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February 2006
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MOL inspectors zeroing in on strains and sprains
What you can't see often fails to get attention, but that’s changing with the MOL’s new
"Pains and Strains Campaign,"
which focuses on ergonomic-related injuries in the workplace.
With sprains and strains (i.e. musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs) accounting for 42 percent of all lost-time injuries,
you can expect inspectors to pay more attention to
risk factors
risk factors such as:
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Repetitive, forceful or awkward movements required by workers |
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Modifications to tools or workstations |
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Workers who massage muscles or joints |
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A business’s experience with lost-time injuries relating to MSDs |
MSDs racked up 382,000 lost-time claims and $12 billion in direct and indirect costs for employers between 1996 and 2004.
According to the MOL, enough already. Beginning April 1, 2006, inspectors will be trained to increase awareness of musculoskeletal hazards
and focus on ergonomic risk factors during inspections of high-risk workplaces in the industrial (that includes us--the service sector) and health care sectors.
Nobody can
identify risk factors in your workplace
better than you can.
Be proactive: take appropriate steps to eliminate or reduce your people’s exposure to injuries such as back pain, muscle strain and tendonitis.
Employers should know that the Occupational Health and Safety Act
requires
employers to ensure that workers are aware of hazards, including those related to MSD.
Your designated health and safety association can help
OSSA
is a long-time advocate of reducing MSDs, and for good reason when you consider the impact on the service sector.
In 2002-2003, OSSA launched a formal MSD reduction campaign, and Elizabeth Mills, CEO, serves on a system-wide advisory committee to support the Centre for Research Excellence in MSDs.
All OSSA consultants have been trained in using ergonomics recognition tools and prevention strategies.
Check out OSSA’s suite of
products and services
specifically related to the prevention of MSD.
Don't walk this road alone.
MOL compass still pointing toward High Risk and Last Chance
Far from losing momentum, the MOL’s two priority initiatives, aimed at reducing lost-time injuries by 20 percent by 2008, are revving up for more action and impact in year two.
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New firms being identified: a new list of target firms is being developed for April 2006. |
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Thousands enrolled: 3,100 firms are currently engaged with High Risk, 1,502 of which comprise the service sector; and 2,149 workplaces in Last Chance. |
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More inspectors hired: 69 new inspectors are now on board, which completes the commitment made in 2005 to hire an additional 200. That’s a total of 430 inspectors, 200 of whom are dedicated to the industrial sector, which includes the service sector. |
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Ticketing gets teeth: inspectors were given ticket-writing powers in 2005, and they have been exercising their authority to hold workplaces accountable for upholding their legal responsibilities. We have been seeing increasing prosecutions for non-compliance. |
The message? The MOL initiatives aren't going away anytime soon. Maintain your vigilance, and above all,
should you be visited by an MOL inspector and gaps are identified in your health and safety program, be responsive.
The worst thing to happen is the inspector returning for a second visit and finding that nothing has changed.
That will escalate quickly into fines, penalties and direct hits to your business culture and reputation.
Doing what’s right for young workers
The MOL has prepared tip sheets for
employers,
supervisors,
parents and
young workers -
each containing a rich selection of facts, action items to stay in compliance, ways to set a good example, and "bright ideas" to be innovative and effective.
Check it out. In addition, OSSA offers its award-winning
"Dare to Care"
suite of products. These products assist business in providing consistent orientation to new managers and employees,
using health and safety integration as the corner-stone. They focus on the particular needs of young workers and provides tips on effectively engaging the young worker in the training.
The latest MOL convictions for service-sector health & safety violations
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Kremeko Inc. (Krispy Kreme Doughnuts), Brampton, fined $90,000: worker lost control of lift truck, pinning leg between truck and metal bakery racks (broken leg bone). Worker had never operated a lift truck before and had not received formal lift truck training. |
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All Canada Aerials Limited and supervisor (rents cranes and other industrial aerial lifting equipment) Brampton, fined $125,000 and $10,000, respectively: trailer truck driver thrown out of vehicle equipped with an elevating bucket designed to lift workers to various heights (head injury resulting in death). Driver’s sixth day on the job: had no training or experience in operating this type of vehicle. |
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Blueberry Retailer and company director, North Bay, fined $12,500 and $5,000 respectively: six employees requested to work hours in excess of the limits prescribed by Section 17 of the Employment Standards Act. |
Make your NAOSH event memorable
"Review. Refresh. Revitalize." That’s the theme for this year’s North American Occupational Safety & Health Week,
which promotes the ever-present need for ongoing development and encouragement of safety and health practices,
processes and procedures at home, at work and in the community.
NAOSH Week is April 30 to May 6, 2006.
Tons of planning tips and tools
available to make your event a standout.
Our offer to you
If a story in The Advocate catches your eye, we invite you to use it in your newsletter or other communications.
Health and safety is everybody’s business: help us spread the word
Grab your address book: the OSSA is moving
The Ontario Service Safety Alliance is moving to new facilities on Monday, March 13, 2006.
We look forward to providing you with continued access to our full range of leading edge health and safety products and services
Ontario Service Safety Alliance
5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 500
Mississauga, ON L4W 0A1
OSSA Client Services 1-888-478-6772
www.ossa.com
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