Ontario Tender Fruit Growers Ontario Fresh Grape Growers ...€¦ · Minor hazard -- lower priority...

Representative Hazard Assessment Report

Ontario Tender Fruit Growers (OTFG) Ontario Fresh Grape Growers Marketing Board (OFGG) Ontario Apple Growers (OAG)

1 © 2014, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca

STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS The results of this report present a baseline representative hazard assessment of activities at apple, fresh grape and tender fruit farming operations on April 7, 8, 10, 14 and 22, 2014. The consultant does not infer that there are no other occupational health and safety concerns at this workplace. Regular workplace inspections and good communication with employees at this location is imperative to ensure identification of any new hazards that may be introduced into the workplace.


HAZARD ASSESSMENT REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

About Workplace Safety & Prevention Services At Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), we partner with you to make the best of your employees, your reputation and your business. We will make sure that every dollar you invest in health and safety gets you multiple returns, and ultimately, helps you grow the life of your business. We collaborate with you to develop programs that will help you achieve and maintain the highest standards of health and safety. We provide comprehensive training, information and consulting services that will assist you in integrating safe work habits into your normal business practices and culture, thus enabling your employees to successfully deliver on your business objectives. Our highly experienced consultants understand your needs, can quickly identify cost-effective solutions and offer expert advice that will facilitate the implementation of your health and safety initiatives.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS A WSPS consultant spent several hours on April 7, 8, 10, 14 and 22, 2014 at apple, fresh grape and tender fruit farming operations observing the workplace and completing a representative hazard assessment. A list of observed hazards was created and then rated on its level of severity based on industry experience. The information contained in the attached spreadsheets is a result of these observations.

WSPS Approach to Hazard Assessment Hazard Assessment is a detailed, organized check of any work area, work process or the job to:

Identify risks Understand the consequences of those risks Review the ways to control risks and add new controls where required

A widely used approach to Hazard Assessment is called R-A-C. RAC stands for Recognize, Assess and Control. This is a process for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards and selecting the most appropriate and effective methods of control. Hazard Assessment evaluates the level of risk for the hazards identified during the “Recognize” phase and measures the level against known standards. Standards include:

Legislated limits Workplace policy


Established procedures Professional standards (e.g. CSA, ULC) Manufacturers’ or suppliers’ recommendations Ministry of Labour standards

Once the potential hazards have been evaluated against known standards, a risk determination needs to be completed for each hazard. Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury, illness or property loss if an accident should occur. The level of risk is determined through risk assessment. Five factors that contribute to risks:

People Equipment Materials Environment Process


There are several risk predictors that point to opportunities for harm or loss. A final risk rating for each identified hazard is determined by completing the following steps:

Step Action

1 Likelihood of Exposure – the frequency of the task in the job duty on a scale of 1-6

Likelihood of Occurrence – based on history or the potential likelihood of the event happening. It is the chance of the potential hazard occurring in the task, on a scale of 1-6

2 Exposure (1-6) +Occurrence (1-6) = Probability (A-E)

Calculating Probability – the combination of Exposure and Occurrence, that the potential hazard/accident could cause a loss (injury or property), on a scale of A-E


Step Action

3 Determining Consequences – the end result or maximum reasonable outcome if an unwanted accident/event happens, based on experience, perceptions and standards. How severe would the injury be, it if happened? Scale of 1-5

Probability + Consequences=Determination of Risk (1-25)


Step Action

4 Selecting the Risk Rating – the combination of the Probability of a specific unwanted event happening and the Consequences of it should it occur:

HIGH = 1 – 6

Serious or significant hazard -- a high priority for immediate controls or elimination.

MEDIUM = 7 – 15

Moderate hazard – medium priority for controls as soon as possible.

LOW = 16 – 25 Minor hazard -- lower priority for controls after higher priorities


RESULTS The primary goal of the assessment was to create a baseline list of hazards along with severity rating from which apple, fresh grape and tender fruit farming operations could enhance their health and safety program.

Legislated Standards Since June 30, 2006, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) applies, with some limitations and exceptions, to farming operations. As appropriate, the hazard assessment references the OHSA and Regulation for Farming Operations and legislated standards beyond these requirements that may be reasonable to take to ensure the protection of employees.

Opportunities for Improvement The following health and safety issues were observed and these issues should be controlled or modified.

