THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN 10 ONTARIO ROOFING NEWS – ISSUE 2 2026 Labour Management This article was first published in IHSA Health and Safety Magazine, Volume 25, Issue 2. We reprint it here with permission. I f you’ve downloaded an IHSA manual or attended a regional health and safety event, IHSA’s Labour-Management Network probably helped make it happen in one way or another. Established more than 50 years ago, the network’s 55 committees and more than 1,200 volunteers play a major role in improving health and safety at construction, aggregates, electrical utilities and transportation workplaces across Ontario. Here’s everything you need to know about its membership, its impact and why it matters. What Is the Labour- Management Network? The Labour-Management Net- work brings workers and employ- ers together to improve health and safety in Ontario’s high-hazard in- dustries. Its committees represent different regions, sectors and trades across the province. They meet reg- ularly to review hazards, promote best practices, advise on IHSA re- sources and advocate for improve- ments to health and safety standards and legislation. Why Is It So Valuable? The network turns its members’ expertise into recommendations that lead to safer work practices and, where appropriate, regula- tory change. Committee volunteers combine a ground-level under- standing of their sectors with a passion for health and safety. By What IHSA’s Labour-Management Network Does for You coming together as labour and management, they speak as one trusted voice to drive sustainable improvements for workplaces. How Is the Network Organized? The network is led by the Pro- vincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee for Construc- tion (supported by the Construction Legislative Review Committee) and Provincial Labour-Management Safety Committee for Electrical and Utilities. These two committees are formal advisory bodies established under Section 21 of the Occupa- tional Health and Safety Act. The Transportation Advisory Coun- cil performs a similar role for the commercial transport industry but doesn’t have Section 21 status. The construction industry is fur- ther supported by regional commit- tees that focus on local outreach and education, as well as sector and trade committees that provide technical guidance for specific work activities. IHSA also provides adminis- trative support to the Fleet Safety Council’s nine chapters. These groups work to improve carrier performance and driver behav- iour through awareness, education and training. Who Are on the Committees? The volunteer members of each committee are drawn evenly from la- bour and management in the indus- try, region, sector or trade that the committee represents. Each com- mittee seeks balanced representation from both labour and management to preserve credibility and techni- cal knowledge. Subject-matter ex- perts from industry associations, government and other institutions also participate. All of them bring the firsthand knowledge and tech- nical expertise that inform IHSA’s products and services. The com- mittees also share information and support professional development in ways that benefit members and the industries. Members can access current best practices and technical guidance, network with colleagues and regu- lators and contribute to Ontario’s safety culture by advising on the content of IHSA products and leg- islative submissions. What Do the Committees Do? Committees turn the knowl- edge and experience of their mem- bers into practical guidance that benefits workplaces across the province. They identify emerging hazards, propose practical controls and assist with the development and review of IHSA resources (e.g., manuals, technical advisories and safety talks). These activities support a “for the industry, by the industry” approach to health and safety solutions. Regional commit- tees also work extensively on com- munity outreach to raise awareness of hazards and controls among local employers and contractors. At the provincial level, com- mittees coordinate submissions for legislative review and work with partners at the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) to influ- ence provincial policies and laws. How Do Workplaces Benefit? The network has a long record of achievement. In the past couple of years, for example, committees have provided vital input for IHSA resources on key health and safety topics, including: • Temporary bracing for long- span roof trusses; • Vehicle and mobile equip- ment struck-by risks; • Mental health support for construction small businesses; • Lockout procedures for sprin- kler systems; • Electronic device distractions at work; • Excavation with vacuum tech- nology near electrical utilities; • Guidance for working near water at mining projects; and • Health and safety basics for new and young workers. Likewise, regional committees host seminars and summits to bring the latest health and safety informa- tion to business owners, contractors and workers from Thunder Bay to Sarnia to Ottawa and everywhere in between. These events have recently highlighted many timely topics, such as: • Worker mental health and well- being; • Fall protection, dropped objects and PPE solutions; • The responsibilities of con- struction supervisors; and • Threads of Life and the impact of workplace deaths. What Is the Fleet Safety Council? The Fleet Safety Council’s 500- plus members are driver trainers and safety professionals in the commercial transportation industry. Each of its eight regional chapters and its bus- specific chapter host multiple meet- ings throughout the year, as well as an annual conference. These gather- ings enable members to engage with representatives from government, the insurance industry, law enforcement and other sectors and remain proac- tively informed about trends and regu- latory changes affecting the industry. Volunteer Your Expertise LEARN more about the Labour-Management Network and its individual committees: ihsa.ca/committees/labour_management EMAIL IHSA to express your interest in joining a Labour-Management committee: lmadmin@ihsa.ca PARTICIPATE in the Fleet Safety Council: fleetsafetycouncil.com Volunteer groups take a “for the industry, by the industry” approach to health and safety
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