Health & Safety Regulations

  • MedWorks has created a health & safety program that is customized to your workplace. We recognize that every organization is different and the “needs” of the employee may vary as well. MedWorks will help you improve your workplace’s health and safety and follow Ontario’s occupational health and safety laws

  • The OHSA lays out minimal health and safety requirements to shield employees from risks at work. It covers practically every employee, manager, employer, and workplace in Ontario, including contractors, property owners, and vendors of supplies or equipment to OHSA-covered businesses.

The purpose of the Health & Safety Regulations

To safeguard employees from job hazards that could endanger their health, safety, or well-being, as well as to improve occupational health and safety. The foundation for cooperative problem-solving between employers and employees regarding workplace health and safety is compliance with the requirements.

Ontario Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Regulations

You can find resources and information about the:

Ontario Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Regulations.
Alberta Ministry of Labour Health & Safety.

Being safe at work is a number one priority. For more information on Occupational Health & Safety compliance, please refer to:

Ontario Minstry.
Alberta Ministry

Medical Surveillance Designated Substances

  • MedWorks Medical Clinics conduct all Designated Substance Surveillance programs in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Ontario Ministry of Labour Regulations. Employees and employers must comply with health and safety regulations pertaining to these “designated substances” which have the potential to pose a health risk to the worker.

  • The Ontario Ministry of Labour requires the medical monitoring of employees who are potentially exposed to harmful substances in the workplace. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (RSO 1990) was designed, in part, to protect employees from work-related illness and injury.

Many Canadian companies require ongoing medical surveillance programs for Isocyanate Testing, Medical Surveillance, and testing for other hazardous substances. This program requires evaluation of the candidate/employee’s respiratory health status at the time of hiring and their continued health throughout their tenure with the company. The program can be delivered at the client’s location or at one of our clinics. During the consultation, the physician will review the participant’s medical questionnaire and any records provided.  Following this step, an in-person examination will be required in which to conduct the necessary testing and respirator fittings if required.

The surveillance program includes a pre-placement medical and periodic medicals, and specific medical testing that is specific to the designated substance used by your company.

For the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act ensure your selected province is Ontario and then click onto the health and safety regulations link in the top menu.

Student doing a hearing test at the university

Industrial Hearing Conservation Program

  • Many provinces require that all workers who are routinely exposed to noise levels in excess of 85 decibels be tested annually.

  • Hearing Excellence can help your organization develop your hearing conservation program. We provide onsite hearing assessments and screenings. As a result of our service your organization will see less downtime for your business and a healthier, safer work environment.

Baseline Audiogram Testing

MedWorks can conduct on site baseline testing for your employees to determine their current hearing level and establish a baseline for future testing.  Each member of your team will be asked to complete a questionnaire to be reviewed with the on-site technician focusing on medical and hearing history.

The standard practice for hearing screening is a peripheral Hearing Test that states pass or fail.

We will conduct a much more sophisticated and efficient screening called Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs). This is a gold standard for doing hearing screenings. It not only checks the peripheral hearing but reflects outer ear cell integrity and cochlear function.  It is an advanced test that shows auditory system damages even before they appear in a standard hearing test.

Each test would take approximately 10 minutes per employee.

  • The degree and configuration of hearing loss (one or both ears?)
  • Make referral to audiologist for additional care (if the employee requests)

To further increase the value to the medical surveillance program in which you are investing we may also recommend:

  • Hearing Education at time of testing for $4.00 per employee
  • Employee Education booklets at the price of $5.00 each
  • Otoscopic testing by your own company nurse when required.  (Price to be negotiated.)

Our services include:

  • Onsite Hearing Screenings
  • Custom fit hearing protection
  • Sound level surveys
  • Educational seminars
  • Noise awareness education
  • Annual written hearing conservation report

Hearing tests are vital because they identify the beginning of noise-induced hearing loss long before workers notice it. As part of the test, workers are individually counseled about the results, the follow-up required, and when a repeat test will occur. Workers are also counseled about the type of hearing protection to use.

Hearing tests must be conducted annually to effectively monitor the hearing of noise-exposed workers. The hearing test, including counseling, takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Noise is perhaps the most common occupational and environmental hazard out there, with an abundant of individuals exposed to potentially harmful sound levels in their workplaces or recreationally. Repeated exposure to noise of 85+ decibels over 8 hours can result in permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss that is caused by exposure to occupational or recreational noise can result in devastating disabilities that can easily be prevented. After age related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common hearing loss. It can be prevented by using hearing protections such as earplugs or earmuffs or even by avoiding environments with high levels of noise exposure. If an individual is exposed to excessive noise throughout their lifetime or even if it is just a one-time incident, Hearing Excellence strongly recommends that they are screened for potential hearing loss. This screening would involve undergoing a full audiological evaluation.

If you would like to speak with someone in Hearing Excellence, please email info@hearingExcellence.ca or call 905-333-5061.

Laboratory Services, ECG, Pulmonary Function, Audiograms & Vision Testing

  • We provide laboratory, ECG, Pulmonary Function tests, audiograms and vision testing (Ishihara-colour vision and Snellen- vision acuity) services are available at MedWorks clinics. If you require any other testing please contact us and we will provide you with assistance.