Your Summer 2016 edition of the Labour-Management Network e-News
Brought to you by The IHSA Labour-Management Network
Consultation: Construction Health And Safety Awareness Training
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Ontario is seeking feedback on a proposal that would require employers to ensure workers working under the Construction Projects Regulation complete a construction hazard awareness training program. The proposed amendments support the ministry’s Construction Health and Safety Action Plan, which seeks to strengthen injury and illness prevention on construction projects. It would also fulfill one of the recommendations from the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety. Click here to learn more and provide comment.
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IHSA to host an open forum to review CHSAT proposal and collect comments
At the request of our members, IHSA will be holding an open forum to review the proposal and collect comments for submission to the MOL on behalf of the Labour-Management Network. The Ministry of Labour will also be in attendance to answer any questions related to the proposed CHSAT.
To accommodate those who cannot attend in person, you may also participate using WebEx (details below).
Open Forum Details:
In Person
Date:Wednesday August 3, 2016
Time:1pm to 3pm
Location: 5110 Creekbank Road, Mississauga (Conference Room: West & Central)
WebEx
To Join WebEx meeting go to: https://ihsa-200.webex.com/join/pvi | Access Code is : 730 945 657
To join by phone please call: +1 416-915-8942 Canada Toll Access code is: 730 945 657
Simply respond by sending a reply email to LMadmin@ihsa.ca indicating if you will attend “in person” or “WebEx”.
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Joint Central, Hamilton and Niagara Region LMHSC meeting another huge success.
The tradition of holding a joint meeting of the Hamilton, Niagara and Central Region LMHSC’s continued this year with the Central region as host.
The event was held June 28 at the Winona Vine Estates. The speakers included Ryan Toole of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Prevention Office and Paul Radkowski of the Life Recovery Program. Click here for more information and photos.
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WHMIS 2015
Changes to legislation affecting suppliers and manufacturers of hazardous products were introduced in February 2015 and changed the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System in Canada. On June 30, 2016 the Ministry of Labour amended the Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS Regulation (Reg. 860) to also adopt the international standards that ae part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
These recent amendments affect labels, safety data sheets, and definitions. The amendments also provide for a transition period to allow employers an opportunity to phase out old WHMIS material and resources.
For detailed information about these changes visit: https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/resources/notices.php#jun302016.
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New Noise Regulation For Construction Workers
New noise regulation designed to help protect Ontario’s construction workers from noise-induced hearing loss, a leading cause of occupational disease for Ontario workers, came into effect on July 1, 2016.
Key changes include:
- prescribing, for workers exposed to noise, a maximum time-weighted exposure limit of 85 decibels over an eight-hour work shift
- requiring employers to put in place measures to reduce workers’ exposure based on a “hierarchy of controls”, which could include engineering controls, work practices, and the use of personal protective equipment in the form of hearing protection devices and
- requiring employers who provide a worker with a hearing protection device to provide adequate training and instruction on that device.
For more details click here.
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Occupational Exposure Limits in Construction
On July 1, 2016, amendments to Regulation 833 – Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical
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Agents came into force. The regulation sets out various requirements for protecting workers against overexposure to several chemical agents in air and also includes limits (called Time-Weighted Average limits). The amendments, which reflect recommendations put forward by the construction Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee, primarily involved the following:
- Extending the application of the regulation to construction projects; and
- Enabling the future use of ‘codes of practice’ approved by the Minister of Labour.
For a look at Regulation 833: CONTROL OF EXPOSURE TO BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL AGENTS please click here.
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Regional LMHSC Activity Update
Barrie Region LMHSC:
The Barrie Regional committee is focusing on increasing its membership, encouraging greater participation of guests, and looking for opportunities to increase the value of the meetings it holds. The committee also ran a successful IHSA “Keep Your Promise” bus advertising campaign through the region.
