How to Comply with Machine Guarding Requirements in Ontario
Machine Guarding is important and strategic for Ontario industries – compliance is enforced by the Ministry of Labour. In the past year, the MOL has fined multiple companies for improper machine guarding and conducted an Inspection Blitz focused on machine guarding.
Employers are responsible for keeping all workers – including equipment operators, cleaning service providers and contractors – safe from machine guarding hazards. WSIB statistics show that approximately 2000 lost-time claims related workers injuries from coming in contact with machinery every year [1]. Recent data show that the number of injuries per year is increasing, with a 6% increase in lost-time claims due to workers coming into contact with machinery between 2016 and 2017 [1]. In this article we review: |
Canada-Ontario Job GrantFunding to cover the costs of employee trainingThe Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides employers with up to $10,000 per person in government support when they invest in employee training programs delivered by an eligible trainer such as MidSouthWest Training and Consulting. |
Types of injuries related to machine guarding
Moving machine parts have the potential to cause severe injuries such as crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. Workers exposed to moving parts of equipment can get caught up in machinery. Exposure can also occur if equipment is not properly locked and blocked during maintenance and repair. It is the employers responsibility to ensure proper machine guarding and Lockout/Tagout measures are in place to protect workers.
There are three types of motion that can cause injuries related to machine safety.
There are three types of motion that can cause injuries related to machine safety.
- Rotating
- Back and Forth / Up and Down
- Straight Line
Motion | Action | Type of Injury |
---|---|---|
Rotating | Cutting/Trapping | Laceration, Amputation, Suffocation |
Back and Forth, Up and Down | Impact / Struck by / Crushing | Fracture, Amputation, Death |
Straight Line | Entanglement/ Pulled by | Sprain, Strain, Fracture, Amputation, Death |
Workplace safety requirements and legislation
Machine guarding and Lockout/Tagout measures are intended to protect workers from coming into contact with hazards. Machine guarding measures provided by the manufacturer must not be removed or bypassed by the operator, and equipment should not be operated if machine guarding measures are not properly functioning. It is also important to have a policy about the transition from guarding to Lockout/Tagout during maintenance tasks.
Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that employers take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers. Sections 25, 27 and 28 refer to duties and responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers. Other applicable legislation (not necessarily limited to) applies as well:
|
|
Controlling machine guarding hazardsInjuries can result if hazards are not properly controlled. It is important to have a machine guarding procedure that complies with Ontario OHSA regulations and equipment manufacturer recommendations, including adequate worker training.
|
Machine Guarding and Lock-out / Tag-out TrainingWorker training and education are two of the best strategies to help reduce workplace injury and create a culture of injury prevention.
MidSouthWest Training and Consulting offers on-site training for: |
Reference: 2017 WSIB Statistical Report Builder
Last updated April 12, 2019