News briefs: OHS news from across Canada and around the world

Ontario loading dock blitz yields 3,233 orders

TORONTO — An Ontario safety blitz focused on loading dock inspections resulted in 84 stop work orders in February. Ministry of Labour inspectors visited 1,089 workplaces during 1,285 blitz-related visits and issued 3,233 orders. The most frequently issued orders involved violations related to maintenance of equipment, examination of lifting devices, provision of information and instruction to workers and securing of vehicles and machinery, according to Health and Safety Ontario. The blitz was prompted by risks faced by workers in loading docks and shipping and receiving areas. If not controlled, hazards in these areas can result in workers being pinned between loading docks and vehicles, or struck by vehicles, mobile equipment or unsecured items that tip or fall, the organization said. Between Jan. 1, 2000, and Oct. 31, 2010, 15 industrial sector workers died in incidents involving shipping and receiving areas. Goals of the blitz included raising awareness of loading dock hazards, encouraging employers to identify and control hazards and addressing non-compliance.

Ontario looking for feedback on guide for joint health and safety committees

TORONTO — Ontario’s Ministry of Labour is looking for feedback on its Guide for Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC) and Representatives in the Workplace. A new print edition of the guide, which will include recent changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act contained in Bill 160, is slated to be available in spring 2012. Bill 160 amends the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. Some key changes from the bill include the establishment of the Ministry of Labour as the lead for accident prevention, transferring that responsibility from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the appointment of a new chief prevention officer to co-ordinate and align the prevention system.  The government is updating the guide and looking for feedback on what improvements might help workplaces. To submit feedback about the guide visit: www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/feedback/guidefeedback.php.

WorkSafeBC launches return-to-work video series

VANCOUVER — WorkSafeBC has launched a six-part video series to help employers improve return-to-work outcomes. The series illustrates the importance of an effective program and outlines strategies that can improve a program, according to the organization. The first video is an introduction to workplace reintegration. Four of the videos are employer profiles of best practices other businesses have used to improve a program. The final video shows the financial and human resource benefits of an effective program.

Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health appoints new CEO

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health (SASWH) has appointed George Marshall as its new CEO. SASWH is a non-profit autonomous association that was established Feb. 12, 2010.  Marshall was the CEO for the Service and Hospitality Safety Association of Saskatchewan for the past year. He established the Hotel Best Industry Practice Group under which 43 general managers signed the SafeSask CEO Charter Program. Marshall worked with the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency for three years as manager of business process improvement and assessment co-ordinator. He also spent six years working at the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board.

Saskatchewan launches ad campaign aimed at youth

REGINA — WorkSafe Saskatchewan has launched a new advertising campaign aimed at young people. The campaign’s slogan, Work2Live, identifies the need to practice safety in the workplace, identify and remove hazards, and remove risks from our jobs. The main character of the two ads is a worker ant. One ad relays the message, “If it feels wrong, it probably is wrong.”