Central Region LMHSC:
The Central Region LMHSC hosted the 2016 Joint meeting with the Hamilton and Niagara Region LMHSC’s and the members did an outstanding job delivering a worthwhile event. More than 50 people attended the event which included participation from the Ontario Ministry of Labour Prevention Office and Paul Radkowski of the Life Recovery Program who spoke about mental health and substance abuse in the workplace. Paul has an online program that can assist with these concerns, which he is providing free of charge for the next while, as an anonymous and immediate service for those in the industry. Contact: info@
Hamilton Region LMHSC:
The Hamilton Region LMHSC once again participated in a Joint meeting with Niagara and Central Region Committees (see article above). The committee is also developing, in conjunction with the IHSA, an awareness campaign around safe use of mobile devices on jobsites.
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Kingston Region LMHSC:
The Kingston committee held an extremely successful career fair on April 13. This event was attended by more than 200 students and parents from the region. Click here for more details
The Kingston committee also provided working at heights training to several local schools in the region.
London Region LMHSC:
The London Region LMHSC is organizing a Safety Day in conjunction with the London and District Construction Association (LDCA), London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) and Fanshawe College. This event has been scheduled for September 7 and historically attracts upwards of 600-700 attendees.
Niagara Region LMHSC:
The Niagara Region LMHSC in conjunction with the IHSA has developed, approved, and published a trifold safety pamphlet on Call Before you Dig (IHSA051) . The committee also had a booth this year at the Niagara Area Skills Competition to promote its STEP program. This committee once again participated in a joint meeting with the Hamilton and Central Region committees.
North Bay Region LMHSC:
The North Bay Region LMHSC has been actively recruiting members to increase committee attendance. This effort is paying off and in June there were nearly 20 people at the meeting.
Northwestern Region LMHSC:
The Northwestern Region LMHSC once again took part in local bus advertising with the “Keep your Promise” campaign in the Thunder Bay region, promoting health and safety in construction.
The committee is also monitoring the development of a Contractor’s Handbook that outlines Ontario Construction Regulatory requirements for workers coming into the province.
The Northwestern Region LMHSC is in the early stages of planning an outreach/career event with local high schools in the region.
Ottawa Region LMHSC:
The Ottawa Region LMHSC hosted a 2016 student event with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. This year there were industry and labour representatives on hand to present to 25 classes in 12 schools. The event reached 750 students.
The Ottawa committee was also involved in a Catholic High school outreach program where they participated in-class with teachers on April 26 and 27 (click here) The presentation was delivered to the students by the committee members, followed by Q&A sessions.
The committee also updated four best practice documents in its labour management network file for all to use, including a popular ladder assessment tool. The Ottawa committee is also working on a mock trail to be held this fall.
Sarnia Region LMHSC:
The Sarnia Region LMHSC and the Sarnia Construction Association once again held their annual Supervisor Award Banquet. The committee also prepared, revised, approved and issued a Needs Analysis to review the reflective clothing sections of the construction regulations.
Sault Ste. Marie Region LMHSC:
The SSM regional committee is supporting efforts to improve safety on the road for snow plow drivers. Snow plow drivers have seen transport truck drivers make attempts to pass their plows when the plow is down. Although passing a snow plow when plowing is illegal, drivers report being passed regularly, and being clipped by a passing transport truck almost daily, occasionally resulting in injury and spinouts.
Sudbury Region LMHSC:
The Sudbury Region LMHSC worked for several months planning a safety conference for the northern region. In an effort to accommodate greater participation from the construction sector, they are currently choosing a new date for the event.
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Timmins Region LMHSC:
The Timmins Region LMHSC made a $500 contribution to the TimminsSteps for Life walk this year and is in process of planning for its annual Awards night this fall in conjunction with the Timmins Construction Association.
Toronto Region LMHSC:
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On June 16, more than 70 guests attended the Toronto Region LMHSC held a Health and Safety Symposium. This event was an information-packed day that focused on providing vital information on distracted driving, fall protection work plans and techniques among other topics. The session was intended for owners, managers, supervisors, construction health and safety officers, and certified members to help them succeed on the job. The event was a great success with small breakout groups and interactive sessions which proved invaluable to the participants. Click here for more details.
