Knowledge Center- Workplace Safety Tips
The Knowledge Centre demonstrates our commitment to service and continuous improvement in workplace safety. It is a destination for learning about Occupational Health and Safety. Ideally, Knowledge Centre is the one source for all workplace safety tips. We will be adding new information, tips, trends, stories, statistics and more on a regular basis to support your safety efforts and promote a deeper understanding of the profession.
In the spirit of building a wealth of information, we would like to know if there is a specific topic that you would like to learn more about and we will gladly add it for others to also enjoy. Please email us your request, suggestions or feedback.
Recent Updates to the Ontario Fire Code relating to Lift Trucks
Recent changes are made to the Ontario Fire code that took affect November 27, 2007.
As it relates to Fuel-fired industrial trucks – Section 3.4.2.1(4) states that “Each fuel-fired industrial truck shall be equipped with at least one portable extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2A:30B:C”. The previous code(3.4.2.6) allowed for a minimum of a 5BC rated portable extinguisher.
As it relates to Battery-powered industrial trucks – Section 3.4.2.2(2) states that “Battery charging installations for battery-powered industrial trucks shall be equipped with at least one portable extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2A:30B:C”. The previous code(3.4.3.4) allowed for a minimum of a 10BC rated portable extinguisher.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and local Fire Prevention Officers are now requiring an upgrade from CO2 portable extinguishers to higher volume ABC Dry Chemical units. Many of our customers who have recently had inspections have reported being asked to upgrade these extinguishers to meet minimum Fire Code requirements.
Workplace Violence Prevention
Bill 29 First Reading – Bill 29 proposes to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect workers from harassment and violence in the workplace.
Workplace Bullying
Health and Safety
Protect Your Back – Doing things as simple as carrying a parcel, driving your car or bending over to tie your shoes can cause you to feel sudden back pain, as if you’ve been stabbed in the back. Your back locks up and you’re immobilized, unable to straighten up or make the slightest movement. In just these few seconds, you have joined the thousands of others who suffer from back pain.
Protect Your Eyes – Sight is our most precious sense. A large part of our ability to perceive the world around us depends on it. However, our eyes are very delicate organs and can be damaged easily. Every year in Canada, employees sustain serious eye injuries that result in time lost from work.
Protect Your Feet – In spite of the variety and quality of safety shoes available on the market, it is always surprising to see that one out of ten accidents happens to the feet. In many work environments, wearing safety shoes is mandatory given bad ground conditions or poor working conditions.
Protect Your Head – There are many causes of head injuries. In several work places, workers are exposed to falling objects, walk under boards or pipes hanging at the end of a rope, have to crouch down under machines, work under vehicles, etc.
Protect Your Lungs – In the present document, we would like to introduce some basic information regarding respiratory protection devices and how to use them. The majority of the information quoted comes from the Canadian Standards Association standard number CSA Z94.4, entitled Selection, Use and Care of Respirators.
Protect Your Skin – Simply looking at your skin, you wouldn’t think it does anything. To the contrary, it is far from inactive. It is constantly fighting off countless external agents and is highly successful in this task.