Responsible Care® recognized by Ontario as an Accredited Occupational Health and Safety Management System 

May 31, 2023

On May 31, the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) was delighted to have Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer, Dr. Joel Moody, announce that the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Chief Prevention Office has accredited Responsible Care as an Occupation Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) within its Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers (SOSE) program. Dr. Moody made the announcement while addressing delegates at CIAC’s Responsible Care Workshops in Toronto. 

“It is my privilege to come here today to congratulate the CIAC on the achievement of being accredited CIAC’s Responsible Care occupational health and safety management system,” Dr. Moody said at the event. “My team and I don’t often get to say we are impressed with a whole industry’s commitment to occupational health and safety – for your members, employees, and the communities in which you operate. And your industry is such a major force in Ontario  –  which makes our working together more meaningful.” 

The workshop included members of the chemistry and plastics sector to meet and hear from speakers on emerging issues in health and safety, Responsible Care audits, decarbonization and many other topics. 

SOSE is a voluntary program run by the Chief Prevention Officer that promotes health and safety in the workplace and helps reduce injuries and illness. Organizations that are recognized by the CPO may also be eligible for financial incentives from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. 

CIAC is proud that Responsible Care is one of the few OHSMS that is accredited by the Government of Ontario’s Chief Prevention Office.  “We are very pleased to see Ontario recognize the excellence of our made-in-Canada safety and sustainability standard, now adopted by the global chemistry industry,” said Bob Masterson, CIAC President and CEO.  

For nearly 40 years, Canada’s chemistry sector has led the journey towards safe, responsible, and sustainable chemical manufacturing through its U.N.-recognized sustainability initiative, Responsible Care. 

Every three years, professional auditors visit each CIAC member and partner company to interview its senior managers, employees, and other stakeholders to ensure the company is meeting the expectations outlined in the Responsible Care Codes. The team then prepares a report, which is publicly available on CIAC’s website. 

Responsible Care companies in Ontario that are certified to the Responsible Care Management System or RC14001 standards can apply to be recognized by the Chief Prevention Office. For more information about the Supporting Ontario Safe Employers program please visit the Government of Ontario website here. 

Learn more about Responsible Care on CIAC’s website.