Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine
A supervisor at a construction company in Hamilton, Ontario was issued a $4,000 penalty and the company was fined $65,000 after worker fell from a crane.
In January 2010, the worker was refueling a mobile crane at Bermingham Construction Limited’s facility when the lid of the gas tank closed on his hand, causing him to fall.
The company and supervisor were both convicted of failing to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that the fuel tank lid was secured, notes a statement from the Ministry of Labour on October 11, 2012.
My opinion
Again, why would any process or procedure not be discussed, by the supervisor as part of a tailgate meeting prior to any work being done? Does Bermingham Construction Limited have a set of safe work procedures?
I would rather ensure that the employer and supervisor of this particular company, or any other company for that matter, to read up on all the responsibilities for the employer and supervisor as discussed in the Occupational Health & Safety Act. (OHSA)
Complacency is one of the main hazards dealing in the workplace today. Do you know how many times I’ve heard the statement, “I’ve been doing it this way for years and I’ve never had any problems.” I bet we all have heard that before. The only problem is, the accident can happen once and it would change the life of not only the victim of the company in general.
Please ensure that you are not one of the statistics at the Ministry of Labour. Have your company follow all the appropriate procedures spelled out in the sector specific regulations and the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
Thanks.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.