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Ministry of Labour

Construction Health and Safety Program Safe At Work Ontario

Slips, trips, and falls blitz February – March, 2013 External Presentation

Ministry of Labour 2

Note

• This presentation has been prepared to assist workplace parties in understanding their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations.

• This document and information presented does not constitute

legal advice. To determine your rights and responsibilities under OHSA, please contact your legal counsel or refer to the legislation.

External Presentation


Objectives

• To provide an overview of the Ministry of Labour, “Slips, trips and falls” blitz.

• To outline the Ministry of Labour’s (MOL) expectations and the focus of MOL Construction Health and Safety Program inspectors.

• To provide information about resources to assist workplace parties.



Highlights and Summary Timing: • Beginning February 1, 2013 and ending March 31, 2013.

Major focus: • Ministry of Labour Construction Health and Safety Program inspectors

will target hazards associated with “same-level slips, trips, and falls” AND “falls from heights”.

Construction inspectors will visit: • construction projects; • buildings where window cleaning is taking place and where a

worker may fall three metres or more; and • diving operations where workers are exposed to fall hazards.



Highlights and Summary (cont’d…)

• This campaign is designed to: • raise awareness of “same-level slip, trip, and fall” and “fall

from height” hazards at workplaces; • increase workplace compliance with the law; and • prevent injuries that could arise from unsafe work practices.

• The increased enforcement is part of the ministry’s Safe At Work Ontario enforcement initiative, launched in June 2008.

• Under Safe at Work Ontario, inspectors will also take the appropriate enforcement action should other contraventions of the OHSA be identified in the course of their inspection.


http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/index.php

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/index.php


Why focus on slips, trips, and falls?

• Slips, trips and falls are major hazards for workers in both industrial and construction sectors.

• Sixty-five per cent of all fall-related injuries are due to “same level falls” (falls on floors and other surfaces) in Ontario.

• Falls from heights account for 34 per cent of fall-related injuries – and many of the work-related deaths that occur in Ontario, particularly in the construction sector where falls from heights are a leading cause of critical injuries and fatalities.



Why focus on slips, trips, and falls? (cont’d…)

• Over the past decade, there have been a number of serious incidents involving workers falling at construction workplaces in Ontario.

• In 2011 alone, about 41 per cent of deaths and 60 per cent of critical injuries involved falls from heights at construction projects.



What will Ministry construction inspectors do during this enforcement campaign?

• Construction Health and Safety Program inspectors will look for hazards that can cause workers to slip, trip or fall (same-level and from heights).

• They will take enforcement action if they find violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations. Enforcement may range from orders being issued to the laying of charges.

• Continue to refer workplace parties to the MOL’s website and the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association where Health and Safety resource materials and tools are available.


http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/

http://www.ihsa.ca/


Same level slips, trips, and falls

Employers should: • Advise and train workers about risks in their job and in the

workplace. • Encourage workers to participate in the health and safety

program through reporting of slip, trip and fall hazards. • Identify and assess job-related hazards. • Establish controls to reduce workers’ exposure to slip, trip and

fall hazards. • Make sure that preventive measures are working by providing

adequate supervision.



Common “slip, trip, and fall hazards”

When looking for slip, trip and fall hazards in your workplace, identify: • Seasonal trip hazards (snow and ice) • Unsuitable footwear • Poor lighting • Changes of level and slopes of walkways, runways, and ramps • Debris and items stored in pedestrian walkways • Slippery surfaces (oily, wet, or greasy) • Spills of wet or dry substances • Trailing cables in pedestrian walkways • Smoke, steam or dust obscuring view

This list presents some common hazards -- there may be others



Controlling hazards • Under the OHSA, the employer must take every precaution

reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers.

• Employers must also provide information, instruction and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety.

