The Safety Groups Program is administered by the WSIB. It was first implemented in 2000 and has received high approval ratings from participating members.

Landscape Ontario is currently sponsoring a safety group made up of firms from the horticultural / agricultural / landscape / grounds maintenance / garden centre / nursery sector. In 2010, our total group rebate on WSIB insurance premiums was $1,600,000.

How the Program Works
At the start of the year, member firms select five safety elements they will initiate or improve upon, from a list provided by the WSIB. Firms attend meetings, share ideas and pool resources; learning from each other how to put these initiatives into place.

At the end of the year, the safety group can receive a rebate, based on the entire group's success in the program. For example, if the average firm implements 60 per cent of its changes, then the group will receive 60 per cent of the potential rebate.

Role of the Sponsor
Each safety group has a sponsor. The sponsor leads and coordinates the group. Working with the WSIB and Health and Safety Associations, the sponsor encourages and helps workplaces develop health and safety programs. If a firm is having trouble implementing a safety element, it can approach the sponsor for support and guidance. The sponsor also recruits new members, organizes meetings and reports the group's progress back to the WSIB.

Sheridan Nurseries has participated in the Safety Group Program for 5+ years. This program has provided us with the tools and resources to continuously improve our Health and Safety program. As part of the program we have updated and implemented many new Health and Safety policy and procedures which have assisted in improving our processes within Sheridan Nurseries. Our improvements have resulted in reduced injuries and associated claim costs. In addition we have heard from many great speakers from the Employers Advocacy on WSIB claims management, Ministry of Transportation, Farm Safety (just to name a few). Sheridan Nurseries has been fortunate to have networked with the many other firms which are part of the LO Safety Group. Thank you to Landscape Ontario for sponsoring our group!!!

-- Gwen Ferris, Payroll and Benefits Manager, Sheridan Nurseries Limited

Program Participation
To participate in the Safety Groups Program a firm must:

• Have commitment from the owner or senior management to participate in the program.
• Create and enhance a safety culture in the workplace.
• Be a schedule 1 firm.
• Be in good standing with the WSIB.
• Be committed to participating for at least one full calendar year.
• Be in only one safety group at a time.
• Not be a member of the Safe Communities Incentive Program.
• Complete all of the requirements of the Safety Groups Program such as:
  • Participate in at least three safety group meetings throughout the year.
  • Complete baseline and year-end assessments of the firm's health and safety program strengths and weaknesses.
  • Develop and implement an action plan of health and safety elements.
  • Keep sponsor informed of progress.

How to qualify for a rebate

• Every firm in the group must complete a workplace assessment. WSIB provides a generic assessment tool that may be altered to suit the firms in the group. The group decides if the assessments should be self-administered or conducted by a third party. With the results of the assessment, each firm develops a plan for improving their health and safety programs.
• The group meets periodically to network, share practical experience and assess progress.
• One year later, the assessments are repeated.
• The sponsor reports the results to the WSIB. If it can be shown that safety and prevention programs have been implemented or improved upon, rebates will be distributed to the firms.
• Rebates are not guaranteed, the group must provide evidence that it has made progress in developing health and safety programs.
• The WSIB will spot-check at least 10% of workplaces in a safety group.

In addition to financial gains, safety group members stand to gain:

• Improved Public Perception
• Increased Productivity
• Improved Quality
• Healthy and Stable Workforce
• Increased Employee Morale
• Access to Health and Safety Resources
• Enhanced Access to WSIB Network

Contact
If your firm is committed to improving health and safety and interested in Landscape Ontario's safety group, contact: