Greenhouse Growers: Risks, Hazards and Solutions
There are many hazards found within the greenhouse growers' sector, so it can be daunting to easily find
solutions to these challenges. But without a solid understanding of the dos, don'ts, and best practices, these
hazards also present numerous risks to workplaces.
The Greenhouse risk assessment project, is a multi-year initiative undertaken by the Ontario Ministry of Labour
Skills and Training Development (MLTSD) in coordination with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
and greenhouse industry stakeholders, who are working together to develop solutions that address the
identified top ten hazards and their associated root causes. This document provides some clarity on current
resources and workplace best practices that address these challenges, and how our Greenhouse growers solutions
can help!
Top 10 Root Causes
Lack of Fall Protection (anchoring points) Resistance to change
Lack of "Near Miss" Reporting Training and education challenges
Engineering and new technology challenges Not following policies and procedures
Fit for Duty concerns Complacency and Personal Protective Equipment
Lack of a preventative maintenance program Lack of communication
By breaking down the top 10 root causes of incidents in the greenhouse sector, we have identified 6 common
hazard categories, and provided links to associated WSPS solutions. Many of these are free and available in other
languages! You can also connect with our on-call duty consultants at dutyconsultant@wsps.ca if you have
additional questions.
Common Hazards and Links to Solutions
Working at Heights
Challenge
For Greenhouse Growers, working at heights is a common
hazard, so having a structured workplan in place that is based on
your workplace specific risk assessment is critical.
Effective workplans, policies and programs should be developed
in a collaborative fashion. Including maintenance staff in your
plans can go a long way to ensure that ladders, fixed and portable
anchoring points for structures, machinery and other platforms
are in place and inspected regularly, through a preventive
maintenance program.
Remember, it's not only fall prevention! Working at Heights can
also result in overexertion injuries. Training on the safe use of
ladders should also be provided for staff.
Solutions
Training
Working at Heights
Guides
Preventing Falls
Preventing Lifting & Overexertion Injuries
Proper Use of Ladders
Job Aid - Mobile Ladders Platforms
Job Aid - Aerial Work Platforms
Articles
Working at Heights Regulations
Most resources are also available in French and Spanish.
