This Stream includes all of our Guides & Toolkits Flipbooks.
Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1520199
1 355-BQD-01-IAAP © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) | 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | WSPS.CA Landscape Ontario – Workplace Safety Tailgate Talks INTRODUCTION The Workplace Safety Tailgate Talks for Landscape Industries guidebook is designed to speak to all workers in the landscape industry; highlighting common hazards in the workplace; and outlining ways to prevent these hazards from becoming injuries, illnesses or even fatalities. There is a wide range of services offered within the landscape industry and can be defined in 10 sectors: construction, grounds maintenance, lawn care, designers, interior, lighting, irrigation, snow removal, nursery and retail garden centres. This guide is best used to support the role of the supervisor by providing the tools and information to ensure workers work safely, and to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The information provided in this guide will enhance your company's health and safety training program. Complying with the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) The OHSA establishes laws for dealing with workplace hazards. The OHSA sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace. Its main purpose is to protect workers against health and safety hazards on the job. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) enforces the laws set in the OHSA and determines if compliance has not been met according to the established law. Keep in mind there are specific requirements for the landscape industry under the OHSA and specific regulations when working on other job sites or confronted with specific hazards, such as industrial or construction sites, confined spaces, WHMIS, etc. Always refer to the OHSA e-Laws and the regulatory requirements or the MLITSD website. Due diligence is very important to practice – under the law everyone is accountable for the safety of themselves, others and their working environment. If you and/or a fellow worker are found negligent in the event of an incident causing an injury or a fatality, all parties may be formally prosecuted by the MLITSD for their contributions to the circumstances of the incident. The best defense to prove due diligence is to document all training and work practices, report all hazards and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone and the workplace. Encouraging a Positive Health and Safety Culture in our Workplace Safety cultures are beginning to shift and become an integral part of any business plan. Gone are the days where safety is the sole responsibility of management. Today, everyone is ultimately accountable and responsible for making sure they are working safely and in a safe environment. This is a positive shift in our health and safety culture and embraces the following values: There is a sincere commitment to safety. All personnel, including senior managers, demonstrate their commitment to safety. People and their well-being are valued. "AT WORK, HOME OR PLAY, EVERYDAY, THINK AND ACT SAFELY."