Workplace Safety: Understanding and Preventing the Top 10 Safety Violations in Canada
Workplace safety is of the utmost importance for any industrial business. With the potential for hazardous conditions and heavy machinery, it is crucial that all employees are properly trained and equipped to work in such environments.
Unfortunately, safety violations are all too common in industrial workplaces. In Canada, the top 10 safety violations include:
fall protection,
scaffolding,
electrical safety,
hazard communication,
respiratory protection,
machine guarding,
ladders,
fire protection,
personal protective equipment (PPE),
emergency action plans.
Fall Protection
One of the most common safety violations in industrial workplaces is fall protection. This includes failure to provide proper fall protection equipment or to ensure that employees are properly trained in the use of fall protection equipment. This is a serious violation, as falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in the workplace. To prevent falls, employers should ensure that employees are trained on the proper use of fall protection equipment and that all equipment is inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Check out our Fall Protection Training Course which covers the basics of fall arrest, travel restraint, and work positioning, including fall protection definitions, calculations, and rescue planning.
Scaffolding
Scaffolding is another common safety violation in industrial workplaces. This includes failure to properly construct, maintain, or inspect scaffolding. Scaffolding can be dangerous if not properly set up or maintained, and can collapse and cause serious injuries. To prevent scaffolding accidents, employers should ensure that scaffolding is constructed, inspected and maintained by competent people and be aware of the OSHA scaffolding standard regulations. Check out our Scaffolding Course that will help employers and operators complete Canada-compliant operator safety training and properly record it.
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety is another key concern in industrial workplaces. This includes failure to properly install, maintain, or inspect electrical equipment and wiring. Electrical hazards can include shock, burns, fires, and explosions. To prevent electrical accidents, employers should ensure that all electrical equipment is properly installed, inspected and maintained by a competent person and that employees are properly trained on how to safely work with electrical equipment. Check out our Electrical Safety Course that provides a basic understanding of electricity, how it works, and electrical safety.
Hazard Communication
Hazard communication is another important aspect of workplace safety. This includes failure to properly label hazardous materials or to provide employees with proper training in the handling of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials can include chemicals, gases, and other materials that can be harmful if not handled properly. To prevent accidents related to hazardous materials, employers should ensure that all hazardous materials are properly labelled, that employees are trained in the proper handling and disposal of such materials, and that emergency plans are in place in case of accidental release. Check out our Hazard Assessment Course that covers an understanding of the importance of hazard assessments, as well as their impact on the overall performance of health and safety management systems.
Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection is another key safety concern in industrial workplaces. This includes failure to provide employees with proper respiratory protection equipment or to ensure that employees are properly trained in the use of such equipment. Breathing in contaminated air can cause serious health problems, including lung diseases and cancers. To prevent accidents related to respiratory protection, employers should ensure that employees are provided with appropriate respiratory protection equipment and that they are properly trained in its use. Check out our Respiratory Protection Course that teaches you about the different types of respirators available and how to wear/use them.
Machine Guarding
Machine guarding is also a major concern in industrial workplaces. This includes failure to properly install or maintain guards on machinery to protect employees from hazards such as flying debris or moving parts. Machine guarding can prevent employees from getting injured by moving parts of machinery. Employers should ensure that machinery is properly guarded and that guards are inspected and maintained regularly. Check out our Machine Guarding Course that is CSA-Compliant Training Class for Machine Guarding
Safety in Canada and is I-CAB Recognized. This course satisfies the requirements for the classroom training.
Ladders
Ladders are also a common safety violation in industrial workplaces. This includes failure to properly construct, maintain, or inspect ladders. Ladders can be dangerous if not properly set up or maintained and can collapse and cause serious injuries. To prevent ladder accidents, employers should ensure that ladders are constructed, inspected and maintained by competent people and that employees are trained on the proper use of ladders. Check out our Ladder Safety in Construction Course that reminds employees not to take using ladders for granted and to take the appropriate precautions when using ladders.
Fire Protection
Fire protection is another important aspect of workplace safety. This includes failure to properly install, maintain, or inspect fire protection equipment such as fire alarms and sprinklers. Fires can cause serious injuries and deaths, as well as significant damage to property. To prevent fires, employers should ensure that all fire protection equipment is properly installed, inspected, and maintained by competent persons and that employees are trained in fire safety procedures. Check out our Fire Extinguisher Safety Course that provides the basic knowledge and skills required to fight a small fire. Topics include types of fires, fire extinguishers and extinguishing agents; fire extinguisher operation; and firefighting procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is also crucial for workplace safety. This includes failure to provide employees with proper PPE or to ensure that employees are properly trained in the use of PPE. PPE can include safety goggles, hard hats, gloves, and other equipment that can protect employees from hazards on the job. To prevent accidents related to PPE, employers should ensure that employees are provided with appropriate PPE and that they are properly trained in its use. Check out our Personal Protective Equipment Course that teaches students about the basics of personal protective equipment (PPE). Students will learn about the hierarchy of hazard controls, their rights and responsibilities, head protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, and hand and foot protection. They will also receive a brief overview of some other common forms of PPE, including high-visibility safety apparel, fall protection, and limb and body protection.
Emergency Planning
Finally, emergency action plans are also critical for workplace safety. This includes failure to develop and implement emergency action plans to ensure the safety of employees in case of an emergency such as a fire or natural disaster. Emergency action plans can help to prevent serious injuries and deaths by providing employees with clear instructions on how to respond in an emergency. Employers should ensure that emergency action plans are developed and that employees are trained on emergency procedures. Check out our Emergency Response Course that covers how to create and respond to emergencies.
In summary, employers should ensure that all employees are properly trained and equipped to work in such environments and that safety regulations are being followed. At On-Track Safety, we understand the importance of workplace safety in industrial environments. We offer a wide range of services to help employers comply with safety regulations and keep their employees safe on the job. Our services include safety training, safety audits, and safety equipment inspections. We also provide comprehensive safety consulting services to help employers develop and implement effective safety programs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your workplace safe.
On-Track Safety Most Popular Safety Training Courses
Click on the brochure below to review our most popular courses and how to sign up for a free safety training account and 15% off all training for your first three months.
