Ontario OHS Expert Advisory Panel Report

Well the long awaited report from the Expert Advisory Panel on Health and Safety, led by Tony Dean, released the results of its review of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety System.

The panel consulted wide variety of stakeholders for their input about how to improve the prevention system. The panel has made significant recommendations for improving both the structure of the system and its work.

The recommendations include:

• The establishment of a new prevention organization, housed in the Ministry of Labour, and an associated council of stakeholders. The health and safety associations would align with this new entity.

• A strong emphasis on training, including mandatory awareness training for workers, supervisors, and health and safety representatives.

• A special focus on high-risk work, vulnerable workers, and small business.

• New efforts to combat the underground economy.

• Tougher penalties for willful violators.

For a copy of the report click here

Ontario MOL Loading Dock Blitz: February 1st to 28th, 2011

The next MOL Biltz will involve a province-wide loading dock inspection blitz. All industry sectors will be affected.

Loading docks and shipping areas have exposure to the four highest hazard priorities for Ontario's prevention system: contact with machinery, motor vehicle incidents, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and slips, trips and falls."

Inspectors will be looking for

• vehicles unsecured against accidental movement (O. Reg. 851, section 57)
• an absence of signalers, or signalers who are not fulfilling their duties (O. Reg. 851, section 56)
• pedestrian traffic hazards, with the movement of vehicles in and out, and other mobile equipment; this would include clearances, lighting, barriers, warning signs…
• floor and ground surfaces, making sure there is no accumulation of garbage, no tripping hazards, ice, snow, uneven surfaces…
• related hazards, such as falls, lifting devices and forklifts, conveyors, material handling from heights, hazardous chemicals, flammable and explosive substances, personal protective equipment, guarding, lockout...
• items unsecured against tipping or falling (O. Reg. 851, section 46)
• worker training related to hazards they are exposed to.

Are you in Compliance?

For assistance with reviewing and ensuring your dock safety standards and practices are in compliance with the law and keeping your employees safe, contact PHS Solutions at jebidia@phssolutions.ca or call 416-270-7689.