The REGIONAL
Health & Safety News, Events & Information
August 2010
Carbon monoxide raises its ugly head again!
It's colourless. It's odourless. And in some cases it could kill you. You've probably heard about human fatalities from automobile-emitted carbon monoxide in confined spaces like garages. The device pictured above is another source of carbon monoxide that could make your workers sick.
In addition to drawing your attention to the hazards of carbon monoxide inhalation, this issue of The REGIONAL also reminds you of the Ministry of Labour's inspection blitz on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in September and October. Also, starting September, Inspectors will commence follow up visits to the autobody and collision repair facilities that received compliance orders during the last blitz.
There has been a recent amendment to Regulation 33, Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, which came into effect on July 1, 2010. You can read the amendment in this issue.
Prevention System News
Retail store workers affected by carbon monoxide (CO).
You would normally associate carbon monoxide poisoning with automobiles but workers in a retail store were recently affected by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, two of whom had to be hospitalized. The culprit - a propane-powered floor polishing machine that was used before the store opened. Inadequte ventilation made it difficult for the gas to dissipate before workers arrived for their shift. According to a health and safety report by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS), there have been similar incidents in the past when a propane-powered floor-polishing machine has caused workers to be affected by carbon monoxide poisoning. Click here to know more about the hazard, symptoms of CO poisoning and a few basic prevention measures.
If your workplace does have propane-powered equipment in use indoors, you as an employer need to ensure there is continuous testing of air quality and exposure levels. Consult an Occupational Hygienist to determine the best prevention system for your workplace. If you do need to find one, talk to us. We have six very experienced Occupational Hygienists across the province. Call 1-800-406-4272, press '0' and a representative will assist you further.
Ministry of Labour News
Ministry of Labour MSD inspection blitz next month
The Ministry of Labour has announced that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) will be the focus of its next blitz, in September and October. The blitz goals are threefold: enhance MSD enforcement efforts, raise awareness of the importance of addressing MSDs, and identify prevention resources available to workplaces through their safe workplace association.
Businesses will be visited by ministry inspectors looking for hazards that put employees at risk for sprains and strains. Inspectors will pay particular attention to tasks requiring workers to use their muscles to exert force to lift, push or carry items. Repetitive tasks will also be a focus of their attention.
Click here for resources that will help you with MSD prevention at your workplace. Call 1-888-478-6772 for further assistance.
Follow up visits at autobody and collision repair shops
On the subject of blitzes, if your autobody and collision repair shop received compliance orders during the Ministry's enforcement blitz phase 1, you could expect a follow up visit starting September, that will seek to ensure you've complied with the orders. Congratulations to the 291 shops that received no orders at all. There were, however, a total of 3318 orders issued. The five most common orders written were for:
- Lifting devices (491 orders)
- Post a copy of the OHSA Act (309 orders)
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (179 orders)
- Equipment, material and protection devices in good condition (151 orders)
- Exposure to eye injury (143 orders)
We're up to date with changes to Regulation 833
OSSA has revised its Certification Training Part 1 and Part 2 (Chemical Hazards) to reflect the recent changes to Regulation 833 dealing with occupational exposure limits (OEL), that came into effect July 1, 2010. As a result of the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists' changes to its recommended limits for 2010, the Ministry of Labour is proposing to adopt new and revised OEL's for 12 substances. Click here for the details.
OSSA Training Course Schedule by Region
Click here for a complete schedule of OSSA training courses up to December 2010. The schedule is updated regularly.
Be sure to check out OSSA's free Risk Assessment and Hazard & Compliance Workshops below! You can find more information here.
The table below lists courses scheduled for the current month as well as the following month.
Greater Toronto Area and Central Ontario
Course Title |
City |
Date |
| Certification Part 1 | Toronto / Mississauga | August 9-11 |
| Certification Part 2 - Retail& Wholesale | Toronto / Mississauga | August 12 |
| Certification Part 2 - Office & Related Services | Toronto / Mississauga | August 17 |
| Certification Part 1 | Toronto / Mississauga | August 25-27 |
| Certification Part 2 - Vehicle Sales & Service | Toronto / Mississauga | September 9 |
| Certification Part 1 | Toronto / Mississauga | September 13-15 |
| Certification Part 2 - Tourism & Hospitality | Toronto / Mississauga | September 16 |
| Certification Part 2 - Retail & Wholesale | Toronto / Mississauga | September 23 |
| Certification Part 1 | Toronto / Mississauga | September 27-29 |
| Certification Part 1 | Markham | September 28-30 |
Golden Horseshoe Region
| Certification Part 1 | Hamilton | September 14-16 |
| Certification Part 2 | Burlington | September 23 |
Eastern Ontario
| Free ! Risk Assessment Workshop | Ottawa / Kingston | September 22 |
| Certification Part 1 | Ottawa | September 28-30 |
Northern Ontario
| Certification Part 2 | Huntsville | September 14-15 |
| Certification Part 2 - French | Hearst | September 21-22 |
| Certification Part 2 | Dryden | September 23-24 |
| Certification Part 2 | Timmins | September 28-29 |
South Western Ontario
| Certification Part 1 | London | September 21-23 |
To register for any of the above courses, please call OSSA at 1-888-478-6772.
This glossary provides a quick reference to common health and safety terms used throughout the Six Step Guide to Health and Safety.
You can consult your industry/sector professional association for input and advice when purchasing equipment and supplies.