June 16, 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Monte McNaughton, announced that Ontario is providing employers with a guide to help develop a tailored workplace safety plan. These plans will help protect workers and customers as more businesses gradually reopen in Ontario.

Premier Ford and Minister McNaughton were joined by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott.

Yesterday afternoon, the government also announced funding to create capacity for testing and certifying personal protective equipment (PPE).

Further Details

Guide to Help Employers Develop Workplace Safety Plans

This afternoon, Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Monte McNaughton announced the release of a new general workplace guide, which will be provided to Ontario employers in order to help them develop a tailored workplace safety plan to protect workers and customers during COVID-19.

The new guide includes information on the use of face coverings, and on applying controls in the workplace. It also includes information on what personal protective equipment may be needed for workers. The guide is accompanied by a template that employers can fill in to develop their own tailored safety plan.

The guide released today builds on supports already provided to Ontario businesses to help prepare for reopening, including 121 workplace resources available at Ontario.ca/covidsafety.

Funding to Increase Capacity to Test and Certify PPE

Yesterday afternoon, the government also announced that it will provide CSA Group Testing & Certification Inc. with $526,200 from the Ontario Together Fund to increase capacity for testing and certifying personal protective equipment (PPE).

CSA Group Testing & Certification Inc. tests, inspects and certifies products to ensure they are in compliance with safety, environmental and operating performance standards. With the support announced yesterday, the organization is adding new capacity to test and certify medical-grade PPE, including masks, surgical gowns, and gloves.

Partnership to Develop Additional STEM Materials for Teachers and Students

Later yesterday, the government announced that it will partner with Science North and the Ontario Science Centre to create additional educational content for students and teachers while schools are closed due to COVID-19. The province will provide $1.5 million to create videos and resources to support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning.

The resources, which will be created by Science North and the Ontario Science Centre, will align with Ontario’s curriculum and will be directed at students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Resources will include professional development videos for educators, virtual and at-home hands-on STEM activities for students, and activities and student worksheets which can be printed and distributed through school boards. Content will be available in English and French.