• When establishing safe work practices for your workplace, consider: • Characteristics of physical work area • Weather conditions (snow, ice, rain) • Tasks performed • Workers’ work practices • Equipment to be used



Engineering controls that may reduce/eliminate the hazard – same level slip, trip and fall

• Type and condition of work area, work surfaces, and flooring • Slope of surface (ramps, runways, temporary stairs with

handrails) • Surface free of obstructions/holes • Drainage • Lighting levels, non-glare, contrast • Signage • Sufficient space • Minimizing environmental influences, e.g. blocking wind to

prevent wet surfaces icing



Administrative controls that may reduce/eliminate the hazard - same level trip, slip and fall • Train workers • Establish safe work practices • Report hazards immediately • Prompt maintenance • Job design (identifying tasks requiring excessive pushing/pulling, line-

of-sight obstruction) • Equipment readily available, e.g., shovels, sand, salt • Address poor work practices immediately • Adequate supervision • Joint Health and Safety Committee monthly inspections • Review slips, trips and same-level fall hazards



Housekeeping and personal protective equipment that may reduce/eliminate the hazard

• Remove debris, snow and ice • Keep slabs and other work surfaces free of spills • Store material and equipment in a manner that does not endanger

a worker • Appropriate footwear for task, i.e., CSA certified Grade 1 footwear

worn on a construction project at all times

We all have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. A strong health and safety culture requires all workplace parties to adhere to occupational health and safety requirements and to pay constant, appropriate attention to workplace health and safety.



What will ministry construction inspectors be focussing on during the slips, trips, and falls campaign?

Employer Duties: • Written policies and programs in place to protect workers from

slips, trips and falls. This includes protecting workers from “falls from heights” and “slipping or tripping” at the workplace.

• Appropriate access and egress to work areas and ensuring ladder safety.

• Emergency rescue procedures at the construction project, including written procedures for workers who may fall or whose fall arrest equipment may be activated.




Safe Work Practices: • checking that employers have safe work practices in place,

including assessing slip, trip and fall risks and responding immediately to any hazards.

• checking for policies and procedures that ensure an investigation takes place into all fall-related incidents.

• checking for policies that outline the roles of workplace parties for ensuring good “housekeeping” practices to keep workplaces free of tripping hazards.




Access equipment: • ladders, work platforms, scaffolds, and suspended access

equipment are maintained in a safe condition and that workers work in a safe manner.

• workers are protected from hazards that could result in a “same-level slip, trip and fall” or a “fall from heights”.



What will ministry construction inspectors be focusing on during this enforcement campaign? Falls from heights

• Appropriate fall prevention/protection – hierarchy (guardrails, covered openings, travel restraint, fall restricting /arrest systems) • Fall prevention stops workers from falling • Fall protection minimizes the impact of a fall

• Workers are trained on the use of fall protection equipment and that they are using adequate fall protection systems properly when working at heights.

• Workers, especially new and young workers, are being properly oriented, trained, and supervised when working at heights.



What will ministry construction inspectors be focusing on during this enforcement campaign? Falls from heights

• Constructors have established written emergency procedures for the project.

• Employers have written procedures for rescuing a worker who would have been arrested by a fall arrest system or safety net.



What will ministry construction inspectors be focusing on during this enforcement campaign? Falls from heights • Wearing a full body harness connected to a fall arrest system when on

or getting on or off a suspended platform, suspended scaffold or boatswain's chair. O. Reg. 213/91, section 141

• Multi-point suspended scaffolds: • While erected, dismantled, traversed or otherwise moved –

Adequate fall arrest system in accordance with O. Reg. 213/91 section 142.7(a)

• When stationary – Guardrails installed in accordance with O. Reg. 213/91 sections 142.7(1) and 26.3

• Proper design, construction and use of equipment.

• Proper inspection of equipment by a competent worker and by the supervisor or assigned competent person, in accordance with regulation requirements and manufacturer’s instructions.



What will ministry construction inspectors be focusing on during this enforcement campaign?

Personal Protective Equipment & Safety Devices • Equipment, materials, and protective devices as prescribed are

provided and maintained in good condition. • Construction projects - check that fall protection devices are being

selected appropriately for the task and properly used and maintained. The components must be designed by a professional engineer and meet the CAN/CSA standards that are applicable. O. Reg. 213/91, subsection 26.1 (3)

• CSA certified Grade 1 footwear worn on a construction project at all times.




Worker information, education and training • Adequacy of training and education of workers who may be

exposed to falls hazards that may endanger their health or safety.

• Workers are provided with the appropriate information, instruction and supervision to protect their health and safety.

• Workers are aware of the right to refuse unsafe work where he or she has reason to believe they are at risk of physical injury due to fall hazards.




Worker information, education and training

• Worker must be able to demonstrate knowledge in the fundamentals of fall protection: • How to recognize, assess, and control hazards. • The application of the rights controls, including effective fall

prevention and fall protection methods. Employer must provide hands-on training that is equipment- and application-specific.

• How to work at heights safely in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulatory requirements.




