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Ontario Erectors Association

Fall/Winter 2016-2017 edition of the Labour-Management Network e-News

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New Noise Regulation Guideline

Ontario has released a new guideline on the noise protection requirements that apply to all workplaces under Ontario Regulation 381/15 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Worker exposure to noise that is not properly controlled or eliminated may cause permanent hearing loss. Learn how to protect workers from this hazard.
Click here to learn more.

Concrete Finishers Health and Safety Manual  (M073)

Concrete finishers are skilled tradespeople who place, finish, protect, and repair concrete floors, walls, driveways, sidewalks, stairs, and other surfaces. This health and safety manual contains the information they need to protect themselves from the hazards they face in the workplace.

In addition to general health and safety information on personal protective equipment, fall protection, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), you’ll find topics in this new manual specific to concrete finishers. These include hazards related to the tools and equipment they use such as:

  • Screed Machines
  • Float and Trowel Machines
  • Concrete Buckets and Buggies
  • Concrete Pumps and Conveyors
  • Diamond Grinders and Polishing Machines
  • Scarifiers and Shot Blasters
  • Mortar Mixers and Mixing Drills.

As well, you’ll find a section on occupational health hazards related to their exposure to:

  • Carbon monoxide and noise from power tools and equipment
  • Isocyanates from sealants and joint fillers
  • Silica from dry-shake hardeners and concrete.

Read the Concrete Finishers Health and Safety Manual (M073)

Sarnia Regional LMHSC Recognizes Jim Bradshaw

Earlier this year the Sarnia Region LMHSC recognized long standing member Jim Bradshaw (who recently retired from the committee) for his 19 years of service on the Labour-Management Network. Jim served on the Sheet Metal Trade Committee as well as the Sarnia Regional LMHSC. The members took the opportunity to recognize Mr. Bradshaw by presenting him with a Certificate acknowledging their appreciation for his dedication and continued support with the Committee and in the interest of Health and Safety in Ontario.

 

Jim is seen here (second from the left) receiving his certificate of appreciation from the Sarnia Committee Co-Chairs (Bob Sauve and David Kerwin).

Ontario Proposes Creation of Employer “Health and Safety Management Systems” under OHSA

On November 16, 2016, the Ontario government introduced Bill 70, Building Ontario Up for Everyone Act (Budget Measures), 2016, omnibus legislation that would, among other things, amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to provide for the establishment of employer “health and safety management systems.”  Click here to read more.

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:

80. (1) A portable ladder at a project shall be manufactured and shall meet the design, performance, test and marking requirements of a Grade 1, Grade 1A or Grade 1AA ladder in the CSA Standard Z11-12, Portable Ladders. O. Reg. 345/15, s. 13.

IHSA addresses changes to suspended access equipment regulations with new training programs 

The Ontario Ministry of Labour has made significant changes to the legislation concerning suspended access equipment and IHSA is preparing to address these changes. Click here for more information

Click here for a look at the new Suspended Access Equipment Users training program

Regional LMHSC Activity Update

Here is a look back at some of the outstanding efforts undertaken by the Regional Labour-Management committees in 2016. Click on the live links for full details

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 which included participation from the Prevention Office and Paul Radkowski of the Life Recovery Program (www.liferecoveryprogram.org) who spoke about mental health and substance abuse in the workplace. The committee has also been very active addressing the following issues: Carbon Monoxide Monitoring; Clarification on use of Retractable lifelines; and Proper Inspection of Working at Heights equipment.

The Central Region publication Working Group continues to produce an informative newsletter and published four issues in 2016 on the topics of i) JHSC Certification; ii) Struck-by equipment incidents and MOL blitz schedule; iii) Falls / Working at Heights Bulletin iv) MSDs and Preventing Workplace Pains and Strains”

Hamilton Region LMHSC:

The Hamilton Region LMHSC has initiated a monthly Prevention Office update report and is in process of developing a poster in regards to cell phone distraction. The committee will also be participating in an annual joint meeting with the Central and Niagara LMHSC’s on June 6, 2017.

