Operating context and key risks

Operating context

CCOHS is governed by a tripartite council representing governments (federal, provincial and territorial), employers, and labour organizations. The Council of Governors assists in overseeing a policy framework for a trustworthy and complete occupational health and safety service, and ensures that the information CCOHS disseminates is unbiased. Our Council members are directly involved in the policy, governance and strategic planning for the organization. They also assist with reviews of programs and services to help ensure that our information is impartial and relevant. Our inquiries service is supported and partially funded from contributions provided by provincial and territorial governments.

Key risks

CCOHS relies heavily on cost recovery programs and contributions from partners to supplement its parliamentary appropriations and cover fixed costs. The CCOHS funding model is based upon an estimate of 50% of our operating budget being generated through cost recovery sales of our products and services as well as program funding contributions from our partners. Changes to our partners’ funding can have a direct impact on our ability to deliver our services to Canadians. Likewise, economic downturns can reduce demand for our products and services and in turn reduce our revenue stream.

CCOHS is proactively managing this risk by continuously improving the products and services we sell as part of our cost recovery program. We also monitor and review our commercial agreements with our suppliers in order to help reduce the cost profile.

The organization also faces the risk that technological advances have rendered traditional delivery methods for its content unsustainable and out-dated.CCOHS has responded by expanding its on-line resources to include more specialized web portals, e-learning programs, video learning programs, webinars, podcasts, Facebook and Twitter promotion and on-line discussion groups. We continue to develop mobile apps to help workers assess hazards and risks. These new channels are key to supporting our priority to expand our reach and impact of Canadians on a daily basis. CCOHS is investing in the technology required to support these new communication channels on a limited operating budget.

CCOHS strategy to mitigate technological risks
Risks Mitigating strategy and effectiveness Link to the department’s Programs Link to mandate letter commitments or to government wide and departmental priorities
  • Funding Risk
  • Operating deficit due to the reliance from partners
  • Changes to our partners’ funding can have a direct impact on our revenues and our ability to deliver our products and services to Canadians.
  • CCOHS keeps in regular contact with all partners.
  • CCOHS is increasing its focus on cost recoveries in order to continue to provide all of its services to Canadians.
  • National Occupational Health and Safety Resource
  • Canadians can easily access CCOHS’ occupational health and safety information and services
  • Canadians have an increased awareness of occupational health and safety issues in the workplace
  • Occupational health and safety information is used to improve workplace practices
  • Technology Risk
  • Technology changes are impacting the way in which we must deliver our products.
  • The majority of CCOHS’ products and services are delivered electronically so it is essential that CCOHS stay up-to-date on new technology.
  • CCOHS has discontinued the sale of CD based products and expanded its internet-based products and information channels.
  • We are developing apps to deliver our key services to mobile devices.
  • National Occupational Health and Safety Resource
  • Canadians can easily access CCOHS’ occupational health and safety information and services
  • Canadians have an increased awareness of occupational health and safety issues in the workplace
  • Occupational health and safety information is used to improve workplace practices