Health and Safety/TDSB Training

Health And Safety Worker Health And Safety Awareness In 4 Steps  

You will be required by law to complete the Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps at school before starting at your placement.  You will need to go to the following link below titled, "Ministry of Labour E-Learning Module" and complete the session in one sitting (45 minutes). When you are done, you will type in your name and print off the certification. Please show the teacher your certificate. Include the certificate in your Co-op portfolio.

The Workplace Safety Insurance Act

 The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) is an Ontario law that outlines certain rights and responsibilities of most workers in Ontario.

   •   The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is an agency of the Ontario government and reports to the Ministry of Labour. It is part of an Ontario- wide system designed to help protect workers from injury or illness in the workplace. When workers suffer a work-related injury or illness, the WSIB is here to help.

    •  Students are covered:
During  the time they spend under supervision at the training station.
when assigned to placements that do not have compulsory Workers' Compensation coverage (e.g., banks), since they are considered to be employees of the Ministry of Education and Training.
when enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program before they become registered apprentices.
when enrolled in international co-operative education programs are covered under the Workers' Compensation Act for up to six months while at their work placement in the host country.

   •   Students are not covered:
when travelling to and from the training station.

when working as teacher aides in a classroom or shop in a school.

during the time that they are in training for, or are participating in, individual or team sports. Amateur or professional athletes are not covered under the Workers' Compensation Act.

The Work Education Agreement

   •  To ensure Workers' Compensation coverage, an agreement must be made by the parties concerned before the student starts at the training station. The agreement is called the Work Education Agreement. (See the example on the right)

On the form for individual students, the student's signature must appear, indicating consent to the conditions of coverage in the agreement. The consent of a parent or guardian is also required if a student is under eighteen years of age.

 •         The Work Education Agreement (WEA) includes:

                ●        the home address and telephone number of the student

                ●        The name and address of the participating organization

                ●        The name of the supervisor

                ●        the specific days and hours when the student will be at the training station

                ●        the consent of the student to the conditions of coverage specified on the Work Education Agreement form.

                ●        The consent of a parent or guardian is also required if a student is under eighteen years of age

Completing the Work Education Agreement

Every high school student in an Experiential Learning program in the province of Ontario must complete the Work Education Agreement (WEA)  form in order to be protected by the Workers Insurance and Safety Board (WSIB) for the duration of the experience.

Signatures on the WEA

The Work Education Agreement form is a contract between:

●   The student

●   The Supervisor

●   A parent or guardian (if the student is under 18)

●   The supervisor

●   The teacher

Since the WEA is an official contract, you must:

●   Complete it  in blue/black ink

●   Write legibly

●   Understand expectations listed.

Now that you know how your are covered under WSIA and WSIB, review the Work Education Agreement to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities.

If you are under the age of 18, review the WEA with your parents or guardians so they know how you are covered.

Signatures on the WEA

The following people must sign the WEA:

●   The student

●   A parent or guardian if the student is under 18

●   The supervisor

●   The teacher

When you have reviewed the WEA and all the parties have signed it, submit it to the teacher. You will receive a copy for your records.

What to do if you are injured:

If you are injured at work or believe that your illness or disease was caused by something at work, you should:

1.obtain health care, and tell your health care professional that your injury or illness is work-related.
2.tell your employer or supervisor about the injury or illness as soon as possible.
3. tell your teacher as soon as possible.

When you need health care or lose time from work because of your injury or illness, your teacher will complete the injury report Form 7 and follow up with you and the supervisor.

Student Accident Insurance

Student accident insurance is available and provides various types of coverage to protect you when you are not in an instructional area . Depending upon the coverage purchased, it can provide coverage during school hours and off-campus events,  or protect you up to 24 hours a day;  and seven days a week.

Note:

WSIB provides coverage at the co-op experience for the dates and times listed on the Work Education Agreement. (instructional time)

WSIB does NOT provide coverage for travel to and from the Co-op Experience. 

Schools and school boards to not provide accident insurance for students.

Speak to your parents about what coverage is available,  and make a decision about purchasing student insurance to protect you during your travel from school to your Co-op experience.

Watch The Following Five Videos Below On Keeping Workers Safe