Kingston Region LMHSC: 

The Kingston committee held an extremely busy and successful campaign in 2016 which continued throughout the last quarter.
On September 30th the committee hosted their annual Health and Safety Day for the region; the members participated in Lowes Contractor Appreciation Days from July 25-27, 2016; On Oct 21 the Kingston LM held their first (and hopefully annual) Trades Day with the Limestone District School Boards and the Algonquin School Board.

Earlier this year in March, the Kingston Regional LMHSC met with West Edwards (P. Eng.) who is a Professor of Civil Engineering Technology at St. Lawrence College to discuss outreach opportunities with the students. The discussion brought about three very good opportunities to collaborate with the students and the college Click here for more details.

London Region LMHSC:

The London Region LMHSC is will once again be participating in 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 and historically attracts upwards of 600-700 attendees. The committee has also decided to hold a lunch and learn session in 2017.

Niagara Region LMHSC:

The Niagara Region LMHSC will be hosting a joint meeting with the Hamilton and Central Region committees on June 6, 2017 and have commenced with arrangements for this event. The members will also be participating in various skills competition in the region and are continuing to offer their STEP program to schools in the region.

North Bay Region LMHSC:

The North Bay Region LMHSC will be participating in the North Eastern Ontario Health and safety conference in 2017 and are planning to hold a lunch and learn session at a remote location in lieu of a regular meeting this year.

Northwestern Region LMHSC:

In 2016 The Northwestern Region LMHSC participated in a student outreach event – “Pathway to a Career in Skilled Trades” at Westgate CVI and the members initiated Suspended Access Equipment Training by IHSA for the Northwestern Region that meets with new regulatory requirements. The members are also planning to participate in a Thunder Bay Bus advertising campaign once again in 2017.

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 committee also hosted a successful Mock Trial event on October 13, which was held at the Ben Franklin Place Council Chambers on Ottawa
Sarnia Region LMHSC:

The Sarnia Region LMHSC is initiating a “Keep Your Promise” advertising campaign on company trucks with decals and are organizing an Emergency Preparedness Day.

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 will once again be participating in the Northern-eastern Ontario Health and Safety Conference and the members are planning to hold a lunch and learn session (in lieu of a committee meeting) at a remote location.

Timmins Region LMHSC:

The Timmins Region LMHSC been quite active in 2016 addressing some of the following issues: Discussed Occupational Disease issues in the Region; The members made a contribution to the 2016 Steps for Life walk; The committee received a Presentation on Raised Box Indicators from the City of Timmins; Members participated in the 2016 Timmins Annual Safety Awards in conjunction with the Timmins Construction Association; Co-ordinated the distribution of IHSA’s Occupational Health Risks booklet to health practitioners in the Timmins Region. For 2017, the committee has convened a Working Group to spearhead initiatives in the region, and the group is scheduled to meet in January to kick things off.

Toronto Region LMHSC:

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: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.

The Windsor Region LMHSC will be participating in the Windsor Home show once again this year and the committee is planning to have two members participate on a safety committee run by the safety village and the city.

Algonquin College grads are helping keep power-line techs safe

A team of recent graduates from Algonquin College paired up with Hydro Ottawa this summer to help make a dangerous job a bit safer. Bradley Kasaboski, Derek Boase and Mauricio Ledón spent three months developing a prototype for a training jacket that can teach would-be power-line technicians how to navigate high-voltage wires.

Surface Mining Risk Assessment Results

The Ministry of Labour recently completed a Surface Mining Risk Assessment Workshop with the sector which produced some interesting results.

For more details please review the following documents:

  1. Surface Mining Sector Risk Assessment:Workshop introduction, theory, process, subject-matter expert participants, and Top 10 results.
  2. Surface MiningFull List – Ranked High Level: Ranked results with just the high level risk statements

Surface Mining Full List Ranked Detailed: Ranked results with supporting details (contributing factors, current controls, evidence.)