Windsor Region LMHSC:
The Windsor Region LMHSC issued a French version of the Traffic Control Handbook which is now with the IHSA for final edits and approval. The committee also lobbied the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) and the Ontario One-Call to resolve an issue with respect to locate sheets and ½” gas lines.
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New Health and Safety Checklist
A new checklist, available from the provincial government, has been created to give companies a better understanding of health and safety legislation and their duties under it.
The downloadable checklist is available in various formats and covers key topics such as workplace hazards, roles and responsibilities, records management, and training. Information provided is based on firm size, and the checklist can help firms determine their level of compliance with the health and safety legislation. Click here for a look at the checklist
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Regulatory changes to use of Suspended Access Equipment announced.
Amendments to the Construction Projects Regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to strengthen and clarify existing requirements relating to the use of suspended access equipment have been approved.
Key amendments include:
- Introducing a requirement for notifying the Ministry of Labour prior to putting suspended access equipment into service for the first time at a project;
- Introducing requirements for roof plans and site-specific work plans;
- Introducing training requirements for workers who may use or inspect suspended access equipment;
- Enhancing existing design, operational, technical and engineering requirements
- Strengthening and enhancing existing inspection, testing and maintenance requirements by prescribing more prescriptive provisions for the regulated party; and,
- Miscellaneous amendments to clarify certain requirements.
Amendments relating to the use of suspended access equipment will come into force on January 1, 2017. For more information on the amendments including the coming into force dates for the miscellaneous amendments, please click here and also visit the Source Law section of the e-Laws website.
Ladder Use
A change to the requirements regarding the use of a ladder under section 80 should be noted as follows:
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Ontario Changes Legislation To Improve Mine Safety
Ontario has amended Regulation 854 (Mines and Mining Plants) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The new high visibility safety apparel provisions and some amendments – such as those affecting conveyors and surface diamond drill training requirements – come into effect on July 1, 2016. Other amendments relating to risk assessments, water management, traffic management and ground control take effect onJanuary 1, 2017. Click here to read the details.
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Trade / Sector LMHSC Activity Update
The trade and sector LMHSC have been working on a wide variety of projects which include health and safety bulletins, best practices, and safety talks as well as outreach activities. The following is just a sampling of the effective work that has been undertaken by the various committees.
Boilermakers Trade LMHSC: This committee recently completed IHSA’s new Boilermaker Health and Safety Manual (M071) in addition to a brochure to assist workplaces with addressing workplace substance abuse called Dangerous Decisions (IHSA048).
Commercial Diving Trade LMHSC:
The Commercial Diving Trade LMHSC prepared a guideline addressing Safety Diver Dress for Specific Job Sites (R. Hayward) that was published in CADC magazine (the official magazine of the Canadian Association of Diving Contractors)
The Committee is also in the process of assisting with a coordinated effort to offer a Commercial Diving Supervisor Training program, and have begun developing an awareness campaign to address the underground economy and unsafe diving contractors.
CLAC Sector LMHSC:
The CLAC Sector LMHSC has continued with distribution of a health and safety newsletter and is in process of developing a safety initiative to address struck-by events.
Concrete Floor LMHSC:
The Concrete Floor LMHSC has been addressing issues related to emergency rescue of workers on the uppermost work level of buildings.
Demolition Trade LMHSC:
The Demolition Trade LMHSC has been working in conjunction with the Environmental Abatement Council of Ontario (EACO) to develop a standardized designated substance survey (building hazardous material survey). The committee also submitted a needs analysis to review the demolition section in the Ontario Construction Regulations, which was approved by the Construction Legislative Review Committee (CLRC).
Drywall Trade LMHSC:
The Drywall Trade LMHSC completed work on a safety talk on the topic of Silica Exposure during Drywall Installation and Finishing.
