TORONTO – Construction employers and employees are urged to review procedures for dealing with electrical hazards and machine guarding as Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors wrap up their first health and safety blitz of the year this month.
Recent statistics put machine guarding and electrical violations at 17 per cent of all MOL orders, a statement said. These figures combined with the severity of injuries prompted the MOL blitz.
Improper guarding or lockout can result in amputation, electrocution or death.During the blitz, inspectors will check to see if equipment hazards are guarded and lockout/tagout is being carried out properly.
Inspectors will also check that:
- supervisors and workers have completed mandatory awareness training;
- measures are in place to prevent contact with overhead power lines;
- processes are in place to prevent musculoskeletal disorders;
- the workplace’s internal responsibility system is functioning as required; and
policies and programs are in place to protect workers from hazards.
The blitz began Jan. 15 and finishes Feb. 28.
The pertinent health and safety requirements are found in Regulation 851 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act: Pre Start Health and Safety Reviews (Section 7), machine guarding (Sections 24-44), and maintenance/lockout (Sections 74-76).
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard Z432-16, Safeguarding of Machinery, and CSA standard Z460-13, Control of Hazardous Energy, are also important, said the MOL statement.
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