Ministry of Labour Safety Blitz on Access Equipment
On August 4, 2011 the Ottawa Construction Association's Safety Network meeting was presented by the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The purpose of the meeting was to give those in the construction industry the heads up regarding an August safety blitz targeting access equipment.
The reason for the safety blitz is the numerous ladder falls in the Ottawa region recently. There are serious concerns about certain pieces of equipment (baker's lifts, scissor lifts, ladders, scaffolding, etc.) and how they are used. This suggests a change in approach to use of ladders by the Ministry.
During the August safety blitz inspectors will be writing training orders, handing out fines and issuing stop work orders to workers seen not being safe on the job in their use of access equipment. However, the goal of the Ministry is not to catch workers in the act and hand out discipline, it is to prevent bad habits by insisting that contractors and employers have ladder or access equipment policies in place.
In line with the heightened awareness at the Ministry of ergonomic injuries that plague those who use ladders for an extended period of time, inspectors will be on the look out for workers over exerting themselves when on a ladder.
The Ministry suggests that there are three ways to prevent injuries involving access equipment:
- Read the Manual.
– All employees must read the manual on equipment before using it. There are usually
more DO NOTs than DOs in the manual. - Training of workers on how to use equipment.
- Bring a professional installer to show workers how to properly use the equipment.
What the Ministry expects from employers:
- Have a ladder/access equipment program.
a. Have employees who are on the same job together, such as an apprentice and
technician, alternate using the ladder. - Reduce the use of ladders.
a. Look at alternatives to using ladders
b. Decreased use of ladders will translate into less falling incidents. - Think about the ergonomic impact on the workers.
Having a good program in place can reduce the costs and save time in the future. Program and planning for the use of access equipment can reduce accidents and increase production. Lack of these can result in significant fines.
Colin Diamond
Summer-student
Articling student 2012-2013