Workplace Safety: WSIB Excellence Program

When it comes to workplace safety, our Club learned that a little effort goes a long way and when that work is guided by the WSIB Excellence program, the results can be astounding. The management team, with some initial energy and intention and later some determination, teamed up with the Joint Health and Safety Committee, to turn The Club at North Halton into a workplace with enhanced safety, efficiency, and productivity, with a touch of fun along the way.

Enhancing Workplace Safety

Boosting Safety Standards: The WSIB Excellence program equips businesses with the tools and resources to identify and tackle safety risks head-on. At The Club, we took a deep dive into our safety practices and emerged with a plan that significantly reduced workplace accidents, providing a safer environment for our staff. The program is a chapter-based system of varying levels where the workplace chooses topics to focus on, improving the safety and well-being of both staff and the company. We have chosen to work on one chapter per month, from slips, trips, and falls to mental and physical wellness, aiming to better control hazards and develop processes for a more productive workforce. Departmentally from the kitchen, to turf, and the maintenance areas, potential hazards are pinpointed, allowing us to rectify issues before an incident occurs.

Engaging Employee Training: We learned that safety training doesn’t have to be a snooze-fest. With the WSIB Excellence program and using the Club Core platform for delivery, we turned our training sessions into interactive and engaging workshops. We empowered staff to speak up about the hazards they might face, which added an additional layer of oversight as compared to just leaning on management alone. Employees received hands-on experience with safety protocols, turning learning into a memorable activity. The result? A team that's not only well-trained but also enthusiastic about safety. We have aimed to create a culture of well-being that is attractive to current and new staff. The Club is also concentrating on the physical and mental health of our staff, introducing wellness plans and activities to keep them engaged (see attached 30 Day Wellness Challenge).

Boosting Operational Efficiency

Streamlined Processes: Who says safety improvements can’t streamline your operations? By adopting the program's best practices, we optimized our workflow, especially in the clubhouse and maintenance departments. Fewer disruptions and smoother operations mean happier staff and members. It’s a win-win!

Proactive Safety Measures: Anticipating the safety needs of our staff is crucial, especially in varying weather conditions. During the hot summer months, we implement measures to prevent heat stress among our employees. Providing adequate hydration stations, encouraging regular breaks, cool-down rooms, and educating staff on the signs of heat stress ensures everyone stays cool and safe. These proactive steps demonstrate our commitment to employee well-being and further solidify our safety-first culture.

Building a Positive Workplace Culture

Elevated Employee Morale: A safe workplace is a happy workplace. With improved safety measures and an active Joint Health and Safety Committee, our employees feel secure and valued. The result is higher morale and job satisfaction. Safety talks and group work sessions have shown our staff to be more engaged and motivated, leading to more involvement and increased productivity. The serving staff even went as far as having a friendly competition to see who could finish the most days in the challenge. Our winner finished all 30 tasks!

A Better Reputation: Safety isn’t just good for employees; it’s great for business. Our commitment to safety through the WSIB program enhances our reputation with our staff and community, encouraging referrals and fostering a positive image. Who knew safety could be such a fantastic PR boost in the community?

Long-term Benefits and Sustainability

Continuous Improvements: The WSIB Excellence program encourages a culture of continuous improvement. At The Club at North Halton, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our safety and well-being practices. This commitment has paid off with stellar staff engagement records and ongoing efficiency gains. With the assistance of Club Core, we provide a full library of health and safety documents at the staff’s fingertips, leading to a more knowledgeable and accountable team.

Conclusion

The WSIB Excellence program has revolutionized how we approach workplace safety and efficiency at The Club at North Halton. The program’s best practices lead to significant cost savings, boosted employee morale, and has it enhances our reputation in our community. Our journey illustrates just how transformative the program can be. You also get a nice badge for your team’s email signature, which I quite like.

Nick D’Ovidio is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the private club sector, starting his culinary journey in 2004 as a cook at The Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club. He honed his skills under the mentorship of Executive Chef William Tucker at Toronto Cricket and The Old Mill Inn. In 2015, Nick was promoted to Executive Chef at The Club at North Halton and later held the same prestigious position at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. In 2020, Nick returned to North Halton, where he transitioned into his current role as Assistant General Manager.