What’s New | July 2015 | Issue #62
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Ontario Investing $4.4 Million To Improve Occupational Health And Safety
The ministry is providing $2.7 million to support research projects that will help reduce workplaces injuries, illnesses and fatalities as part of its annual Research Opportunities Program (ROP). The ministry has awarded an additional $1.7 million in grants to organizations throughout the province as part of the new Occupational Health and Safety Prevention and Innovation Program (OHSPIP).
Learn More About The ROP Funding >
Learn More About The OHSPIP Funding >
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Ministry Releases New Sector Plans
The ministry develops annual enforcement plans that focus on hazards specific to workplaces in various sectors of the economy. There is a plan for each of the industrial, health care, construction and mining sectors, and for the ministry’s specialized and professional services. These plans outline what inspectors will be looking for during an inspection and detail program priorities.
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New Dates Added To Changing Workplace Review
Ontario has launched public consultations on the changing nature of the modern workplace. The consultation is considering how the Labour Relations Act, 1995 and Employment Standards Act, 2000 could be amended to best protect workers while supporting businesses in our changing economy. New consultation dates have been added.
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Updated Occupational Exposure Limits
The ministry has revised the occupational exposure limits with the help of public consultations. The changes came into effect on July 1, 2015.
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Summer Blitz Targets Trench Hazards
Ontario is conducting a two-month enforcement blitz focusing on hazards that can arise when workers construct trenches to install or repair utilities or sewers.
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Summer Safety Blitz Targets Mine Traffic
Ontario is focusing on motor vehicles and mobile equipment during a two-month enforcement blitz at underground and surface mines. In July and August 2015, mining inspectors and engineers are targeting traffic control hazards that could result in workers being injured or killed.
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Blitz Results: Slips, Trips And Falls
Ontario inspectors issued 65 stop-work orders during a recent enforcement blitz to prevent slips, trips, and falls at workplaces in the industrial sector. From February 2 to March 15, 2015, ministry inspectors visited 946 workplaces across the province, including restaurants, retail establishments and other workplaces. Learn what they found.
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Blitz Results: Mining Water Management Blitz
Ontario inspectors found dozens of violations during an enforcement blitz at underground mines. In February and March 2015, ministry inspectors checked on safety issues affecting management of water in mines.
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Ontario Reminds Young Workers To Stay Safe This Summer
With the summer job season gearing up, Ontario is reminding young workers – and their employers and supervisors – that they have rights and responsibilities at work under the law. More than 1.5 million young people aged 15 to 24 work across Ontario. And every year more than 6,000 are injured seriously enough to need time off work.
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New Employment Standards Convictions
The ministry prosecutes persons and corporations for violating the Employment Standards Actand its regulations. Such violations could include failure to pay wages or provide required time off. The prosecution and convictions statistics from October 2014 to February 2015 are now available.
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Hazard Alert: Mast-Climbing Work Platforms
Mast-climbing work platforms have become a common type of access equipment in the construction industry, primarily in the restoration, masonry and related sectors. Suppliers and employers are advised of the potential for these structures to collapse if they are not properly inspected and maintained.
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Hazard Alert: Loading Limitations Of Utility Service Covers
Municipalities and contractors using heavy equipment like scissor lifts and boom trucks on public rights of way should be aware of the strength limitations of utility service covers in the work area. They should take the necessary precautions to prevent workers from being exposed to the dangers associated with working on a surface that cannot support the load applied to it.
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Learn more about your workplace rights: Ontario.ca/workplacerights