Why Canadian Businesses Need to Start Thinking About Intelligent Signage.

Compliance Solutions Canada

1-877-761-5354

Online Catalogue

Legislation Guide

Account Login Account Info

Items 0 | Sub Total $0.00

Fans & Air Circulators

Lockers & Cabinets

Spill Containment

Warehouse Equipment

Shelving & Racking

Storage Containers

Material Handling

Recycling Solutions

Waste Management Solutions

Facility Products

Why Canadian Businesses Need to Start Thinking About Intelligent Signage.
McGuinty Government Committed To Eliminating Workplace Injuries Safety Blitz Targets Industrial Workplaces Toronto, Jan. 28 2010 The Ontario government will continue its efforts to reduce workplace injuries by cracking down on hazards involving forklifts and lifting devices at industrial workplaces in February 2009, Labour Minister Peter Fonseca announced today. Inspectors will focus on ensuring employers are inspecting and maintaining lifting devices in good condition, using competent persons to operate the equipment and ensuring that the equipment is being used in a safe work environment. For each conviction, the court can impose a fine of up to $500,000 against a corporation convicted under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Individuals face a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. This initiative is part of the province's new Safe At Work Ontario blitz strategy, announced on July 23, 2008. Keeping more workers safe means increased productivity for Ontario's economy and less strain on the health care system.	Benefits of Smart Designs with Intelligent Signage: Reduce Accidents Reduce WSIB claim costs Reduce loss of product Prevent loss of production time Avoid costly medical bills Avoid costly legal fees Avoid hefty fines and possible jail time Prevent damage to your facility Prevent damages caused by exposure from hazardous materials
QUOTES "Forklifts and other lifting devices are a significant cause of serious worker injury and deaths... The Government of Ontario and its workplace partners are committed to eliminating all workplace injuries, including those related to these lifting devices. Workers have a right to come home each day to their families, safe and sound." - Labour Minister Peter Fonseca. QUICK FACTS Thirteen workers died between 2003 and 2007 as a result of industrial incidents involving lift trucks, reach trucks, forklifts and tow motors, according to ministry statistics. In total, there were 10,308 forklift-related incidents where there was a lost time injury between 1996 and 2008, an average of 793 incidents a year, according to the data compiled by the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO). FORKLIFT HAZARDS FOCUS OF INCREASED ENFORCEMENT AT INDUSTRIAL WORKPLACES Ministry of Labour inspectors will look for hazards involving forklifts and other lifting devices during an enforcement blitz of industrial workplaces in February 2009. The increased enforcement is part of the province's Safe At Work Ontario strategy, launched in June 2008. Forklifts and other lifting devices, used to raise or lower material and objects, continue to be a significant cause of serious worker injury and deaths. These devices are commonly found in many industrial sectors in Ontario. Thirteen workers died between 2003 and 2007 as a result of industrial incidents involving lift trucks, reach trucks, forklifts and tow motors, according to ministry statistics. During this period, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board statistics showed the average forklift lost-time claim resulted in 67 days lost from work. In total, there were 10,308 forklift-related incidents where there was a lost time injury between 1996 and 2008, an average of 793 incidents a year, according to the data compiled by the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario. These incidents were due to a number of factors, including: - lack of preventative maintenance and load capacity examinations; - lifting devices striking objects during operation such as racking systems; and - workers being struck by forklift trucks, other lifting equipment and improperly-secured loads. Inspectors will take a "zero tolerance" approach to any contraventions found under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Blitz Focus Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors will pay particular attention to industrial sectors where incidents most often occurred. These include: - Retailers - Wholesalers - Transportation - Automotive - Wood and Metal Fabrication - Food, Beverage and Tobacco - Office and Related Services (employment agencies that supply non- clerical labour to industrial workplaces) - Chemical, Rubber and Plastics Ministry inspectors will also target workplaces: - Identified as being high-priority due to possible lifting devices and forklift hazards; - Known to have highly hazardous processes and equipment; - Where complaints have been received; and - Where there is a poor compliance history. Priorities Inspectors will focus on the following key priorities: Lifting Device Inspection and Maintenance: Inspectors will check to ensure employers are maintaining equipment in good condition to prevent mechanical or operational failures, undertaking repairs as necessary and examining lifting devices, according to legislated requirements, to determine their load capacity. Operation of the Lifting Device by a Qualified Person: Inspectors will check to ensure that workers having the training, knowledge and experience to operate lifting devices or, where workers are being instructed, that the workers are accompanied by a trained individual. Inspectors will review training records and question workers on their familiarity with the equipment being used in the workplace and possible hazards. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure workers operating lifting devices are up-to-date on required training. Safe Work Environment: Inspectors will ensure employers are taking every reasonable precaution to protect workers who are working in the area of forklifts and lifting devices. This may require the use of protective barriers, qualified signal persons, warning signs or other safeguards. Employers should conduct a comprehensive workplace assessment of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to determine the most appropriate safeguards to utilize in their workplace.
To learn More: Don’t Let A Fork Lift Truck Skewer Your Company.
Example Signage & Visibility Products: Internal Safety Mirrors Internal Safety Mirrors can help prevent accidents indoors by allowing your employees to see around blind corners without putting their body at risk. Outdoor Safety Mirrors These hard wearing mirrors are specifically designed to function outdoors. Prevent damage to equipment, products and personnel with proper placement.