What’s New | November 2016 | Issue #78
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| Regional Inspection Blitzes
The ministry regularly conducts regional inspection blitzes on health and safety hazards, and on compliance with core employment standards. Several of these blitzes are underway while others will take place over the next several months, including those in certain parts of central Ontario that focus on child day-care services, landscapers/snow removal, toilets and wash-up facilities on construction projects, and heavy raw material handling. In eastern Ontario, the ministry is focusing on fitness centres. And in western Ontario, the ministry is visiting elevating work platforms in the farming sector, and industrial malls and repurposed factories. |
| New Construction Amendments Come Into Effect January 1
New safety requirements related to the operation of suspended access equipment (SAE) will come into force on January 1, 2017. The amendments to O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects) will strengthen and clarify existing requirements for all buildings and structures where SAE may be used and where the regulation applies. |
| Amendments To Improve Mine Safety Take Effect January 1
Amendments made to Regulation 854 (Mines and Mining Plants) to require risk assessments and to strengthen requirements for certain high hazards – including water and traffic management, and recording of seismic events – will come into force January 1, 2017. |
| Ministry Launches Ad Campaign On Tips And Other Gratuities
Many people tend to be more generous around this time of the year. With the holiday season approaching, Ontario is launching an advertising campaign to inform Ontarians about the new rules around the handling of tips and other gratuities. |
| Electrical Hazards Blitz
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. In November and December, the ministry is checking for hazards related to working on or near energized conductors, equipment or panels in an inspection blitz at construction projects. It is also focusing on hazards involving equipment and vehicles near overhead and underground power lines. |
| Liquid Nitrogen In The Food And Beverage Industry
Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic liquid commonly used in a variety of cooling applications such as food freezing, biological sample preservation, metal treatment and lesion removal. It’s also become popular in the preparation of novelty ice creams and cocktails. Liquid nitrogen can cause cold burns, frostbite or eye damage. It can also expand to nitrogen gas and displace oxygen in the air, which can lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness or even death. Learn how to protect your workers from this hazard. |
| “It’s Your Job” Student Video Contest Open For Submissions
Once again this year, Ontario’s secondary school students are encouraged to submit a video of up to two minutes on any topic related to workplace health and safety. This year’s optional theme is “Start the conversation,” which asks students to demonstrate how they would communicate with their peers about workplace safety. Winners and their respective schools will be awarded cash prizes! The top entry will also advance to the national finals for a chance to win additional cash prizes. The deadline for submissions is March 3, 2017. |
| Enter The #studentchallenge And You Could Win A Paid Internship!
More than 30,000 Ontario workers aged 15-24 received injuries on the job in the past five years, according to the Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA). The association has launched a new challenge inviting Ontario’s post-secondary students to come up with innovative solutions, resources or services for increasing workplace health and safety awareness, and reducing injuries and illnesses. Apply now – you could win a paid full-time internship at the PSHSA, cash prizes and other great rewards!
What’s New is published by the Ministry of Labour |