The costs associated with industrial accidents are huge. This is true both financially and in more personal, human terms. It is generally accepted that the true cost of an accident, including indirect costs, can be ten times the actual compensation premium paid out. After an industrial accident, it is important to investigate the circumstances and try to determine the immediate and, even more important, the root causes of the incident.
Imagine a scenario where an apprentice auto body worker goes

Continuing education is a self-explanatory term, yet so many people treat it differently than its evident
meaning. Continuing education is a non-ending learning process. What surprises me to this day some folks feel they have “arrived” when it comes to what they need to know in business. I recently conducted a seminar for a
group of industry professionals. Obviously, they were in the audience learning so they understand the concept of continuously upgrading their skills.What surprised them was
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Many people in the collision repair industry already know about the great work the Linden Fund doesraising money to fund neonatal intensive care units through the purchase of specialized medical equipment as well as providing comfort and convenience to infants in care and their families. Now the Ontario legislature knows as well. Newmarket-Aurora MPP Frank Klees declared March 19, 2008, “Premature Awareness Day,” dedicating it to the children who are born pre-term or prior to 37 weeks of pre

Companies that make and market chemical products (manufacturers and first importers) such as paint, oil filters, batteries and antifreeze have until July 1, 2008 to adhere to Ontario’s new regulations laid out in the Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) Program Plan. The MHSW Plan, approved in February 2008 by the Ontario minister for the environment, is designed to reduce environmental degradation caused by hazardous waste disposal in municipalities. In its first year, it aims to recov
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It’s no secret that Canada is suffering from a shortage of skilled tradespeople. Just about every corner of the country is crying out for more qualified, well-trained workers. Filling this need is one of the biggest
challenges our economy faces and it’s why Manitoba Public Insurance has been a long time supporter of the annual
Skills Manitoba competition. This year, nearly 500 students from high schools, colleges and apprenticeship programs competed Olympics-style for gold, silver and bronze m

The latest in technology is allowing students to learn and practice their skills without ever wasting a single drop of paint. Designed and built at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC), the new technology is called the VirtualPaint System. Currently being used by the military and in a number of educational institutions across North America, this technology not only eliminates the need for a paint booth and safety equipment, but also does away with hazardous waste and emissions generation. Prov

Defects in workmanship can give any shop owner nightmares. But when it comes to weld integrity, the matter becomes deadly serious. Although staying up-to-date in welding equipment can be a major investment, it can also pay dividends in the form of increased confidence and the ability to handle the latest materials. Any discussion of the latest and greatest in welding will almost always turn to resistance spot welding, although as a process it can hardly be considered new (see Spot History). No m
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ONTARIO AUTO RECYCLERS AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS

The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) has announced the recipients of the 2008/2009 OARA scholarships. Congratulations go out to Victoria May Blom, daughter of Martin Blom f rom 400 Auto Wreckers; Cay l a Ev Austin, daughter of Patricia Austin from Autoland of Delhi, and Mirjam Sara Hug, an employee at Schneider’s Auto Wrecking in West Perth, ON. Each recipient will receive $1,000 to start or further their post-secondary education. OARA w

SENIOR STAFF APPOINTMENTS AT AIA CANADA 

AIA President Marc Brazeau is pleased to announce the addition of two new senior level employees to the Aftermarket Industries Association (AIA) team. Effective in 2008, Steve Houle is the director, national business development and Mireille Schippers is now manager, member and industry relations.
“The needs of our members, as well as the landscape within which we operate, are evolving,” says Brazeau. “Steve and Mireille bring with them the skills an
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