Do workplace chemicals threaten your health?

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF LABOUR

************************* Blitz targets workplace chemical hazards McGuinty government committed to eliminating workplace injuries

August 17 - Ontario is continuing its efforts to reduce workplace injuries by focusing on hazards involving chemicals used in all workplaces, especially at swimming pools and spas, dry cleaning operations, metal fabrication shops and health-care facilities.

Throughout September, Ministry of Labour occupational health and safety inspectors will focus on hazards involving disinfecting chemicals (such as chlorine), dry cleaning solvents, metal-working fluids and detergents.

The inspectors will check that workers have been trained to work with chemicals that could endanger their health if not handled properly.

They will also check that chemicals are stored safely and properly labelled and that protective equipment such as respirators and eye-wash fountains are available to workers.

Inspectors will take enforcement action as appropriate for any contraventions found under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

This initiative is part of the province's Safe At Work Ontario blitz strategy announced in July 2008.

Keeping workers safe means increased productivity for Ontario's economy and less strain on the province's health care system.

Quick facts

The Ministry of Labour compliance program that ran from April 1, 2004, to March 31, 2008, reduced the workplace annual injury rate by 20 per cent, or more than 50,000 incidents.

During the 10 years from 1999 to 2008, according to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, 23,789 workers suffered lost-time injuries related to chemical exposure.

Because of the drop in the annual rate of lost-time injuries, employers have avoided about $5 billion in direct and indirect costs during the four years ending March 31, 2008.

Reduced injuries also result in less strain on the health-care system, and fewer workers off the job means increased productivity for Ontario's economy. Ontario employs more than 400 full-time occupational health and safety inspectors.

Learn more

Read more about the Safe at Work Ontario strategy to strengthen workplace safety here.

Blitz To Focus On Hazardous Chemicals In Workplaces information is available at this website.

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