I develop, write, create and present training materials and videos for the safety-security industry.
All of the above online certificate courses are available in full length format at:
www.LifeStreetEducation.com
Certified Electronics Technician (CET) Study Guide. Robert Ing Contributing Author. 2012.
ISBN 1-891749-07-2
Certified Customer Service Specialist Study Guide. Robert Ing Contributing Author. 1996, 2012.
ISBN 1-891749-08-0
The Health, Safety & Security Handbook. Robert Ing. 2012.
Introduction to Digital Incident Investigation. Robert Ing. 2010.
Espionage Risk Management. Robert Ing. 2009.
Forensic Intelligence in the Global War on Terrorism. Robert Ing. 2008.
Basic Accident Investigation. Robert Ing. 2003.
Chubb Information Security Courseware Series: Conventional Security Threats. Robert Ing. 2000. CISC-312
Improvised Technology in Counter-Intelligence Applications. Robert Ing. 1997, 1999
Military Radio Monitoring. Robert Ing. 1994. ISBN 0-9692707-8-X
Principles of Radio Communications with Emergency Service Applications. Robert Ing. 1992.
ISBN 1-895377-07-2
The Canadian Military Radio Frequency Guide. Robert Ing. 1992. ISBN 1-895377-06-4
Protomodelling of Interferometric Devices. Robert Ing. 1991. ISBN 1-895377-04-8
Advanced Tactical Signals Intelligence. Robert Ing. 1991. ISBN 1-895377-02-1
What They Say About Me!
Robert was the primary author of our first Customer Service Specialist Certification Study Guide. The focus of the study guide is to help people solve problems they may encounter with products and services. This includes information on ways to reach customers, how to effectively listen to those customers, how to be a part of a team, how to speak clearly and effectively, how to resolve problems, how to be a pro-company employee, safety on the job, and many other crucial work skills. This study guide is now in its fifth printing and still helping hundreds of technical workers in jobs all over the world become certified in customer service.
President, Electronics Technicians Association Intnl
Robert has written, presented and created the majority of our training manuals and training videos in the areas of health and safety, as well as on basic security training, fire safety, traffic safety and tactical communications. He has created our in-house training program from course materials to a course management system thus reducing our training and compliance costs while increasing our service delivery substantially.
President, Magnum Protective Services Limited
Robert Ing has a substantial depth of knowledge about privacy and security technologies, and is able not only to share that knowledge, but also comment on the present and future significance of these technologies. He has participated and contributed to several video segments.
Producer, The Discovery Channel
Robert is an excellent communicator whom I rely on continually as a contact when it comes to public security issues.
Television Journalist, Global Television
The presentations were very well received by the audience. The information provided was thought provoking and challenged clients to think outside the box.
Program Development Consultant, Humber College
... a most intriguing and articulate speaker at my Sherlock Holmes DVD press launch. He really captivated the media and guests with his knowledge.
Sr. Consultant, LexPR Canada
(Warner Brothers Canada Project)
Random Thoughts & Ideas
Whether it’s Security, Property or Facilities Management, you may have someone appointed or designated as a Supervisor. For many, the Supervisor is just someone with on-the-job experience and training that is there to keep a watchful eye on, and provide on-the-job guidance to staff. However, under the law, a Supervisor in your workplace can be held liable for violations under Occupational Health & Safety Laws, and negligence under the Criminal Code of Canada. In order to be a Supervisor, the employer is responsible to ensure they meet the criteria of a competent person under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), in that they are qualified because of knowledge, training and experience; and are familiar with the OHSA as it applies to your workplace and have knowledge of any health & safety risks or dangers at your workplace.
