systems, material falling through the back of racks,
workers being struck by forklifts, workers driving
forklifts off of loading docks, workers being struck
by transport trucks outside the loading dock area,
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) hazards from
manual material handling and slips, trips and falls.
The most commonly-issued violations for warehouse hazards involve an employer’s duty to ensure
equipment, materials and protective devices were
maintained in good condition.
The Ministry inspected workplaces
that had not been previously visited
by the Ministry, workplaces where
complaints have been received in
the past and workplaces where there
was a history of non-compliance.
During January 2014, the Ministry conducted inspections for construction hazards at workplaces
that submitted a Notice of Project for construction
work. A Notice of Project must be submitted for major renovations, repairs, additions or other construction projects, including those valued at $50,000 or
more. The Ministry inspected workplaces that had
not been previously visited by the Ministry, workplaces where complaints have been received in the
past and workplaces where there was a history of
non-compliance. Inspectors focused on hazards
relating to noise exposure, airborne substance exposure, storage and movement of equipment and
material, hazardous materials and personal protective equipment.
In the fall of 2013, the Ministry inspected construction sites to check that occupational health and
safety requirements for fall hazards were being followed. The Ministry inspected construction sites
to check that employers have safe work practices,
policies and programs in place to protect workers
from falls hazards, workers working on ladders,
mobile stands and platforms are properly trained
Enhesa Flash May/June 2014
and supervised and use appropriate fall protection
systems, personal protective equipment and other safety devices and openings in floors and work
surfaces and walls are protected by guardrails or
protective coverings.
Employers should ensure that their training programs comply with the minimum content requirements and start the process of modifying training
procedures for working at heights for the amended
standards that will soon become mandatory. Employers should also ensure that they are in compliance with standards of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act and its regulations because the Ministry
has commenced more inspections since the announcement of the Safe at Work Ontario initiative.
Louis Baer
EHS Consultant at Enhesa
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