Safety Blitz Focuses On Conveyor Dangers

• Issued: November 1, 2010
• Content last reviewed: November 2010

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Ontario is making workplaces safer by focusing on the safe operation of conveyor systems.

Conveyor systems are used in industrial workplaces to move goods from one spot to another. Ministry of Labour inspectors will visit industrial workplaces during increased enforcement in November and December to ensure that:

• Conveyors have proper guarding devices
• Conveyors are being locked out when needed; and
• Conveyor workers are protected from developing musculoskeletal disorders, such as repetitive strain injuries.

The blitz is a part of the government’s Safe At Work Ontario strategy. Safe workplaces offer reassurance to workers, increased productivity for businesses and less strain on the health care system.

Quotes

“We want everyone to be aware of the guarding and lockout hazards involving conveyor systems, and need to make sure all measures are in place to prevent injuries. At the end of the day, workers should return home safe and sound to their families.”
—Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour

Quick Facts

• Ontario employs 430 full-time occupational health and safety inspectors.
• Between 2005 and 2008 two workers died and 48 workers were seriously injured in conveyor incidents.
• Between 2005 and 2008, workers missed an average of about 68 days due to a conveyor injury, according to WSIB lost-time injury data. The total number of workdays lost was 74,459.

Learn More

Read more about Ontario’s Safe At Work Ontario strategy to improve workplace safety.