Leader In Safety News Leader

2009 Summer Download PDF

The heat is on
Students are returning to the workforce and your next hire may be more than an employee's son or daughter, niece or nephew. With the proper training and skills development, they could become a major part of your company's future. Young workers bring a renewed sense of enthusiasm to a company and try hard to make a good impression by working quickly. Unfortunately, they're rarely able to recognize hazards; they don't ask many questions and are reluctant to report unsafe conditions.

"Young workers are 24% more likely to be injured on the job than other groups, particularly during the first few days of employment." - WSIB

Health and Safety training should begin as soon as a new worker joins your company. The Occupational Health and Safety Act states employers must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. Failing to provide proper orientation, training and on-the-job guidance, can cost more than lost production time; it can lead to hefty fines, stop work orders and even death.

"Every year more than 50,000 young workers aged 15-24, report injuries to the WSIB."

Let's get to work
After an initial site orientation new workers are legally required to receive training in:

• WHMIS
• Job related tasks i.e. traffic control & confined space entry
• Job specific hazard awareness & operating procedures
• Emergency procedures, including fall protection & rescue
• Equipment operation such as powder-actuated tools, hoisting equipment & fire extinguishers

How you can help young workers
Explain to new workers the importance of reporting of unsafe conditions and health and safety concerns. Ensure they know it is a priority for the company and teach them how to report a hazard so it can be acted upon immediately. If they have any questions or doubts about health and safety, they should come to you so that they and their fellow employees are not at risk.

New workers are defined as:

• Any new hire--permanent or temporary, including supervisors, with or without experience in your industry
• Current workers who are assigned new jobs
• Student workers, co-op placements or apprentices
• Contractors and/or subcontractors

>> Call today for a safer tomorrow: 1-866-939-7999

Professional training. Professional results.
In addition to the mandatory training listed in "Let's get to work", Leader In Safety can educate your employees in the areas of safe ladder use, the importance of clean work sites, prevention of electrical contact, proper erection and dismantling of scaffolding, guardrail requirements, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

Tragedy on the job site
In March of this year, an Ontario construction worker was killed from a traumatic injury. A 19 year-old worker was crushed between a front-end loader and an excavator. This unnecessary tragedy is a strong reminder to reinforce and utilize the three safety practices that save lives:

1. Site planning
2. Proper signaling and eye contact
3. Young worker orientation and supervision

Our nuclear family
After finishing projects with Siemens on the Bruce Nuclear and Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations, we will be participating in the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Suppliers Day on May 26th, 2009 at the Ajax Convention Centre.

Leader In Safety is a proud member of OCI – the Organization of CANDU Industries.

Ministry of Labour inspection blitzes
June - New and young workers
July - Slips, trips and falls
For each violation, the court can impose a fine of up to $500,000 against a corporation convicted under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Convicted individuals could face fines up to $25,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

>> Contact us with your questions, concerns or for more information at www.leaderinsafety.ca

Special thanks to CSAO for their assistance with the information used in this newsletter.