Identifying, assessing and controlling hazards are important elements for successful mitigation of existing and potential risks. Hazards can be identified through an array of methods. These include, but are not limited to, job hazard analysis, risk assessments, workplace inspections, etc. Once a hazard is identified it must be assessed and then the appropriate control measure(s) implemented. Controls will depend on the risk score (e.g., consideration of probability versus the severity) determined during the assessment phase. Based on these risk scores, reasonable steps must be taken to eliminate the risk, where possible, or reduce the risks using one or a combination of control measures (e.g., engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment, etc).
Recently, a Toronto producer of frozen and prepared foods was fined $200,000 for two violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after workers were injured in two separate incidents occurring in July and December 2010. In the first incident, a worker at the company's Kitchener factory was operating a machine that folds and glues cardboard into boxes. When the machine jammed, the worker opened its gate and reached in to remove the jam. However, once the jam was cleared, the machine activated and crushed the worker's arm. The company was fined $100,000, as the machine's moving parts had not been stopped and blocked prior to the worker removing the jam, as per section 75 of the Ontario Regulation 851.
In the second incident, at the Kitchener factory, a worker was checking a machine to ensure its sanitary standards were being met before the work began for the day. The worker saw a piece of plastic wrap stuck in the machine's conveyor system. The worker reached to remove the plastic wrap and the conveyor activated when the debris was dislodged. The worker's glove was caught in the conveyor and consequently, the worker's hand was pulled into the equipment. The company was fined $100,000 for failing to ensure the worker was provided information, instruction and supervision on the safe procedures for cleaning and locking out the machine as defined in section 25(2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
These incidents show that the identification of hazards is critical for the protection of the workplace. A reminder, in sections 25(2)(h) and 27(2)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario, employers and supervisors are required to 'take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.' Confirm if your workplace has identified, assessed and controlled hazards for the following:
- All tasks, both routine and non-routine
- Full time, part-time, and temporary workers
- Unplanned events (e.g., potential emergencies)
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
