What is the IHSA

Introduction: The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and safety in Ontario’s construction industry. In this essay, we will discuss the history and purpose of the IHSA.

The History of the IHSA:

The IHSA was established in 2010 as a result of a merger between the Construction Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) and the Electrical & Utilities Safety Association of Ontario (E&USA). The CSAO was founded in 1991, and the E&USA in 1999, both with the goal of promoting health and safety in their respective industries. The merger of these two organizations allowed for a more comprehensive approach to promoting safety throughout the entire infrastructure industry in Ontario.

The Purpose of the IHSA:

The IHSA’s primary purpose is to provide leadership and training in promoting workplace health and safety in Ontario’s infrastructure industry. The IHSA accomplishes this by providing a wide range of resources and services to employers, workers, and other stakeholders in the industry. Some of these resources and services include:

1. Health and Safety Training: The IHSA offers a variety of training programs designed to educate workers and employers on best practices in health and safety. These programs cover a range of topics, including fall protection, electrical safety, and workplace violence prevention.

2. Research and Development: The IHSA conducts research and development to improve the understanding of health and safety issues in the infrastructure industry. This research is used to inform the development of new training programs and other resources.

3. Industry Advocacy: The IHSA works to promote health and safety in the infrastructure industry by advocating for better policies and regulations. The organization also collaborates with other industry groups and government agencies to develop strategies for improving workplace health and safety.

4. Consulting Services: The IHSA offers consulting services to help employers develop and implement effective health and safety programs. These services include workplace assessments, hazard identification, and safety program development.

Conclusion: The IHSA plays a critical role in promoting health and safety in Ontario’s infrastructure industry. Through its training programs, research and development, industry advocacy, and consulting services, the organization helps employers and workers to better understand and manage health and safety risks. The IHSA is an important resource for anyone involved in the infrastructure industry in Ontario, and its efforts have contributed to improved safety outcomes for workers across the province.