Click here to read more.

Health and Safety Guide: Masonry, Tile, Terrazzo, and Allied Trades (B013)

This pocket-sized guide provides an introduction to the most common health and safety hazards faced by workers and small employers in the masonry, tile, terrazzo, and allied trades.  Click here to have a look

Trade / Sector LMHSC Activity Update

The trade and sector LMHSC completed a wide variety of projects which include health and safety bulletins, best practices, and safety talks as well as outreach activities. The following is a look back at some of the outstanding efforts undertaken by the Trade and Sector Labour-Management committees in 2016.  Click on the live links for full details.

Boilermakers Trade LMHSC: This committee completed IHSA’s new Boilermaker Health and Safety Manual (M071) and are now addressing training requirement efficiencies for their trade on a nation basis.

Carpenters Trade LMHSC:

The Carpenters Trade LMHSC are planning to address several issues in 2017 as follows: an Occupational Health Risk document for their trade; a Health and Safety Talk outside of work to transfer good health and safety practices to the home environment; a Translation Table cart; and will address “Near Miss” incidents in an effort to encourage reporting.

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 have been busy looking into the following items: the CLAC Health and Safety Newsletter continues to be published on a regular basis and distributed to the members; the committee held a Prevention Office Presentation on CHSAT; and a special session for members and guests addressing Supervisor Due Diligence with Karen Fields from Crawford, Chondon and Associates was held October 25/16.

Concrete Floor LMHSC: 

The Concrete Floor LMHSC are working on addressing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) associated with concrete slump and are looking at procedures for the emergency rescue of workers in areas with limited access/egress.

The committee has also finished the development of a Concrete Finishers Health and Safety Manual.

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 will be addressing scaffold use in drywall operations and are looking into noise exposure and silica exposure hazards in their trade.

ECAO/IBEW LMHSC:

A new revised Electrical Construction and Maintenance Workers Health & Safety Manual (M10)
is now available. The committee worked on a generic Ergonomic Policy  for employers to utilize in developing their own Policy.

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’s MSD Hazards and Controls profile for Elevator and Escalator Trades draft is completed.

 

Highrise Forming LMHSC:

The Highrise Forming members are developing Guidelines for the Design and Inspection of Formwork to increase workers’ competency with this aspect of their work. The committee is also working on a Book of Typical details to educate workers to accurately read blue print on formwork projects, Concrete slump levels to prevent related MSD’s; After hours and Tower Crane rescue and are addressing a clarification in regards to the definition of a Critical Injury.

Insulators Trade LMHSC:

The Insulators Trade LMHSC have completed a draft of safe work practices for Aerogel insulation and are now working on the development of a trade newsletter.

 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 Masonry Trade LMHSC continues to be very busy this year and has undertaken the following efforts:  the development of a Mast Climber Best Practices document; development of a Health and Safety Guide for Masonry, Tile, Terrazzo, and Allied Trades; the members discussed respiratory Issues regarding Air Quality; and the committee is now preparing a Needs Analysis to adopt a hierarchy of control programs (at the source, along the path, and at the worker) in the regulatory process.

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. The committee is undertaking to review older documents created through this committee.

Occupational Disease and Research LMHSC:

This committee has been addressing an initiative focused on banning the importation of asbestos into Canada. The members are also completing a review of section 30 of the Occupational Health & Safety Act with respect to owners’ duties.

