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Opioid Awareness Course

Last updated July 4, 2022

Across Canada, between January 2016 and September 2021, three out of four people dying from an opioid overdose were men, and 20-30% of those employed at the time of their death worked in construction or trades.

Physically demanding jobs can come with pain, injury and stress. This often leads to using substances to cope. People who use drugs may not reach out for help when they need it because they fear they will be judged, get in trouble or be seen as weak.

To bring awareness to this issue and help those who may be afraid to reach out for help when they need it, the Ontario Building Trades have partnered with St John’s Ambulance (SJA) in developing a construction specific “Opioid Poisoning and Response Training” program. The module and associated materials are 90 minutes in length and can be delivered to members, apprentices, union officers etc.

We have also developed a 3 “tool box” talks dealing with:

For more information, please contact Mr. Carmine Tiano (carmine@ontariobuildingtrades.com)

In light of the Omicron variant and ongoing concerns with workplace exposure, we are providing a Tool Kit in how to deal with workplace issues and how to escalate to MLTSD. Additionally, we are attaching a document dealing with masking and appropriate eye wear when workers must work within 2- meters of each other.

Below, we are providing links where you can register to receive antigen test kits, rapid tests and PPE.

Ordering after part of the program: https://www.ppesupply.ontario.ca/

Rapid tests will now be harder to come by for many Ontarians. Here's what you need to know:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-rapid-test-update-1.6306301

Ontario Free rapid tests for organizations (eligibility check):

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-free-rapid-tests

What to do if you are not eligible:

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-free-rapid-tests#what-to-do-if-you-are-not-eligible

Mask & Eye wear within 6 ft. of other workers

COVID-19 Tool Kit: Prevention Steps

Click here to read Workplace Practices to Prevent the Omicron Variant

Click here to read The Ontario Building Trades Submission to Bill 27

(Working for Workers Act, 2021)

The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal disorders (CRE-MSD) has released a three-part resource paper series that explains the structure of Ontario’s Health & Safety System. These papers outline the roles of the various partner organizations that make up the system, and provide a snapshot of the services, resources, and expertise that each organization contributes to occupational health and safety in Ontario.

The three papers are organized as follows:

Connect with our Partners!