Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
A worker, employed by Continuous Colour Coat Limited, a manufacturer of coated metal products, was injured while cleaning a piece of machinery that was not properly guarded.
On April 10, 2018, a worker was cleaning the metering roll of a coater machine. The metering roll was cleaned while the machine was live, running in reverse mode.
Once cleaned, the metering roll was inspected for defects by the worker. While inspecting the metering roll, the worker’s hand was drawn between the roll and a paint tray, causing injuries.
The procedure for cleaning the metering roll required that a guard be in place to prevent an in-running nip hazard.
A Ministry of Labour investigation determined that a guard was not in place at the time the worker was injured.
Continuous Colour Coat Limited failed, as an employer, to ensure that the exposed pinch point hazard on the metering roll was equipped with a proper guard to prevent access to the in-running nip hazard.
My opinion
The law(s) in contravention:
Continuous Colour Coat Limited was found guilty of a contravention of the Ontario ‘Industrial Establishment’ regulation 851/90, section 25 which states,
“An in-running nip hazard or any part of a machine, device or thing that may endanger the safety of any worker shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the pinch point.”
This was in direct contravention of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, (OHSA), section 25, subsection 1(c) which states,
“An employer shall ensure that,
(c) the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace.”
It seems that there are way too many Machine Guarding accidents. The Ministry of Labour (MOL), before the pandemic, was very concerned about Machine Guarding accidents in the ‘Industrial’ sector and completed a blitz to ensure that all machines were properly guarded.
Please read my blog for more information. There are many, many examples of Machine Guarding accidents over the past 100 posts.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Machine Guarding’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.
Thanks.
Excellent!