Equipment Hazards: Employees are exposed to equipment hazards, including lift trucks, pallet jacks, Rough Terrain Vehicles (RTV) and Utility Vehicles (UTV), elevating work platforms, backhoes, excavators, tractors, tractors with loaders, augers, post drivers, cultivators, discs, plows, grape hoes, bin carriers, grass seeders, sprayers, weed sprayers, manure spreaders, mulchers, rotary mowers, sickle mowers, snow blowers, tree planters, vine planters, bin carriers, snow blowers, shredders and hedgers, cherry shakers and cherry catchers, skid steers, snow blowers, ride on mowers, chainsaws, string trimmers, pressure washers, irrigation equipment, frost protection equipment, bin dumpers, packing equipment, palletizers, bin carriers, trailers and wagons, air pruners, pole saw pruners, air labelers, tying machines, ladders, carts, wheelbarrows, racking, overhead doors, loading docks, lifting devices, bench grinders, power tools, cutting tools, torches, welders, air compressors, battery chargers, generators, hand tools, and other equipment. Ensure that the condition of lifting devices, including hoists, chain falls, jacks, lift trucks and elevating work platforms are inspected annually by a competent person. Ensure lights are on and Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign is visible on slow moving equipment. Ensure seat of equipment is in good condition. Ensure guards and shields are in good condition. It is recommended to develop pre-use inspection checklists and Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) for equipment. Train employees and document. It is also recommended to develop a preventative maintenance schedule. Document preventative maintenance.

Loading, Securing and Offloading: Employees and suppliers are exposed to hazards when loading, securing and offloading equipment, products and supplies. Ensure chocks are in place prior to offloading trucks and trailers. Develop SOP for loading, securing and offloading and loading docks, including to never allow drivers or employees to stand


between the trailer and dock, never allow drivers to remain in the tractor/truck when loading and unloading the trailer, ensure drivers and workers are in a safe location away from the tractor/truck and trailer when loading or unloading and maintain visual contact. Ensure that vehicles do not idle. Ensure ventilation is adequate in areas. It is recommended to install Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors in areas of the workplace where equipment and vehicles are running indoors.

Driving Hazards: Employees are exposed to driving and vehicle hazards. It is recommended to develop a SOP for safe driving and a SOP for pedestrian safety. Train employees and document. It is also recommended that driver’s abstracts are obtained for employees required to drive vehicles. Provide high visibility vests to employees that are moving in and around the parking lot and working near mobile equipment.

Electrical Hazards: Remove clutter to provide clear access of least one metre in front of electrical panels. Mark areas with yellow lines to identify areas to keep clear. Post signage indicating electrical hazards.

Lockout Tagout (LOTO): It is recommended to develop a LOTO policy. Train employees and document. Provide LOTO equipment, including lockout devices and tags.

Working Outdoors: It is recommended to develop a severe weather and lightning policy, cold stress policy, heat stress and sun protection policy. Train employees and document.

Material Handling Hazards: Employees are exposed to material handling and lifting hazards, including handling materials and supplies with equipment and manual material handling, frequent use of force, repetition and awkward posture during daily activities. Ensure awareness of the two person lift and utilize material handling equipment when possible, e.g. carts, dollies, etc. Develop a SOP for material handling, including manual material handling and a SOP for safe storage on racking and shelving. Train employees and document. Assess and rate weight capacity of storage areas and racking and ensure items are within weight capacity. Racking must be secured.

Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Hazards: Employees are exposed to MSD hazards, including force, repetition, awkward posture and vibration. It is recommended to develop an MSD prevention policy. Train employees and document.

Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards: Employees are exposed to slip, trip and fall hazards, including from the elevating work platforms, stairs, ladders, hoses, uneven ground, ponds, spills and snow and ice in the parking lot. It is recommended to advise employees to wear non-slip footwear. Develop a SOP for slip, trip and fall prevention, including using 3 point contact. Train employees and document. Ensure that spill kit is available.


Hazardous Materials: Employees are exposed to hazardous materials, including fungicides, herbicides, pesticides and flammable and combustible materials. o It is recommended to develop a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

(WHMIS) program. It is also recommended to review the WHMIS program annually with the health and safety representative.

o It is recommended to develop a SOP for refueling, a SOP for flammable products and a SOP for using the fire extinguisher. Train employees and document.

o It is recommended to train employees on general and workplace specific information and document.

o Labels are required on containers of hazardous materials. Supplier labels must be legible. If supplier labels are not legible or workplace containers are used, workplace labels are required on containers. Ensure workplace labels are available in the locations where chemicals are being stored and used. Ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for hazardous materials. Ensure MSDS are current within three years of the date of issue. Store hazardous materials according to MSDS. Dispose of containers appropriately.

o It is recommended to develop a chemical inventory to manage hazardous materials being used in the workplace.

o Encourage proper hygiene reminders, wash hands before breaks/lunch. o Compressed gases are used throughout the workplaces. Develop a SOP for

compressed gases. Train employees and document. Ensure compressed gas cylinders are stored upright, with valve caps on and secured, away from direct sunlight and areas of potential impact or damage.

o Bulk fuel tanks and portable containers are used throughout the workplaces. It is recommended to secure tanks when not refueling. Ensure proper bonding and grounding of equipment when dispensing flammable liquids. It is recommended to store flammable products, including portable containers of fuels outdoors or in an approved flammable cabinet and ventilate to the outdoors. Recycle engine oil and filters. Store used rags in designated metal containers with lids away from ignition sources. Develop a SOP for flammable products and SOP for refueling.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): It is recommended to develop a Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE) policy, including selection, inspection and storage. Train employees and document. Ensure that appropriate PPE is available. It is also recommended to provide fit testing for employees using respiratory protection.