Worker information, education and training

• Worker must be able to demonstrate knowledge in the fundamentals of fall protection:

• Proficiency in the safe and proper use of fall prevention, and personal fall protection systems and their components – guardrails, travel restraint systems, fall restricting systems, fall arrest systems or safety nets, as the case may be.

• Workers must be competent and have the skills and expertise to select, set-up, inspect, and use appropriate fall protection systems.




• Ladder Use At Construction Sites: – Making sure workers are following industry best practices

which include: • Not working off ladders unless the employer has conducted a

hazard assessment that would allow such use for the work being conducted;

• Ensuring that ladders are placed on sound, firm footing • Using equipment that is appropriate in the circumstances and

maintained in good condition; • Following the manufacturer's recommendations for use and

maintenance, and any limitations of the equipment.



Ladder Use At Construction Sites – When an employer intends to have work performed at heights,

the employer shall use a scaffold as required by section 125(1) of the Construction Regulation;

– Not working off ladders unless the employer has conducted a written hazard assessment that would allow such use for the work being conducted;

– No hazards posed by the use of a ladder or identified hazards have been mitigated; and

– Where a ladder is to be used, the employer shall ensure that the ladder and its use comply with the regulatory requirements and take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.



Ladder Use At Construction Sites – Portable, manufactured ladders must be designed,

constructed and maintained so as to not endanger a worker and must be capable of withstanding all loads to which they may be subjected;

– Ladders must be used in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions;

– Heavy-duty CSA-certified ladders - Construction Grade 1 in accordance with CSA Standard CAN3-Z11 Portable Ladders;

– Workers must be adequately trained on the selection, setup, use and maintenance of a ladder;



– An employer’s site-specific health and safety program must address the hazards and risks associated with the use of ladders to ensure that a workers health and safety are protected;

– Portable, manufactured ladders must be designed, constructed and maintained so as to not endanger a worker and must be capable of withstanding all loads to which they may be subjected;

– Ladders must be in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions; – Heavy-duty CSA-certified ladders - Construction Grade 1 in

accordance with CSA Standard CAN3-Z11 Portable Ladders; – Workers must be adequately trained on the selection, setup, use

and maintenance of a ladder;

Ladder Use At Construction Sites



Ladder Use At Construction Sites - Climbing – Ladders are designed to provide access to work areas at

different heights and allow workers to travel from the ground to other levels of a structure or building, either above or below ground.

– When workers are climbing a ladder, check to see if the worker is:

• using both hands while climbing/descending • maintaining three-point contact • facing the ladder

– Has the worker received information, instruction, and supervision on the safe climbing and material handling?



Ladder Use At Construction Sites – Receiving/ Placing/Removing Materials

– One hand must hold the side rail (three-point contact must be maintained)

– Worker keeps both feet on the ladder at all times – Worker’s centre line of body (belt buckle) stays with the side

rails of the ladder – Worker does not reach down below knee level – Handling or placing of the object does no interfere with the

worker’s balance • tool/materials don’t come in contact with the ladder • Worker doesn’t have to lean backwards or sideways beyond

the side rails of the ladder for the tool/materials to clear the ladder



Ladder Use At Construction Sites – Workers Working On Ladders

– Are trained in ladder safety – worker have received information and instruction on the safe use of ladders.

– Can perform tasks that do not affect the ladder stability: • No forceful exertions or sudden forces; • Not using equipment such as hammer drills, not over-

reaching while pulling something such as a cable through conduit.

– Can climb the ladder using both hands. A worker must not carry any materials, tools or equipment in his/her hands while climbing the ladder.

– Can climb the ladder while facing it.



Ladder Use At Construction Sites – Workers Working On Ladders (cont’d…)

– Can stand on the ladder and receive or place materials without reaching sideways beyond the side rails of the ladder, or below knee level, or lean backwards

– Can achieve three-point contact when standing and working on the ladder, i.e. not holding large, awkward items that require both hands to hold

– Can always keep both feet on the ladder while standing on it – Can stand below a height of three metres – otherwise fall

protection is needed.



What will ministry construction inspectors be looking for in this slips, trips, and falls campaign? • Ladder use in construction:

– Not working off ladders unless the employer has conducted a hazard assessment that would allow such use for the work being conducted. Follow established best practices.



What are some key messages for the workplace parties - falls from heights?

