Responsible Care® highlighted in CIAC submission on creation of new standards and recognition for occupational health and safety in Ontario

CIAC submitted recommendations to the consultation process Ontario’s Ministry of Labour established to examine creation of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) Accreditation Standard. The aim of the initiative is to provide a framework to recognize employers who successfully and voluntarily implement a Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) accredited OHSMS in their Ontario workplace(s).

CIAC endorses the Ministry’s efforts and sees value in publicly recognizing occupational health and safety management systems and employers who have successfully and effectively implemented these programs.

In its submission, CIAC reinforces Responsible Care® as a qualifying management system and highlights the following aspects: 

  • The Plan-Do-Check-Act continual improvement cycle is at the foundation of Responsible Care.
  • Committing to the Responsible Care ethic and principles is a condition of membership in CIAC and this commitment extends through to our transportation and service company partners. 
  • All CIAC member-companies also participate in the Safety and Health Analysis, Recognition and Exchange (SHARE) network where members openly discuss their workplace health and safety incidents, share their knowledge, expertise and successful practices, and track their performance.
  • Independent verification teams visit CIAC companies every three years to ensure the Responsible Care ethic and management systems are in place.
  • CIAC publishes data on its members’ emissions and wastes, employee injuries and illnesses, and process-related and transportation incidents, to encourage continuous improvement.

Additionally, CIAC is recommending additional measures which will contribute to the successful adoption and implementation of occupational health and safety management systems:

  • Have the Chief Prevention Officer maintain a publicly accessible “roster” of companies, associations, and external (e.g. ISO) standards that have been deemed as consistent with the standard; and,
  • Make a clear link to companies with accredited management systems to benefits such as reduced workplace insurance premiums and other tangible and intangible benefits.

 CIAC has offered to support the Ministry through continued guidance, documentation and best practice examples.

Read CIAC’s submission here.