The prosecution of supervisors for safety violations is increasing across Canada. Not only can the individual be charged and fined, but your company can be held liable and receive a charge and fine. The charges and fines are issued under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) but can also be issued under the Criminal Code of Canada in line with Criminal Negligence should critical injury or death occur. It is important to understand just because your company doesn’t officially designate a worker as a supervisor; yet they still oversee and provide guidance/on-the-job training to workers, do scheduling and/or act as a contact point between workers and management; they are considered a supervisor under the law regardless of title. Thus, as an employer or employee you must not assign or take on the title of “supervisor” with a casual or matter of fact attitude.
The best way to minimize the liability risks for your supervisor - employee and for your company can be done in 5 easy steps.
1. Have a clear, specific and practical job description of the role and responsibilities of your supervisor – employee. Be sure to not only include what they are authorized to do, but also spell out specific things where they must defer to management. This must go beyond the generic supervisor description outlined in Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) for supervisor and be specific to your workplace and what needs to be done. Get them to read and sign off on this indicating they fully understand the scope of their duties and responsibilities.
2. Ensure your supervisor – employee has the experience and skill acquired through time on the job, as a worker who had performed the work they will oversee. They must meet the criteria of a competent person under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), in that they are qualified because of knowledge, training and experience; and are familiar with the OHSA as it applies to your workplace and have knowledge of any health & safety risks or dangers at your workplace. Such experience may be obtained at your workplace or by hiring someone who has had verifiable experience at another employer, doing the same work in the industry for at least a year on a fulltime basis.
3. Train your supervisor – employee in subject areas that will give them the knowledge and empowerment they need to confidently direct and instruct others.
4. Under OHS laws, your supervisor – employee must complete safety training in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Workplace Violence & Harassment, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), First Aid and Supervisor Health & Safety Awareness.
Most of these legally required courses may be done online at minimal cost via the General Health & Safety Compliance Training program which contains all of the 4 basic required courses in one place for a one time registration fee, offered by Life Street Education (www.LifeStreetEducation.com). Or the Government of Canada’s Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety – CCOHS who offers these courses indivdually, while the Ontario Ministry of Labour offers the Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness course online free of charge.
These courses have an average duration of not more than 1.5 hours in length per course, and are self-paced with a downloadable Record of Training or Certificate of Completion upon passing a short test.
It is important to note, First Aid training that is offered 100% online without a one-on-one personal skills examination is not recognized in Canada. So don't waste your time and money on a 100% online First Aid course. You will have to do this course in person. Consult your local Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance for a program near you.
If you are the employer, you must keep a copy of your supervisor – employee’s Record of Training or Certificate of Completion in their employee file in the event you ever have to prove training compliance to the Ministry of Labour, your insurance company or others.
As an employee, you should have a copy of your Record(s) of Training for any Health & Safety training you have completed on your person while on the job either in your wallet or on your phone.
5. Have your managers maintain an open door policy with supervisor – employees; keep the lines of communication open on an ongoing basis. Weekly or bi-weekly meetings with supervisor-employees should be held with management in order to report on activities, concerns, incidents, to identify any areas of concern and to ask questions or make recommendations. A sign-in sheet and brief minutes of each weekly/bi-weekly meeting should be made and retained, noting any actionable items for follow-up. Documenting these meetings is useful in identifying what is working and what isn’t, and also proves due diligence in the event of litigation regarding health & safety or employment issues.
In being aware of what we have discussed and following these 5 steps, you will have proactively managed your liability in regard to your supervisor – employees. Let's be safe and legal.
There are many people who feel they can't accomplish their goals, get that job, get that promotion or start that business because they haven't the knowledege,
the money or the time to go to classes. However, you can take many online courses at your own pace to suit your schedule, and most of all they are free.
You can upgrade yourself by taking that course and getting the knowledge you need. The only thing that is standing in your way is YOU!
Here are some top courses to consider:
Learn a New Language or Improve Spoken Language Skills:
DuoLingo
Take a Business or Professional Development Course:
Alison
Take a Health & Safety Course:
Worker Health & Safety Course
Supervisor Health & Safety Course
Take a Human Rights Course:
Ontario Human Rights Commission