Toolbox meetings (or crew talks) can be an effective way to deliver information, introduce new concepts, skills or procedures, and generate work-based discussions. Although most prevalent in the construction industry, toolbox meetings can be used to promote safety in the spectrum of workplace industries, environments and situations. Seizing the opportunity to hold an informal[…]

  The following is an excerpt from an article featured in the April 2008 issue of On-Site magazine titled “Software eases safety compliance”. The article, written by Adam Pletsch, puts the spotlight on Simply Safety as an efficient safety management tool.   Tracking safety-related information on the jobsite is an almighty challenge, especially when the[…]

  The safety of fallers working in BC’s forest industry comes into greater focus as the BC Forest Safety Council has announced updated safety requirements to ensure that fallers are adequately certified and evaluated. This year, the Council will be launching an annual renewal fee system for BC’s certified fallers, and will also be piloting[…]

  In 2008, the BC Forest Safety Council will introduce three new initiatives, working to enhance occupational health and safety in BC’s forestry industry. While the Council will of course continue to focus on existing programs, it will also address issues of forest worker wellness, improved incident reporting and investigation methods, and expanding the involvement[…]

  In November 2007, OSHA announced its final rule regarding who is responsible for paying for employee Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). While many OSHA standards require that employers provide PPE to employees to protect them from potential job-related injuries, illnesses, or fatalities, it has previously been unclear whether the employer or the employee is responsible[…]

  Have you ever been in a British Columbia workplace environment and been concerned about adequate safety measures? If so, you should be aware that all employees have rights regarding workplace safety – and with reasonable cause, you can refuse to carry out work projects that present possible undue hazards to your health and safety,[…]

  Following the mid-September 2007 derailment of a train near Terrace, BC – the third such incident that has occurred in less than two months – questions have been raised about safety procedures in the railroad industry.   The first incident occurred in early August, when two trains collided near Prince George, BC, resulting in[…]

  As of July 26, Worksafe BC began implementing a new regulation in their Occupational Health & Safety Regulations, requiring that BC employers document how they are ensuring the safety of young and/or new workers. It has long been required that employers hold orientation sessions, but the new regulation dictates that employers must also keep[…]

  Rising incident statistics in the construction industry indicate that action should be taken to address the causes of injury and moderate the trend of rising claims. In 2006 there were 38 fatalities in construction, and in the first half of 2006 alone, the number of serious injuries grew by 36 percent. Falls from elevation[…]

  OSHA has proposed over $50,000 in fines against an industrial gear manufacturer and $16,800 against a contractor, both based in Milwaukee, for alleged serious violations of federal workplace safety standards. The fines are a result of a gas explosion last year that claimed three lives and injured 45 others.   OSHA’s investigation resulted in[…]