Why Every Ontario Business—Not Just Federal Employers—Should Implement a Hazard Prevention Program (HPP)

Most Ontario employers assume a Hazard Prevention Program (HPP) is only required for federal organizations. While that’s true legally—under the Canada Labour Code, Part II and the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 19—the HPP framework is one of the most effective workplace safety systems any organization can implement, federally regulated or not.

If your business handles hazardous materials, high-risk equipment, dangerous goods, fuel, chemicals, heavy machinery, confined spaces, or transportation risks, an HPP can drastically reduce injuries, liability, and operational disruptions.

This applies to:

• Small and mid-sized trucking companies

• Transport carriers and delivery fleets

• Construction companies and subcontractors

• Manufacturing and fabrication shops

• Warehouses & distribution centres

• Hazardous-material handlers

• Environmental operations

• Labs, clinics, and research facilities

Even ONE employee exposed to hazardous materials is enough to justify the program.

What Is a Hazard Prevention Program (HPP)?

An HPP is a structured safety and compliance system that ensures employers can:

✔ Identify hazards

✔ Assess risks

✔ Control those hazards (using the Hierarchy of Controls)

✔ Train employees in safe practices

✔ Monitor safety outcomes

✔ Continuously improve the system

The HPP should also integrates psychosocial hazards such as harassment and violence—something every employer should take seriously.

Why Ontario’s Small & Medium Businesses Benefit From an HPP

Even though you may not be federally regulated, the structure of an HPP provides significant advantages:

1. Stronger Legal Protection & Due Diligence

Courts and inspectors look favorably on employers who have clear hazard identification, written procedures, training records, and documented controls.

2. Fewer Injuries & Fewer WSIB Claims

Businesses using hazard prevention frameworks see reductions in:

• Injury rates

• Lost-time claims

• Property damage

• Near misses

3. Safer Transport & Trucking Operations

Smaller trucking companies often deal with:

• Dangerous goods

• Hazardous spills

• Loading dock risks

• Night operations

• Fatigue management

• Fuel, chemical, and environmental hazards

An HPP reduces accidents and protects your CVOR rating.

4. Stronger Subcontractor Compliance

General contractors increasingly require written hazard prevention systems before awarding work.An HPP makes your business more competitive.

5. Better Hazardous Materials Management

If your business handles solvents, paints, welding gases, fuel, propane, pressurized cylinders, or chemical waste, you are at high risk without a program.

An HPP creates structure, consistency, and defensibility.

Key Components of an Effective HPP (Based on the NRC Model)

A strong HPP includes:

⭐ Site-specific hazard assessments

⭐ Application of the Hierarchy of Controls

⭐ Written policies and procedures

⭐ Safety training (role-specific & bilingual)

⭐ Emergency and spill response planning

⭐ Monitoring, KPIs, audits, and inspections

⭐ Psychosocial hazard controls (harassment & violence)

This model works for any workplace, not just federal departments.

How D&DCPD Can Help Your Business Implement an HPP

As a former labour & employment lawyer and a Workplace Protection Specialist, I help businesses:

• Develop full Hazard Prevention Programs

• Conduct hazard and risk assessments

• Draft written safety policies

• Build hazardous materials programs

• Implement spill, environmental, and emergency plans

• Train workers and supervisors (English & French)

• Build monitoring, KPI, and auditing systems

• Strengthen due diligence documentation

• Align subcontractors to safety standards

• Prepare for inspections or compliance audits

Whether you have 1 employee or 100, an HPP protects your people and your business.

Final Thoughts

The Hazard Prevention Program is more than a federal requirement—it’s a proven, high-value safety system that protects Ontario businesses from costly injuries, legal exposure, and operational shutdowns.

If your business handles hazardous materials, operates heavy equipment, or works in construction, trucking, or industrial settings, now is the time to strengthen your hazard prevention practices.

📞 613-866-8637🌐 www.dndcpd.com📧 dndcpd@gmail.com