Preventing falls • A guardrail system meeting regulated requirements must be used if

a worker is exposed to a fall of 2.4 metres (8 feet) or more where the worker has access to the perimeter or an open side of: • a floor, including the floor of a mezzanine or balcony • the surface of a bridge • a roof while formwork is in place • a scaffold platform or other work platform, runway, or ramp



What are some key messages for the workplace parties -falls from heights?

Protecting workers • Where it is not reasonably possible to protect the workers from falls

by guardrails or by travel restraint systems, they must be protected by at least one of the following: • a fall restricting system designed to limit a worker's free fall to 0.6

metres (2 feet), • a safety net designed, tested and installed as per ANSI standard,



What are some key messages for the workplace parties -falls from heights?

Protecting workers • a fall arrest system, which must:

• include a CSA-approved full body harness, • include a lanyard equipped with a shock absorber (unless using the

shock absorber could cause a falling worker to hit the ground or an object or level below the work),

• be attached by a lifeline or by the lanyard to an adequate, independent fixed support, and

• limit a falling worker to a peak fall-arrest force not greater than 8 kilonewtons (1800 pounds force).

• In the event of a fall, these systems must keep a worker from hitting the ground, the next level below, or any other objects below the work.



What are some key messages for the workplace parties - falls from heights?

Protecting workers • Workers must be adequately trained and given instruction about the

proper use of the fall protection system by a “competent person.”

• A competent person is qualified – through knowledge, training and experience – to organize the work and its performance, to be familiar with the OHSA and the regulations that apply to the work being performed, and to know about any actual or potential danger to health and safety in the workplace.



What are some key messages for the workplace parties?

Protecting workers • An employer who is covered by the OHSA has obligations under the

act, including:

• instruct, inform and supervise workers to protect their health and safety [clause 25(2)(a)]

• appoint competent persons as supervisors [clause 25(2)(c)]

• take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker [clause 25(2)(h)], and

• post a copy of the occupational health and safety policy in the workplace, where workers will be most likely to see it [clause 25(2)(k)].




Protecting workers • An employer with six or more employees must also: prepare an

occupational health and safety policy, review that policy at least once a year and set up a program to implement it [clause 25(2)(j)].



What are some key messages for the workplace parties? (cont’d…)

Constructors/employers: • Ensure workers have adequate fall protection training. • Ensure adequate fall protection systems are in place and used. • Ensure there are no tripping or slipping hazards. • Ensure roof and floor openings are covered. • Ensure workers use ladders, work platforms, scaffolds, and

suspended access equipment safely. • Ensure young workers are trained and supervised.



What are some key messages for the workplace parties? (cont’d…)

Supervisors: • Ensure workers work in compliance with the protective devices, measures

and procedures required by the OHSA and regulations [clause 27(1)(a)] • Ensure workers use or wear any equipment, protective device or clothing

required by the employer is used or worn by workers [clause 27(1)(b)] • Advise workers of any potential or actual health or safety dangers known

by the supervisor [clause 27(2)(a)] • If prescribed, provide workers with written instructions about the measures

and procedures to be taken for the workers’ protection [clause 27(2)(b)], and

• Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers [clause 27(2)(c)].




Workers: • Know and follow health and safety requirements affecting your job.

• Ask for training BEFORE you begin doing work that could be unsafe.

• Raise any concerns about slips, trips, and falls, and other hazards with your supervisor.

• Use appropriate fall protection while working at heights. • Use ladders, scaffolds, and suspended access equipment safely. • Know about your right to refuse unsafe work.



Information about safety on construction sites Ministry of Labour website: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/

Ministry of Labour, Spot the Fall Hazards Tools: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/tools/

Ontario.ca/Construction Safety: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/topics/construction.php

Infrastructure Health & Safety Association: http://www.ihsa.ca/home.cfm

Workplace Safety & Insurance Board: http://www.wsib.on.ca/en/community/WSIB CSA standards referenced in occupational health and safety legislation: http://ohsviewaccess.csa.ca/default.asp?lang=EN e-Laws Ontario: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/index.html


http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/tools/

http://www.wsib.on.ca/en/community/WSIB

http://ohsviewaccess.csa.ca/default.asp?lang=EN

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/index.html


Summary/Questions

• In all workplaces where workers may slip, trip and fall or where workers are working at heights, employers must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers. [OHSA, s. 25(2)(h)]

• Preventing “same-level slips, trips and falls” and “falls from heights” should be a key goal of every safe and healthy workplace.

• Thank you. Any questions?


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