Violence Hazards: Ensure that a risk assessment of workplace violence is conducted annually. Ensure assessment is provided to JHSC. Ensure that a workplace violence and harassment prevention policy and program is developed and reviewed annually. Train employees and document. It is recommended to develop the following procedures: o Summoning immediate assistance, reporting and investigating violence o Working alone o Dealing with aggressive customers and visitors


o Robbery and theft

Fire and Other Emergencies: It is recommended to develop an emergency response plan for all emergencies, including chemical exposure and spill, fire, power failure, gas leak, severe weather, injury and illness. Train employees and document. It is also recommended to inspect fire extinguishers monthly and service annually. Ensure fire extinguishers are securely mounted on the wall and fully charged. Conduct fire drills with employees at least annually and document. Post emergency numbers at every phone. Develop SOP for fire extinguishers. Train employees and document.

First Aid: It is recommended to provide first aid kits and install an eye wash stations. It

is also recommended to maintain copies of first aid inspection and log. Complete inspection and stock kits as required by First Aid Regulation 1101. Ensure that first aid kits and stations are in the charge of providers who hold valid first aid certificates.

Hazard Reporting: It is recommended to develop a hazard reporting policy. Train

employees and document. Contractors: It is recommended to develop a contractor policy. Ensure contractor

employees have received appropriate training and understand farming organization policies and procedures. Conduct regular inspections when contractor employees are onsite to ensure they are working in compliance with policies and procedures. Obtain proof of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) clearance certificates from contractors that will be onsite. It is recommended to obtain proof of liability insurance for small contract service firms, where the owner is the only employee. Proof of additional certifications, licenses and training should be requested depending on the job, including Master Electrician, Master Plumber, fall arrest, hot work, etc.

Health and Safety Representative: A worker health and safety representative is required on farming operations where six or more workers are regularly employed. It is recommended to post the name and work location of the health and safety representative. A health and safety representative is to inspect the workplace at least every month. It is recommended to develop an inspection checklist and report. It is also recommended to post the inspection schedule. It is recommended that the health and safety representative complete training on the following hazards: o Chemical Hazards o Equipment Hazards o Lockout Tagout o Driving Hazards o Violence Hazards o Ergonomics o Material Handling Hazards o Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards


Ensure the health and safety boards are current. Required postings in the workplace include: o A current copy of the OHSA o Regulation 414 for Farming Operations o A Guide to the OHSA o A Guide for Health and Safety Representatives and JHSC o Health and safety policy signed by senior management and dated within one year o Workplace violence and harassment prevention policies signed by senior

management and dated within one year o Name of health and safety representative o Workplace inspection schedule o Names or certificates of employees trained in first aid o First Aid Regulation 1101 o Emergency contact numbers o Form 82 o What’s in it for you? poster o Prevention Starts Here poster o Location of MSDS binders o Ministry of Labour (MOL) orders

CONCLUSIONS Apple, fresh grape and tender fruit farming operations are required to develop a health and safety program. The results of this report can be used to improve a current health and safety program. All hazards in this report should be reviewed by management in conjunction with the health and safety representative to determine if existing controls are sufficient or if improvements can be made to the workplace. At a minimum, any high-risk hazards identified, as a result of this assessment, should be evaluated to reduce risk. SOPs and any additional controls should be implemented as soon as possible. Apple, fresh grape and tender fruit farming operations are required to ensure that all workers understand the hazards in their workplace. The results of this report can be used for this purpose. The hazards should be included in orientation or refresher training, development of roles and responsibilities for the organization, or any other health and safety management system. By following this approach, apple, fresh grape and tender fruit farming operations will ensure an integrated health and safety program. This type of management program has been proven effective in ensuring the long term sustainability of your health and safety efforts.


CONTACT INFORMATION Kristin Hoffman Consultant WORKPLACE SAFETY & PREVENTION SERVICES T 905 614 1400 | 1 877 494 9777 x 2004 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Ontario Tender Fruit Growers Ontario Fresh Grape Growers ...€¦ · Minor hazard -- lower priority...

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