Health and Safety ReportVolume 24, Issue 06

According to the authors of new research from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH), workers in small businesses face higher rates of work-related injuries and fatalities than those in larger companies, even in the same sector. Until recently, limited knowledge and resources were thought to be the main causes. However, the research reveals that programs to address this problem are scarce, especially for businesses just starting out.

Why focus on new businesses?

Not all small businesses are new, but most new businesses are small, according to co-lead IWH Scientist Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd. The earlier a business establishes safe practices, the more incidents it can prevent.

Along with IWH scientist Dr. Lynda Robson, Van Eerd set out to find what programs or policies exist specifically to help new businesses set up their health and safety practices from the start.

What did the researchers find?

Initial searches of academic literature turned up very little. To cast a wider net, the team used an environmental scan, which goes beyond peer-reviewed studies to include non-peer-reviewed documents, websites, and interviews. Even with this broader approach, they found very little.

The search confirmed a clear gap: there is limited evidence, in academic literature or elsewhere online, about programs or policies for health and safety in new businesses. In total, the team identified 20 documents covering 24 occupational health and safety programs or policies for small businesses that could apply early on when starting a new business. Only one document was specifically for new businesses.

What types of solutions exist?

Because most new businesses are small, the researchers also examined occupational health and safety interventions (programs or policy-driven solutions) aimed at small businesses more broadly. The programs they found used a range of approaches: education (providing information about occupational health and safety management), enablement (on-site coaching, risk assessment tools, and financial supports), training (in-person or online skill-building for workers and managers), and persuasion (using risk assessments and recommendations to motivate action). Less common approaches included peer working groups, role modeling, incentives, and regulatory requirements.

What does a combined approach look like in practice?

The one intervention designed specifically for new businesses focused on promoting proper ventilation in nail salons in Boston to reduce chemical exposure. After six years of educational outreach with limited results, local public health authorities changed the regulations and business licensing rules to require new salons to install proper ventilation before opening. This shift led to greater success.

Research suggests that the best results may come from combining informational approaches, such as education and training, with incentives and regulations. The study found that incentives and regulations were used less often than other approaches, suggesting they may be an underused opportunity, particularly for new businesses.

How can new businesses be reached?

The researchers also interviewed 11 individuals from Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia with experience in occupational health and safety for small businesses. They echoed the document findings but stressed the importance of reaching businesses early, before issues develop.

A recurring challenge was simply finding new businesses, given how many exist and how quickly they come and go. Interviewees suggested reaching out to chambers of commerce or health and safety associations that already have connections with small businesses. They also recommended free and accessible resources like one-page handouts, newsletters, podcasts, and webinars to help new businesses overcome barriers they face when starting a health and safety program.

Resources

• Early occupational health and safety interventions for small businesses, Institute for Work & Health
• Small and Micro Businesses - Introduction to Health and Safety, CCOHS
• Health and Safety Program - General Elements, CCOHS

An inclusive workplace treats everyone with respect and values their contributions, regardless of background, identity or ability. Workers are more engaged, experience greater job satisfaction, and overall well-being. These tips can help you foster a more inclusive culture in your workplace.   

• Conduct a needs assessment. Use metrics, like employee satisfaction surveys and workforce demographics, to measure inclusion. This can help you identify gaps, set goals, and eliminate workplace barriers. Consider roles, responsibilities, genders and salaries in your review.
• Commit with a policy. Develop a formal policy to outline your commitment to a fair and inclusive workplace. Include your organization’s position on workplace discrimination, bullying, harassment and violence.
• Promote equity and diversity. Implement equitable hiring and promotion practices, and training opportunities. Consider offering benefits, compensation, flexible work arrangements, and accommodations that support a diverse workforce.
• Provide training and education. Raise awareness about how biases can lead to stereotypes, stigmatization and discrimination. Build a shared understanding of how embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion enables everyone in the workplace to fully participate.
• Create a safe space. Encourage workers to share ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback without fear of reprisal or judgement. When workers are acknowledged and understood, they feel more empowered to contribute to the workplace.
• Use inclusive language. Replace gendered terms with gender-neutral language, like “everyone” instead of “guys.” Use pronouns, for example, she/her, he/him or they/them, and person-first language, such as “person with a disability” rather than “disabled person.”
• Consider body type and gender. When designing a personal protective equipment program, assess individuals' unique needs and preferences. Have flexible policies to allow them to choose personal protective equipment that aligns with their comfort.

