INDUSTRY DRIVEN, INDUSTRY FOCUSED PAGE | 4
Identifying Top Risks
Earlier this year, when worker and management representatives from Ontario's automobile manufacturing
industry gathered to investigate the hazards that are putting their workers at risk, they identified a list of 54
hazardous events. "Through active discussions during the workshop, we removed some events, combined
some events, and added some events," explained Rishma. "We ended up with 45 hazardous events on our
final list."
Those around the table represented organizations of various sizes and types, including Linamar Corporation,
General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, THK Rhythm Automotive, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada,
Musashi Auto Parts Canada, and General Motors. Participants found the workshop to be an advantageous
networking opportunity.
After each participant ranked the 45 hazardous events and their results were validated, exposure to
hazardous energy during routine operations topped the list. Exposure to noise was ranked second and
exposure to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) was ranked third. All three are common hazards faced
regularly by workers in the automobile manufacturing industry.
The scores of the first- and second-ranked hazardous events—inadequate control of hazardous energy and
exposure to noise—were extremely close for the group as a whole and when broken down by worker and
management representatives. This indicates the strong consensus among the participants.
"
"
"Just hearing about what
others are doing with
different technologies and
AI is so valuable. It was great
to see the breakdown of
their safety procedures to
understand how others are
doing it."
—Barry Alger, THK Rhythm Automotive
Worker Representative
"
"
"What we have learned can
really help smaller businesses
as they develop their own
policies and systems.
It is extremely valuable to
have this information for
something that is as serious
as exposure to hazardous
energy."
—Alex Iozzo, Toyota Motor
Manufacturing Canada, Worker
Representative
