It’s hard to believe, but we’ve made it through 2020. What a year that was! While 2021 will pose similar challenges, it is important to embrace the new year and a new set of topics for 2021!
The first year of the program is complete and we are embarking on a new year with new topics and a new approach. The WSIB is really stressing topics must be “new” in 2021. What does that mean for you?
Continuous improvement of topics is no longer allowed, unless there was a radical change in your business. As a result, all topics selected for 2021 must be new. What constitutes new or radical change? The WSIB is working on releasing updated, clear guidelines on what they are expecting. As soon as we hear from the WSIB on these guidelines, we will let you know.
What does that mean for topic selection? We are asking to hold off on selecting your new topics for 2021 until February, when clear guidelines and expectations are established. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t start thinking about topics now. Think about your existing Health and Safety program. What is missing from your program? Is there anything in your program that you do, but there is no written standard for? Consider Communication, for example. A business must communicate it’s Health and Safety program, but do you have a written program explaining how, when and why you communicate? What type of challenges does your organization face? Are hazards being left unrecognized or incidents unreported? You can spend this time reflecting on gaps in your Health and Safety Program to better prepare yourself for topic selection in February.
If your existing Health and Safety Program is robust, look at the Advanced Level topics. Consider Corporate Social Responsibility, for example. While your business may be involved in charitable work and your community, do you have a standard for this? Check out the Topic Requirement Guide for topic ideas. Ensure you are reviewing the requirements for each topic as you will need meet those requirements to earn your rebate.
If you’re looking at the Topic Requirement Guide and think to yourself, “I wish this was in there”, let us know! Get creative and suggest potential topics to be added to the program. We will bring the topic forward to the WSIB.
If you aren’t sure of the direction you want to go in, or need help picking topics, ask us! We can help you! Call us toll free at 1-866-754-8839 or send an email to excellence@systems24-7.com. We can assist with this process.
Keep an eye out for further information on this. We will be looking to send an updated communication that will assist you in identifying what is considered “new” once we get clarification from the WSIB.
Comments