Resource Articles

February 2010

Previous MOL Blitzes

“The Government of Ontario and its workplace partners remain committed to eliminating all workplace injuries. Workers deserve to come home to their families each day, safe and sound."

Since 2003, at least 18 workers have died as a result of incidents involving lift trucks, reach trucks, forklifts and tow motors. More than 25% of those deaths occurred in 2009, with 5 workers killed between January and August 2009. OHSCO data indicates a total of 9,455 forklift-related incidents involving a lost time injury between 1996 and 2008 - an average of 727 incidents per year! (Source: MOL Backgrounder)

During February, Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors will be conducting a zero-tolerance safety blitz on workplaces. This initiative is part of the province’s “Safe At Work Ontario” strategy to improve workplace health and safety practices through increased awareness, training and enforcement of provincial legislation and regulations. While the industry sectors chosen and the duration of this blitz are similar to last year there are two significant differences - inspectors will be conducting after hours (evening) and weekend field visits; and will also visit greenhouse and mushroom farming operations. Their focus will be on the key priorities listed below. Read our AP e-News Jan 2010 article or the MOL Backgrounder for more details:

• Lifting Device Inspection and Maintenance
• Operation of the Lifting Device by a Qualified Person
• Safe Work Environment

New video clip available from the MOL! See an inspector in action and learn what she looks for during a forklift inspection. Run time: 4 min.

How We Can Help

A variety of information, products and services related to forklifts and lifting devices is available to assist you.

Web Resources

Visit our Free Downloads section for forms, publications, tools and other resources including the following:

• Hazard Tip Sheet: Are Your Lifting Devices in Good Condition?
• Hazard Tip Sheet: Pedestrians and Mobile Equipment Don’t Mix
• Resource Article: Battery Bull Fork Lift Battery Lifting Devices
• Resource Article: Reach Trucks Collision Hazards
• Legislative Compliance Questionnaire
• IRSST Self Assessments
  • Self Assessment Users Guide
  • Cranes and Lifting Devices
  • Lift Truck

Information Services

Contact the IAPA Information Centre for your free information package containing MOL court bulletins, journal articles and other relevant documents.

Subscribe free to Accident Prevention e-News for workplace health and safety news, prosecutions, alerts and articles to keep you up to date.

Training

Products / Self Study

Inspecting Physical Conditions, Guidelines for Setting Standards
This text provides guidelines for workplace conditions, equipment hazard controls and more. It is based on current legal requirements and standards set by recognized authorities such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), as well as on generally accepted work practices.

Safe-LIFT on DVD
Developed by Liftow Ltd., the SAFE-Lift self-study training program helps you to comply with Ministry of Labour guidelines for lift truck operator and pedestrian safety training. The DVD incorporates all the SAFE-Lift videos onto one convenient disc: Counterbalance (English and French); Narrow Aisle; Pallet Truck; Pedestrian Safety (English and French). Additional print packages are available separately for Counterbalance Rider, Narrow Aisle and Pallet Truck-Low Lift.

Consulting Services

Our consultants work together with clients to identify and assess health and safety needs based on the client’s readiness and capacity. As part of their work, consultants assist with the development of a health and safety program; provide health and safety information and training; identify and facilitate practical solutions. Contact an IAPA consultant by calling 1.800.406.IAPA (4272) for more information on:

• Hazard assessments, reports and recommendations
• Development and delivery of awareness presentations on specific topics
• Assistance in developing a health and safety program and procedures
• Availability of on-site training and other services including:
  
  Lift Truck Operators’ Evaluation
  Extensive experience and knowledge regarding lifting devices and forklift hazards are utilized to provide our comprehensive on-site operator evaluation services and training. With each evaluation, employers receive both verbal and written assessments of the individual operator’s skills.
  

Conferences & Events

Our health and safety conferences throughout Ontario provide excellent opportunities for networking and learning on lifting devices and other key topics. Visit Partners in Prevention 2010 Ontario Health & Safety Conference & Trade Show and the Regional Conferences section for more information.

Partner Sites

Farm Safety Association (FSA) - FSA provides health & safety information, resources and assistance to firms within the agricultural, horticultural and landscaping industries. Click the link to access their website for more information.

Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA) - OSSA provides health & safety information, resources and assistance to firms within the service sector. Click the link to access their website for more information.