Yes. Any machine part, function or process that may cause injury to the operator or other persons in the immediate vicinity must be safeguarded, so that workers are prevented from being able to access, or be exposed to, mechanical and other related hazards. Examples of machine hazards include rotating parts, sparks, debris or pinch points.

There are numerous pieces of legislation that pertain to this, including Ontario Regulation 851/24-35.

Another key requirement are Pre-Start health and Safety Reviews. A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR) must be conducted on any new or modified devices, structures, or protective elements added or installed in an industrial establishment, a new process implemented, or one or more new or modified engineering controls are used – as outlined in Regulation 851/07 PSR ‘Table’.

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is the physical placement of a lock and signage (tag) on a piece of equipment as a method of controlling exposure to hazardous energy sources produced by that equipment, machine or process. Hazardous energy includes electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, kinetic, potential, chemical, radiation and thermal energy sources.

LOTO must be conducted prior to performing any maintenance, cleaning, troubleshooting, repair, or any other task performed on equipment, devices, or processes where there is a risk of worker exposure to hazardous forms of energy, on or in the vicinity of the equipment.

Various sections of Ontario Regulation 851 apply to LOTO, including sections 42(1), 42(2), 42(5-7), and 74-76.

Failing to perform LOTO can result in electrocutions, cuts, burns, bruises, fires and explosions, chemical exposures, crushing injuries, amputation or even death.

There is not a defined frequency for WHMIS training.

Workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials require WHMIS training, including chemical specific training:

• upon hiring.
• if assigned to a new position or task.
• if conditions of the workplace have changed.
• if new hazardous materials are introduced to the workplace.
• if new information about the safe use, handling, storage or disposal of the product becomes available.

In addition, refresher training is recommended to be delivered to staff at regular determined intervals to ensure workers maintain their knowledge and understanding of WHMIS and the hazards associated with the materials they work with.

At least once a year, the employer must review the training and instruction provided to workers, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative of the workplace. This review should be documented.

No legislation directly addresses musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); however, numerous sections under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations relate to MSD prevention and ergonomics.

Specifically, sections 25.2(h) and 27.2(c) of the OHSA are important, which state that employers and supervisors must “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.” This requires a proactive and preventative approach to workplace health and safety. Ontario Regulation 851/45 (O. Reg. 851/45) is also very applicable, as it pertains to safe material handling practices.

Ergonomics is the science of designing and adjusting environments, task, tools, systems and equipment to fit the capabilities and limitations of the human and can assist in creating a comfortable, productive and efficient work environment that reduces the risk of injuries. Not considering ergonomics can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, falls and visibility hazards.

Health and safety concerns should first be brought to the attention of the worker’s employer or supervisor. If nothing is done, it can be taken to the worker's health and safety representative or joint health and safety committee. If the situation is not corrected, it can be reported to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) Health and Safety Contact Centre (1-877-202-0008).

Workers have a legal right to refuse unsafe work under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. More information on work refusals and the process that must be followed can be obtained on the MLITSD website.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is the legal framework for workplace health and safety standards and practices in Ontario.

It sets out the rights and responsibilities of employers, supervisors, workers, and other parties in ensuring health and safety in the workplace, including their obligation to take every reasonable precaution to protect health and safety, to comply with regulations, and to report and address workplace hazards.

It also provides the framework for enforcement and penalties for non-compliance and establishes the roles and powers of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, its inspectors and other enforcement agencies.

Ontario Regulation 851 (O. Reg. 851) aims to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses by promoting safe working conditions in industrial establishments, such as factories, warehouses and manufacturing facilities.

It covers a wide range of topics, including workplace design and layout, machinery and equipment safety (e.g. machine guarding, lockout/tagout, Pre-start Health and Safety Reviews, etc.), ventilation, lighting and temperature control. It also addresses specific hazards such as noise exposure, hazardous substances, and material handling.

Under O. Reg. 851, employers have the responsibility of implementing safety measures, providing appropriate training, and maintaining records related to workplace safety. Workers have the right to participate in health and safety activities, report hazards or concerns and receive training on safe work practices.

Ontario Regulation 381/15 (O. Reg 381/15) aims to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

O. Reg 381/15 requires employers to assess and control noise levels in the workplace and implement control measures to reduce or eliminate the noise if it exceeds the established limits. Additionally, employers must develop and implement a comprehensive hearing conservation program.

Ontario Regulation 860 aims to protect workers from injuries or illnesses associated with hazardous materials.

It outlines the responsibilities of suppliers, employers, and workers in relation to the classification, labeling, and provision of safety data sheets for hazardous materials, as well as the requirement to provide appropriate training to workers on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Ontario Regulation 632/05 (O. Reg. 632/05) sets out requirements and procedures for safely working in confined spaces; areas that are partially or completely enclosed and is not primarily designed or intended for human occupancy and has limited or restricted means of entry or exist.

Under O. Reg. 632/05, employers have specific responsibilities including: identifying all confined spaces in the workplace, assessing the hazards associated with each space, and implementing control measures to eliminate or minimize those hazards. Employers must also develop and implement written confined space entry programs and train workers on the hazards, proper entry procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment.

O. Reg. 632/05 also sets out specific provisions for atmospheric testing, ventilation, communication, and rescue procedures in case of emergencies within confined spaces