February Safety Blitz

Slips, Trips and Falls

The Ministry of Labour has been promoting an upcoming safety blitz for the months of February and March, 2013. Inspectors will be out in full force visiting industrial and construction worksites verifying training records, inspecting equipment identifying hazards and looking at safety controls you have put into effect.

This is an important service to workplaces in Ontario as it highlights the need to really focus on specific aspects of workplace health and safety. For some of you it may be a much needed wake up call, for others a chance to strut their safety stuff.

We urge you to make your business compliant and ready for the upcoming blitz - to protect not only your personal safety but that of your employees, clients, and the overall financial health of your company:

• Verify training records are accurate and up-to-date
• If you operate from mobile unit, ensure you have a copy of all training records in your vehicle at all times
• Arrange for necessary Fall Arrest training
• Conduct your own thorough safety blitzes on all fall arrest and fall prevention equipment including ladders, harnesses, scaffolding, aerial lifts etc. Set daily and weekly goals to ensure you are ready and nothing has been missed.
• Monitor your workplace for same surface slip hazards and implement a plan immediately to deal with problems such as loose floor mats, improper lighting and poor housekeeping that could cause a trip or fall.
  
• Ensure all handrails and guardrails are in proper working order.
• Use morning safety talks to empower employees  - put a positive spin on the safety blitz. 
• Remember: This is not about the government "out to get you" - it is a valuable opportunity discover workplace hazards, establish permanent solutions and perhaps, most importantly, to show your employees that you genuinely care about their safety. 

LINKS:  
Winter Safety Blitzes | Ministry of Labour 
Safety Guys Fall Arrest Training | 2013 Course Information  |  Kingston Classes

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