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 continues to be very active and involved in Health and Safety issues of the sector and have addressed the following initiatives in 2016: Low-rise residential Sloped Roofing Best Practices Document; Monitored MOL and MOF activity regarding the Underground Economy; issued letters to the CPO, MOL regarding the Effectiveness of health and safety initiatives introduced in recent years and another to address comments that piecework is considered by some as unsafe; the members received a presentation from the Ontario College of Trades; the Committee developed a Needs Analysis to address language around the Installation of Temporary Stairs to the Basement and Crawlspace in new home construction; and the committee assisted with the development of a Temporary Guardrail Installation procedure.
Roofers Trade LMHSC:
The Roofers Trade LMHSC is continuing their efforts related to Building Code Changes for guardrails and fall protection on new buildings as well as Photovoltaic Systems Safety. The members are planning to develop brochures on: Propane and Hot work hazards and Housekeeping on roofing projects. The members are also planning to prepare a Hazard alert on the topic of unguarded rotating trolley, a Safety Talk on Flat Roofing and working with hot asphalt. The committee has plans to address the Canadian Electrical Code (and CSA Code changes) with respect to roof decking to prevent electrical contacts during roof maintenance
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 had an outstanding year with respect to completed projects which began with the Pocket Lockout (B011) booklet that was issued early in the new year. The Working Group participated and provided comment on a Surface Mining Risk Assessment by MOL; the members developed a Surface Mining & Aggregates WG Terms of Reference. The Working Group is now considering the development of an Emergency Preparedness Guideline and is in the process of making a (MASHA) Safe Stockpiling Video available to their sector. The working group have also completed their work on the following documents which are in process of being published by IHSA – Lockout for Life Safety Talk Sheets; Guideline for Mobile Diesel Generating Plants; Guide for Safe Guarding.
Tunnelling Sector LMHSC:
The Tunnelling Sector LMHSC have completed a technical draft of best practices health and safety manual for tunnel construction. The members have prepared a needs analysis document which has been submitted to the CLRC to initiate a regulatory review of Regulation 213.
New and young workers in Ontario are three times more likely to be injured during their first month on their job than at any other time. This summer, the ministry conducted an enforcement blitz in the industrial sector focusing on new workers – including young workers – who were on the job for less than six months or those assigned to a new job. Learn what the inspectors found.
Also here is a look at the 2016 inspection blitz results.
New Requirements for Ontario Mines become effective Jan. 1, 2017
As of January 1, 2017, changes will take effect to Regulation 854 Mines and Mining Plants of

the Occupational Health and Safety Act. To help ensure Ontario mines comply with the new requirements, Workplace Safety North (WSN) and the Ministry of Labour (MOL) jointly hosted a special mining health and safety webinar on December 21, 2016 which focused on risk assessments, water management programs, traffic management programs, and the recording of seismic events.  Click here for more information.

IHSA’s Safety Groups now recruiting
As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to improve your bottom line. As

an employer who cares about your employees, you also want to make sure that everyone gets home safe at the end of the day. If there was a simple way to do both of those things, wouldn’t you jump at the chance? If you haven’t joined one of IHSA’s Safety Groups, then you’re missing out on a great opportunity.

To learn more, visit our dedicated Safety Groups web page
Safe Worker and Safe Driver awards recognize health and safety performance
Do you recognize your workers and drivers for their health and safety achievements? IHSA offers two award programs to mark individual efforts in safety.

Safe Worker Award 

If an employee works for a full calendar year (January 1 to December 31) without a compensable incident, he or she is eligible for the Safe Worker Award. Generally for the first year, workers must have been full-time employees for at least 75 per cent of the year. To learn more visit the Safe Worker Award webpage.
 

Safe Driver Award

If a driver works for a full calendar year (January 1 to December 31) without a motor vehicle incident (MVI), he or she is eligible for the Safe Driver Award. The year for school bus drivers goes from July 1 to June 30 to better reflect their schedule. To learn more, visit the Safe Driver Award webpage.
Need safety training in 2017? IHSA can help!
IHSA LogoIHSA reminds you that 2017 courses are already open. You can register online or by contacting our customer service department.

Courses are available across Ontario in all our regions including
Courses can also be booked at your own facility. Learn more at IHSA’s training page
Join the IHSA Labour-Management Network 

The Labour-Management Network is a group of Regional and Trade / Sector Health and Safety professionals that meet on a regular basis in an effort to promote safety in the Construction industry.