The Safe Workplace Ontario certificationprogram, established in 1997, is a voluntary audit process with which forestry firms can continuously monitor and improve their health and safety programs and procedures. SWO provides specific health and safety standards to guide participating forestry firms in their efforts to eliminate injuries and illnesses from their workplaces.

Each SWO standard has been developed in close consultation with industry representatives. Participants in the program can achieve the designation of being SWO-certified when each of the applicable standards in the SWO Resource Manual has been set up in their workplace.

Each section of the SWO Resource Manual consists of the standard itself, reference to applicable legislation, company procedures to establish and meet the standard, and leading practices for implementing the standard in the workplace.

SWO certification is a two-step process. The first step involves having documented proof that the firm’s standards and procedures meet or exceed the basic health and safety requirements established by the SWO program. The second step involves a physical evaluation of the workplace to ensure that no “A”-classification hazards (those that are likely to cause serious injury or death) are identified in the workplace. When both of those criteria are met, the company achieves SWO certification.

Click on the links below to download the appropriate forms

SWO Order Form (existing SWO members) word file
Non Member SWO Order Form (existing non members) word file
Non Member SWO Application Form (word file)
SWO New Member Application Form (word file)

SWO Basic Self-Evaluation Form (word file)
Logging Physical Conditions Self-Evaluation Assessment (word file)
Sawmills Physical Conditions Self-Evaluation Assessment (word file)
Silviculture Physical Conditions Self-Evaluation Assessment (word file)

SWO certification does not mean the company is immune from orders or charges from Ministry of Labour inspectors. Although SWO certification goes a long way toward ensuring that the company is fulfilling its duties and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, not every legislative issue is covered by the SWO program.

The SWO program provides participating firms with all the essentials for setting up and implementing an effective health and safety program. Program materials are revised and updated to reflect new legislative requirements and the evolution of equipment, processes and leading practices.