move my registration to the next available date?

Yes, you can do so, at no extra charge.

What happens if I sign up for a course, and then cancel?

You will be charged a $50.00 administration fee.

Will I be charged if I don’t show up to a course?

Yes. "No-shows" are charged the full fee. Extenuating circumstances will be considered.

How often are courses scheduled?

We schedule Basic Certification Part I approximately every six weeks, from September to June. Most other courses are offered two to three times per year. We can schedule courses at your convenience for groups of 10 or more.

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