ECAO/IBEW LMHSC:
The ECAO/IBEW has approved a new revised Electrical Construction and Maintenance Workers’ Safety Manual (M010) for publication and distribution which will be available for distribution very shortly.
Elevator/Escalator Trade LMHSC:
The committee continues to seek clarification for machine room guarding. Also, the committee has recommended permanent hoistway lighting and this topic has been moved forward to the Hoistway Code committee A17 – B44, which is continuing to discuss this item. The committee’sMSD Hazards and Controls profile for Elevator and Escalator Trades draft is completed.
Ironworker / Rodworker Trade LMHSC:
This committee is reviewing a structural steel best practices document for possible reference and use in Ontario titled: Structural Steel Erection Best Practices, by the Manufacturers’ Health & Safety Association in Alberta.
Masonry Trade LMHSC:
The Committee members have completed work on a Mast Climber Best Practices document and are near completion of a draft health and safety guide for masonry, tile, terrazzo, and allied trades which will target new workers, vulnerable workers, and be as a reminder for experienced workers.
Millwrights Trade LMHSC:
The millwrights are discussing how to address safe work procedures for commissioning of new installations and trouble-shooting for workers in their trade.
Occupational Disease and Research LMHSC:
This committee has been addressing an initiative focused on banning the importation of asbestos into Canada.
Operating Engineers/Hoisting Trade LMHSC:
This committee continues to monitor changes in the hoisting industry with hopes to improve the overall level of health and safety awareness among the workforce. This committee’s efforts along with Ministry of Labour collaboration, and support from the Labour-Management Network, have resulted in regulatory amendments for rotary drill rigs that took effect in July 2016. Also in co-operation with the Ministry of Labour, two safety advisories were released by the Ministry of Labour, clarifying the hazards and requirements surrounding the use of telescopic handlers and the de-rating of mobile cranes. In addition, the Operating Engineers/Hoisting Trade LMHSC members continue to provide input into refinements of the tower crane regulations.
Pipe Trades LMHSC:
The Pipe Trades LMHSC are in the early stages of undertaking an initiative that addresses exposure to asbestos and other airborne products encountered on the jobsite.
Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Trade LMHSC:
Following success in getting changes to the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) in respect to requiring an upgraded switching means for manual motor controllers in HVAC equipment, and for spelling out the proper installation requirements of conduit to prevent moisture and other contamination buildup in these switches at the unit; the refrigeration Trade LMHSC has begun working with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to complete CEC changes to require the goal of an upgraded disconnecting means for all HVAC units.
Residential Sector LMHSC:
The Residential Sector LMHSC is in the final stages of completion on a document outlining the proper installation procedures for a temporary guardrail. The committee is also wrapping up the development of a low-rise residential sloped roofing best practices document. These documents are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The Residential Sector LMHSC actively participated with regulatory clarification on the Installation of temporary stairs to the basement, in new home construction.
Roofers Trade LMHSC:
The Roofers Trade LMHSC completed a safety talk on the topic of Propane safety and another on Planning and Housekeeping.
Sheet Metal Trade LMHSC:
The Sheet Metal Trade LMHJSC is reviewing essential training that it believes its represented workers should be acquainted with.
Sprinkler Fitter Trade LMHSC:
The Sprinkler Fitter Trade LMHSC is beginning the process to apply for a sprinkler trade National Occupation Code (NOC). This should allow WSIB statistics for their trade to be separated from plumbers and steamfitters in the future, leading to more accurate interpretation of trade specific lost time injuries and the related hazards.
Surface Mining and Aggregates Working Group:
The Surface Mining and Aggregates Working Group completed the Pocket Lockout (B011)booklet which was available for distribution early in the new year. The committee also completed work on a series of 12 safety talks. The committee has also completed work on two other documents — a Guideline for Mobile Diesel Generating Plants and a Guide for Safe Guarding. The committee is also in process of publishing an Emergency Preparedness Guideline.
Brought to you by The IHSA Labour-Management Network
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