With the
up-coming inspection blitz on the safe operation of industrial machinery,
inspectors will emphasize the following hazards: contact with moving parts, a
variety of energy sources (electricity, heat, fire and cold), pressurized
gasses or liquids, dangerous chemical or biological hazards, and exposure to ergonomic
hazards and/or unsafe environmental hazards such as excessive noise/vibration
and radiation. Non-compliance in regards to any of the aforementioned issues will
result in prosecution of the guilty party, where the maximum penalties for
individuals include up to 12 months in jail and a $25,000 fine, while
corporations may be fined up to $500,000.
Based upon
the available workplace injury statistics for Ontario, it is difficult to argue with the overall
effectiveness of such a campaign. From 2004 to 2011, incidences of workplace
injury in Ontario fell by 30%, with the number of inspections, stop work
orders, convictions and fines reaching a peak in 2007 and 2008. To complement
their enforcement campaign, the Ministry of Labor has also emphasized
education and awareness. To assist small business owners (those with 50
employees or less), the Ministry of Labor recently created an initiative to
combat the unique challenges faced by small business owners – namely, a lack of
time, resources and/or staff to address the myriad of municipal, provincial and
federal legislative requirements placed upon them. Included in this initiative
is the development of a single online portal that simplifies access to health
and safety standard resources and an outreach program centered on a series of
educational events and conferences.
For advice
or consultation on forklift or lift truck safety and maintenance or MOL/OSHA lift
truck inspections, contact Lucas Lift Truck Services Ltd. at 905-227-3291 or
visit our website today! For more information and resources on
how to prepare your business or workplace for the up-coming inspection blitz, the Ontario Ministry of Labor has developed a dedicated webpage that includes
relevant articles, industry-specific safety guidelines, self-assessment forms,
contact information for consulting services, and a list of paid educational/training
programs. These and other resources can all be accessed through the following
link: http://www.wsps.ca/Information-Resources/Topics/Machines,-Tools-Equipment.aspx
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