March 09 MOL Blitz

Did you survive the latest Blitz on forklifts in February?

Many of our clients took advantage of our special offer for lift truck operator training last month and a number had visits from an inspector and were found to be in compliance.

Now in March the inspectors will be focusing on hazards involving construction equipment and materials handling at construction sites. In particular, conditions that could result in workers being struck, or trapped, or crushed by moving equipment or improperly secured building materials.

Thirty-four constructions workers were killed during the 4 year period of 2005 to 2008 due to being struck by or crushed by construction equipment or the material being handled by such equipment. The MOL claims that among the contributing factors were poor training and procedures and inadequate maintenance.

According to the MOL Backgrounder document, Inspectors will focus on:

·         The quality of equipment operators’ training and supervision

·         Adherence to equipment manufacturers’ operating instructions

·         The presence and use of roll-over protection

·         The adequacy of equipment maintenance

·         Proximity tot overhead power lines

·         The adequacy of excavation shoring

·         Worker exposure to carbon monoxide

·         Procedures for handling materials safely, and

·         The protection of workers from being struck by construction equipment or road traffic.

Need help?

We can help!

We can provide you with training covering all of the above topics.

For more information on “Blitzes” use our link to the MOL website and search under “blitzes”.

MOL Blitzes

Inspectors started a program in June 2008 of “blitzing” Ontario workplaces to help eliminate specific hazards to a worker’s health and safety.

These special “blitzes” along with the inspection tours have become an important aspect of the province’s new four year Safe At Work Ontario plan.

Last year the “blitz” schedule was as follows:

·         June – new & young workers in the Industrial sector

·         July – electrical in the Construction sector

·         August – demolition sites in the Construction sector

·         September – falls in the Industrial sector

·         November – electrical in the Industrial sector

New for 2009 is:

·         February – forklifts in the Industrial sector

What should you be aware of:

·         Operator 3-year training is up to date?

·         Operators are conducting pre-shift inspections?

·         Operators are wearing seatbelts?

·         Operators are parking vehicles safely, removing the key?

·         Operators are carrying loads at safe heights?

·         Operators are driving in reverse whenever necessary?

Just to name a few!

Need help?

We can help!

We provide operator training as well as development of company policies and procedures and everything is done in compliance with the Industrial Regulations as well as the CSA B335-04.

For more information use our link to the MOL website and search under “blitzes”.

Changes!!!

Well it has been about six months since Busch Training Inc. purchased this website and slowly began to make the appropriate changes.

Some major events have taken place over this time period including – a lousy worldwide economy and a troubled Canadian political situation, as well we also have a newly inaugurated US president for our neighbours to the south!

However there are some very positive things that have taken place from our perspective.

We have established a new strategic alliance during this time. Worksafe is a provider of ergonomic solutions and we have clients who are experiencing success with Worksafe’s innovative systems. We are currently in the process of establishing a website ‘link’ with Worksafe in order to better serve your needs.

We have also rolled out a new major training program for Industrial Hoisting, Rigging and Crane Operators. This new program material goes far beyond our current Crane Operator training which really focuses on more routine operations involving very little decision-making by the operator.

Our new hoisting and rigging program addresses the concerns of an operator who is required to rig, hoist and move a wide variety of products and materials on a more regular basis. This involves calculating the weight of materials, deciding on rigging attachments and devices to be used as well as rigging hardware to be employed and then plan the lifting, moving and rotating of loads. This is a comprehensive program involving a six hour theory and two practical evaluations, first as a single operator and then as a member of a 3 person team.

We are very excited about this new program and will be introducing other new and creative materials and courses in the very near future.

Watch for our announcements!