Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers

Achieving Workplace Safety Excellence: Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers (SOSE) Recognition

Unlock the Benefits of SOSE Recognition and Elevate Your Organization’s Commitment to Employee Well-being

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Introducing the Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers (SOSE) Program

The Ontario Ministry of Labour has created a voluntary recognition initiative known as “Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers – SOSE” to promote a workplace health and safety culture. This program aims to minimize the risk of injuries and illnesses, leading to a safer and more efficient work environment for workers.

SOSE acknowledges organizations that prioritize the well-being of their workforce by implementing effective health and safety management systems. By participating in this program, employers demonstrate their dedication to developing a secure and sustainable workplace, fostering a positive and responsible corporate culture.

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Eligibility Criteria for SOSE Recognition:
Setting the Bar for Workplace Safety

Establish and maintain a comprehensive health and safety management system that complies with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Implement effective policies, procedures, and controls to identify and mitigate workplace hazards.

Provide ongoing training and education to employees on health and safety practices.

Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety performance.

Meet specific criteria related to injury and illness rates, workplace inspections, and employee involvement in health and safety initiatives.

Who can be recognized

To qualify for the SOSE (Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers) recognition, organizations must meet the following criteria:

Successful implementation of an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) based on accepted standards, such as ISO 45001:2018, CSA Z45001-19, BS OHSAS 18001:2007, or IHSA COR™ 2020.
Undergo a third-party audit to verify the effective implementation of the chosen OHSMS standard within the organization.
Demonstrate compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, ensuring adherence to legal requirements.
Foster a culture of worker participation in health and safety initiatives, aligning with the principles of the internal responsibility system, where all workplace parties share responsibility for occupational health and safety.

Meeting these rigorous standards underscores an organization’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment, prioritizing the well-being of employees, and fostering a proactive approach to risk management and continuous improvement.

For more information about the eligibility requirements; how much rebait money you will be receiving, and incentive schedule please visit WSIB website:

https://www.wsib.ca/en/supporting-ontarios-safe-employers

Gaining a Competitive Edge: Leveraging SOSE Recognition for Business Growth

Financial Incentives

SOSE-recognized employers may be eligible for financial incentives from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), such as rebates or reduced premiums, resulting in significant cost savings.

Improved Reputation

Being recognized as a safe and responsible employer enhances your organization’s reputation, which can attract top talent, increase customer confidence, and create a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Regulatory Compliance

SOSE recognition demonstrates your commitment to meeting or exceeding Ontario’s occupational health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties and legal liabilities.

Employee Engagement

A safe and healthy work environment fosters increased employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention, contributing to a positive organizational culture.

Reduced Operational Costs

By prioritizing workplace safety, organizations can minimize the risk of incidents, injuries, and illnesses, leading to lower workers’ compensation costs, reduced absenteeism, and improved productivity.

Your Trusted Partner in SOSE Recognition: BCI CERT’s Expertise and Commitment

BCI CERT is a leading provider of auditing services for management system standards, including occupational health and safety management systems. With decades of experience and a team of highly qualified auditors, we are well-equipped to guide your organization through the SOSE recognition process.

Our expertise lies in:

Conducting comprehensive audits and assessments to evaluate your current health and safety practices against SOSE requirements and industry best practices.
Developing and implementing robust health and safety management systems tailored to your organization’s unique needs and risks.
Providing training and consultancy services to help your employees understand and effectively implement health and safety protocols.
Ensuring compliance with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations, and SOSE program standards.
Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in your health and safety performance.

Why choose BCI CERT for workplace safety

With our in-depth knowledge and experience in the industry, BCI CERT is the ideal partner to help your organization achieve SOSE recognition and create a safer, more productive workplace.

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Frequently Asked Questions about SOSE Recognition

As a leading provider of auditing services for management system standards, we understand that navigating the SOSE recognition process can raise numerous questions. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers (SOSE) program.

These FAQs address common concerns and provide valuable insights into the eligibility requirements, benefits, and our expertise in guiding organizations through the recognition process.

What is the SOSE program?behzad2024-05-01T13:41:21-04:00

What is the SOSE program?

SOSE, or Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers, is a voluntary recognition program developed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour. It aims to promote a culture of health and safety in the workplace by recognizing organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employees through effective health and safety management systems.

Why should my organization participate in the SOSE program?behzad2024-05-01T13:42:49-04:00

Why should my organization participate in the SOSE program?

Participating in the SOSE program offers several benefits, including potential financial incentives from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), improved reputation as a safe and responsible employer, reduced operational costs, regulatory compliance, and increased employee engagement and retention.

What are the eligibility requirements for SOSE recognition?behzad2024-05-01T13:43:18-04:00

What are the eligibility requirements for SOSE recognition?

To be eligible for SOSE recognition, organizations must establish and maintain a comprehensive health and safety management system that complies with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations. They must also meet specific criteria related to injury and illness rates, workplace inspections, and employee involvement in health and safety initiatives.

How can BCI CERT assist with achieving SOSE recognition?behzad2024-05-01T13:44:07-04:00

How can BCI CERT assist with achieving SOSE recognition?

BCI CERT specializes in auditing services for management system standards, including occupational health and safety management systems. Our team of experienced auditors can conduct comprehensive assessments, develop tailored health and safety management systems, provide training and consultancy services, and guide you through the SOSE recognition process.

What is the process for obtaining SOSE recognition?behzad2024-05-01T13:44:37-04:00

What is the process for obtaining SOSE recognition?

The process typically involves an initial assessment of your organization’s current health and safety practices, followed by the implementation of a comprehensive health and safety management system. Once the required standards are met, your organization will undergo a rigorous audit and document review to validate compliance with the SOSE program standards.

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Each BCI CERT service is designed to assist industries and sectors in achieving and maintaining compliance with internationally recognized ISO standards.

Through detailed and objective auditing practices, we help businesses improve efficiency, manage risks, and continuously enhance their operations.

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