Guides & Toolkits

Machine Safety 7 330-013-02-IGDO © 2013, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca What can Happen? Soft tissue injury: e.g., sprain can happen Injury causes accident: e.g. sprain can cause fall or dropping, then set off another accident Trigger Finger: repeated finger flexion, prolonged gripping Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: repeated wrist extension or flexion, ulnar deviation, excessive pinch force Raynaud's Phenomenon: in fingers due to prolonged use of vibrating tools Tenosynovitis: forceful pinching, ulnar deviation, prolonged gripping Epicondylitis: prolonged and excessive rotation of the forearm Tendinitis: in biceps from forceful flexion of the forearm Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: from working repeatedly with arms above shoulder level Legislation Workplace machine safety law in Ontario is based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Industrial Establishments (R.R.O. 851/90). In the Act, the sections dealing with responsibilities of employers (s.25, 26), supervisors (s.27) and workers (s.28) set out general duties with respect to machine safety. Making protective devices ineffective (must provide temporary adequate protective device) (s.28(2)(a)) The Industrial Establishments Regulations (IER)has the following more specific provisions: Preventing Access to Exposed Part: guards must protect person from moving part. (IER, s.24) In-running Nip Hazard, Any Part of a Machine or Device: guards must protect person from access to pinch points. (IER, s.25) Waste Stock and Protection: guards must protect person from processed materials, production or waste stock not just the moving machinery/equipment parts. (IER, s.26) Emergency Stop on Machine: must be easy to see and reach. (IER, s.27) Operating Control for Machine: control that acts as a guard must be in safe zone for operator, cannot be operated accidentally, and must not be made ineffective, e.g., tied down. (IER, s.28) WSpS.ca

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