Current & up and coming Construction Health and Safety Blitz's include - Province-wide: Electrical Hazards, and Regional - Central East: Toilets / Wash up Facilities. New safety requirements related to the operation of suspended access equipment (SAE) will come into force on January 1, 2017.
Farm operators need to periodically perform a risk assessment of their farm buildings to consider the operational impact a fire could cause on their farm. All parties involved with designing, constructing and operating farm buildings must understand the importance of following best management practices to protect these large investments and the people working in the facilities. The following guide examines the major causes of farm building fires and what can be done to reduce the associated risks.
This month MOL continues the mobile cranes and hoisting blitz. There is no “magic pill” solution to Health and safety performance, it is very predictable. Firstly, eliminate the hazard; secondly engineer a design solution or control. Thirdly if possible use (administrative controls) which removes the worker from the hazard, and lastly, consider Personal Protective equipment and training. Finally, after all these options are in place re-evaluate. If safety strategies do not mitigate hazards or cannot be measured, they are not improvements, and it is time to rethink your approach.
Ontario Increases Minimum Wage: Ontario will raise the general minimum wage from $11.25 to $11.40 on Oct. 1, 2016.
At the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Annual General Meeting (AGM), an announcement was made regarding a five per cent premium rate reduction on the average rate, which will take effect January 1, 2017, enabling $250 million to remain in Ontario's economy. This represents the first premium rate reduction since 2001.
This newsletter is published six times a year to highlight important issues in Canadian employment and labour law. This month they address two issues: Taking the “High” Road - Alberta Court of Appeal Clarifies Enforcement of Drug and Alcohol Policies, and Employment Practices Liability Insurance – What’s it all about? In addition - the topic of ' Group Insurance Benefits - Avoid Dangerous Employer Liability Traps!' is being presented at a free breakfast seminar being held on Wednesday September 28, 2016.
Recent changes to construction regulations came into force July 1st and include - new drill rig regulations, enforcement of the noise regulation and reg 833 - the control of biological or chemical agent exposure in Ontario workplaces - and the new GHS WHMIS. It was also recently announced that cabinet passed the amendments to regulation 213/91 for suspended access equipment which will be coming into force on January 1st 2017. These are extensive regulatory changes that require not only information and compliance guidance for industry but also extensive training.
With the Haven fire suppression unit, fires could be extinguished before anyone even knew they had started. We are sharing this article from the recent Ontario Farmer magazine about the HAVEN Fire Safety Device. This is an additional way to protect property from fire loss. This is especially applicable to rural areas where “ seconds count “. Strategically located HAVEN fire suppression devices have the potential to prevent major fire loss. A simple idea that can save lives and property.
Ontario improving occupational health and safety outcomes & Ontario has made amendments to strengthen and clarify existing requirements relating to the use of suspended access equipment.
Heat, Storms, Hazardous Plants and Insects - What Employers Need to Know and Do to Keep Outdoor Workers Safe this Summer and Fall.
The Ministry of Labour monthly report presented to the Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee, containing information regarding the construction-related fatalities and critical injuries in Ontario.
Beginning on May 16 the MoL will be undertaking its first 2-month blitz of the year. This blitz will be targeting “ falls from heights” on construction projects and inspectors will be looking for: appropriate work planning; training in both working at heights and the site-specific training required in using the fall protection system at a project; the proper use, configuration and inspection of fall protection systems; the use of guardrails, where appropriate; the correct configuration of travel restraint systems; and, the use of adequate attachment or anchor points.
Consultation: Construction Hazard Awareness Training - The ministry is consulting on proposed changes that would, if approved, require employers to ensure that workers performing work to which the Construction Projects Regulation applies complete a construction hazard awareness training program. The ministry is also seeking feedback on draft construction health and safety awareness training program and provider standards.
Michael Chappell, Provincial Coordinator of the Construction Health and Safety Program with the Ontario Ministry of Labour presents the March 2016 report to the Provincial Labour Management Health and Safety Committee (PLMHSC).