You clicked, we counted: OHS Canada’s Top 10 stories of 2022

You clicked, we counted. The editors of OHS Canada have crunched the data to reveal the most-read stories of 2022.

There are always some surprises in the mix, and this year’s ranking is no different.

Here’s a look at the stories that caught the attention of health and safety professionals from across the country over the last 12 months.

Photo: Getty Images

10. Cognitive health: A hidden challenge with tremendous workplace implications

Now, more than ever, it’s time for workplaces to recognize the importance of cognitive health in determining the success of their employees and their organization, wrote Conny Glenn, Allan Smofsky and Renia Melles in this popular column.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/features/cognitive-health-a-hidden-challenge-with-workplace-implications/

(Spiroview Inc./Adobe Stock)

9. Ontario ratchets up workplace safety fines, mandates naloxone kits in high-risk workplaces

The maximum fine for directors jumped fifteen-fold to $1.5 million. Other individuals can now face fines up to $500,000, which is five times higher than previously allowed.

The maximum fine for corporations was also set at $1.5 million. The province also mandated naloxone kits in high-risk workplaces, including construction sites and night clubs.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/features/ohs-fines-in-ontario-skyrocket-naloxone-kits-being-mandated-under-new-law/

(Chaay_tee/Adobe Stock)

8. Tips on limiting work from home injury, employer liability

As some companies decided to make work from home or hybrid work permanent, questions were raised about safety in all those home offices.

Chris West, a lawyer with Sherrard Kuzz LLP, offered his advice.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/features/not-returning-to-the-office-tips-to-limit-work-from-home-injury-employer-liability/

7. OHS Canada’s Top 25 Under 40

On Sept. 15, OHS Canada honoured the top young safety professionals in the country at a special gala in Toronto.

See the full list of winners: https://www.ohscanada.com/top-25-under-40/

Photo: jekershner7/Getty Images

6. TSSA safety inspectors go on strike in Ontario

About 170 safety inspectors walked off the job on July 21, 2022.

The workers inspect everything from amusement park rides, food trucks and elevators to fuel burning equipment, boilers and pressure vessels and elements in nuclear power plants.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/tssa-safety-inspectors-go-on-strike-in-ontario-union/

Photo: YouTube Screen Grab/Argonaut Gold

5. Fatality at Argonaut Gold mine in northern Ontario

A worker was killed after being struck by materials on Nov. 14, 2022, at the Magino Project near Wawa, Ont.

The worker was a contractor, employed by Scott Steel Erectors. The company said it was working with authorities to investigate the accident and determine the cause.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/worker-killed-at-argonaut-gold-site-in-northern-ontario/

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser. Photo: OPP

4. On-the-job murder leads to $170,000 fine

A worker was killed at an assisted living facility in Kemptville, Ont., in 2020.

An investigation by the province found that Pathways to Independence failed to reassess the risk of workplace violence as required. The company pled guilty in March 2022 and was issued the fine by an Ontario court.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/on-the-job-murder-leads-to-170k-fine-for-ontario-employer/

Paula Campkin is vice-president of operations and the Safety Centre of Excellence for Energy Safety Canada in Calgary.

3. Busting the ‘no-harm myth’ in the workplace

This column from Paula Campkin on targeting zero injuries really resonated with readers.

“The concept of zero goes awry when the messaging is misinterpreted, or it is used as an actual target,” she wrote.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/opinions/moving-away-from-zero-busting-the-no-harm-myth-in-the-workplace/

N95 masks are currently in high demand as the world grapples with COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

2. Making sure the N95 fits properly

This article from OHS Canada’s archive, published in 2020, landed in the number two spot.

Gloria Bergen, former manager of occupational safety at the Prince Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto and a past occupational health and safety inspector for Ontario, offered her advice on ensuring masks fit properly.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/features/perform-proper-n95-fit-test/

(Lorne/Adobe Stock)

1. Crane worker dangles over Toronto skyline

A scary scene played out in the skies over downtown Toronto on July 6 after a worker was left dangling from a crane.

Fortunately, the worker was not seriously injured.

Read the story: https://www.ohscanada.com/videos-emerge-of-working-hanging-precariously-from-crane-in-downtown-toronto/