CCOHS Resources

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace fact sheet
• Positive Space poster
• Workplace Harassment and Violence infographic
• Personal Protective Equipment - Body Type and Gender Considerations fact sheet

Featured podcast: The Evolution of Psychological Health and Safety 

In today’s workplace, we know that prioritizing psychological safety alongside physical safety is part of building a truly healthy and safe environment. But that hasn’t always been the case. Consultant and expert Mary Ann Baynton joins us to discuss how approaches to psychological health and safety have evolved over time.  

Listen to the podcast now. 

Encore podcast: Creating Workplaces Where Everyone Can Thrive  

Despite legislation designed to protect the rights of two-spirit, trans and non-binary people in Canada, many still face discrimination in their daily lives, including at work or seeking employment. A recent study by Egale Canada seeks to better understand their challenges. 

Listen to the podcast now.

See the complete list of podcast topics or, better yet, subscribe to the series on YouTube,  iTunes or Spotify and don't miss a single episode.

All our publications are designed to help you develop safe work practices and keep workers safe on the job. These updated pocket guides are also valuable reference tools for workers.  

Orientation for New Workers | Updated 

Whether starting a new job, transferring roles, or returning to work after a leave, it’s important that workers are made aware of workplace hazards and know how to perform their work safely. This 184-page pocket guide can help you train new workers on their rights and responsibilities as part of their orientation program. Provide copies to new workers to help them learn to recognize and control hazards, prepare for emergencies, and understand their role in health and safety. 

Warehouse Workers Safety | Updated 

Warehouse work involves a wide range of tasks, which means it also involves a wide range of health and safety hazards. This 214-page pocket guide is essential for workers in warehouses, storage facilities, bulk stores, transportation, and shipping and receiving. This guide covers a range of topics, including identifying and assessing hazards, safe work practices, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures. 

Check out all our publications.

Have a workplace health and safety question? Join the CCOHS Safety InfoLine team and get real answers on topics like WHMIS and chemical safety, heat stress and outdoor work, personal protective equipment and workplace hazards, ergonomics, mental health, and more!

• Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 11 am ET
• Live on Zoom
• Register today

The CCOHS Safety InfoLine is a free service offering trusted workplace health and safety information for anyone in Canada.

Calling all women enrolled in a post-secondary occupational health and safety program. Apply by August 31 for the $3,000 Chad Bradley Scholarship.

Submit an essay to tell us: 

• Why you are pursuing occupational health and safety
• Your motivation and inspiration
• What or how you expect to contribute to the field 

Applicants need to be enrolled in either a full-time or part-time health and safety related program at an accredited college or university in Canada.

For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit: https://www.ccohs.ca/scholarships/cbradley.

Is your workplace future ready? Come explore the impacts of the changing world of work on health and safety, and how your workplace can prepare. Join us at Forum October 28-29 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Why attend Forum?

Check out our speaker lineup and topics so far: www.ccohs.ca/forum.

Get the best value while you still can. Register by June 26 to save $100.

Is your business registered with WSIB in Ontario? You have free access to the CCOHS Business Safety Portal through your WSIB online services account.

The Portal provides health and safety guidance that can help you understand and meet your legal obligations for protecting workers from injuries and illnesses.

Access guides, online courses, forms, and other resources that are specifically tailored to your industry and location. Plus, store your health and safety records in the digital filing cabinet to easily retrieve in the case of an audit or inspection.

Sign up for the Portal in three easy steps

• Log in to or sign up for your WSIB online services account
• Select “access free health and safety resources”
• Follow the sign-up prompts in the Portal

For more information, visit www.ccohs.ca/products/business-portal.