Preventing the Top 10 Safety Violations in Canada

Safety violations are far too common in industrial workplaces. Here are the ten most frequent in Canada, and how to prevent each one.

Workplace safety is critical for any industrial business. With hazardous conditions and heavy machinery, every employee needs to be properly trained and equipped. Unfortunately, safety violations are far too common. In Canada, the ten most frequent industrial safety violations are fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, hazard communication, respiratory protection, machine guarding, ladders, fire protection, personal protective equipment, and emergency action plans.

Fall protection

One of the most common violations is fall protection - failing to provide proper equipment or to train workers in its use. Falls are a leading cause of workplace injury and death. Employers should train workers on the proper use of fall protection equipment and inspect and maintain all equipment regularly.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding violations include failing to properly construct, maintain, or inspect a scaffold. A poorly set up scaffold can collapse and cause serious injury. Scaffolding should be constructed, inspected, and maintained by competent people who know the applicable standard.

Electrical safety

Electrical violations include failing to properly install, maintain, or inspect electrical equipment and wiring. Electrical hazards include shock, burns, fires, and explosions. Equipment should be installed, inspected, and maintained by a competent person, and workers should be trained to work safely around it.

Hazard communication

Hazard communication violations include failing to label hazardous materials or to train workers in handling them. All hazardous materials should be labelled, workers trained in safe handling and disposal, and emergency plans in place for an accidental release.

Respiratory protection

Respiratory protection violations include failing to provide proper equipment or training. Breathing contaminated air can cause serious lung disease. Workers should be provided with appropriate respiratory protection and trained in its use.

Machine guarding

Machine guarding violations include failing to install or maintain guards that protect workers from moving parts and flying debris. Machinery should be properly guarded, and the guards inspected and maintained regularly.

Ladders

Ladder violations include failing to properly maintain or inspect ladders. A damaged ladder can fail and cause serious injury. Ladders should be inspected and maintained by competent people, and workers trained on proper use.

Fire protection

Fire protection violations include failing to install, maintain, or inspect fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers. Fires cause serious injury and significant property damage. Fire protection equipment should be properly maintained, and workers trained in fire safety procedures.

Personal protective equipment

PPE violations include failing to provide proper equipment or training. PPE - safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, and more - protects workers from job-site hazards, but only when workers are trained on when and how to use it.

Emergency action plans

The final common violation is failing to develop and implement emergency action plans. A clear plan gives workers instructions for responding to a fire, a natural disaster, or another emergency. Plans should be developed and workers trained on the procedures.