1. Safety Groups …An Introduction… Safety Groups …An Introduction… Presented by: Tom Paleczny Manager Health and Safety Walker Industries Holdings Limited

2. Agenda What is a Safety Group Program What is a Safety Group Program How does it work How does it work Program Eligibility Program Eligibility Requirements Requirements Rewards and Benefits Rewards and Benefits Why join a Safety Group Why join a Safety Group

3. Safety Group Program What is a Safety Group Program What is a Safety Group Program A new approach by the WSIB to eliminate workplace accidents and injuries. A new approach by the WSIB to eliminate workplace accidents and injuries. The program rewards firms that incorporate prevention measures into their daily business. The program rewards firms that incorporate prevention measures into their daily business. Provides a form of networking between large and small firms within a rate group. Provides a form of networking between large and small firms within a rate group. Began a three week trial in 2000 and became an ongoing prevention initiative in 2002 due to the success. Began a three week trial in 2000 and became an ongoing prevention initiative in 2002 due to the success.

4. Safety Group Program How does it work At the beginning of each year, each firm selects five safety elements to initiate or improve upon (Achievement Items) At the beginning of each year, each firm selects five safety elements to initiate or improve upon (Achievement Items) A firm representative will attend meetings throughout the year to share ideas, pool resources, and work through the achievement items. A firm representative will attend meetings throughout the year to share ideas, pool resources, and work through the achievement items. At the end of the year the group may receive a rebate based on the entire group’s success in implementing the selected items. At the end of the year the group may receive a rebate based on the entire group’s success in implementing the selected items. Achievement is audited by a WSIB auditor. Achievement is audited by a WSIB auditor.

5. Safety Group Program Program Eligibility Must participate as members of a group. Must participate as members of a group. Each group must have at least 40 firms participating. Each group must have at least 40 firms participating. Must be a schedule 1 firm, committed to participating for 1 full year. Must be a schedule 1 firm, committed to participating for 1 full year. Must be in good standing with the WSIB. Must be in good standing with the WSIB. Only participate in one safety group at a time. Only participate in one safety group at a time.

6. Safety Group Program Requirements Firms must: Firms must: –Attend at least three group meetings throughout the year. –Complete a base-line and year-end assessment. –Develop a health and safety action plan. –Develop new or improve existing health and safety programs for each action plan element selected. –Keep sponsors informed of your progress. –Submit a year-end achievement report documenting your accomplishments for the year.

7. Safety Group Program Rewards and Benefits The greater number of firms that achieve more of the elements contained in their action plans, the higher the group’s rebate. The greater number of firms that achieve more of the elements contained in their action plans, the higher the group’s rebate. The size of the rebate is dependant on the success of the entire group. The size of the rebate is dependant on the success of the entire group. Reduced injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Reduced injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

8. Safety Group Program Why join the Safety Group Why join the Safety Group –Fewer WSIB claims –Increase competitiveness –Earn financial rebates –Reduce individual WSIB premiums –Potential to reduce rate group premium –Increase in productivity –Improve quality –Maintain a healthy and stale workforce –Bolster employee morale –Access a health and safety network

9. Safety Group Program Contact Information Contact Information –Tom Paleczny Walker Industries Holdings Limited P.O. Box 100 Thorold, Ontario L2V 3Y8 905-227-4142 Phone 905-227-1034 Fax e-mail: tpaleczny@walkerind.com