NEWS RELEASE
WSIB
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As vaccination rates increase and our economy begins taking steps towards recovery, we can see light at the end of the tunnel. For so many businesses across all industries, that tunnel has felt especially long – in particular for small businesses who continue to feel the effects of the pandemic.
To keep operating safely, small businesses owners have had to adapt quickly, put workplace health and safety first, and find new and creative ways to improve how they do things.
That’s why the WSIB is shining a light on small businesses through the Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards. The annual awards recognize and applaud all of the efforts made by small businesses to keep their team, their customers and their communities safe – whether it’s small steps or big changes.
Applications for the Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards are open until July 9. Small business leaders in Ontario with fewer than 50 employees are encouraged to apply and share their health and safety success story from last year and the steps they took to make their workplaces safer – no matter how big or small.
Whether it’s using contactless deliveries to make their services available or adopting new technology processes like cash-less systems to reduce risk exposures – the WSIB wants to hear about all of the safety measures small businesses put in place.
The top three businesses will win a cash prize – $5,000 (gold), $3,000 (silver), and $2,000 (bronze) – plus recognition at a ceremony in November. The first place winner will feature in a promotional video that will be shared on our website and across social media.
Faced with the challenges due to closures, restrictions, and other pandemic-related uncertainties, the resilience and resourcefulness of so many small businesses has been nothing short of inspiring.
All of the small improvements, flexible adjustments, and the big changes they’ve made to keep workplaces and communities healthy and safe has helped that flicker of light on the horizon beam a bit brighter for all of us.
Apply now to share your story. For more information and to see a list of last year’s Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Award winners, visit wsib.ca/en/small-business-health-and-safety-leadership-awards.
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