Mitigating Springtime Hazards for Outdoor Workers

Employers have a duty to prevent workplace accidents and promote safe and healthy workplaces. Unfortunately, this duty can be challenging when employees work outdoors, particularly as the season changes and there are new conditions to contend with. Although spring is often warmer, extreme weather events—such as tornados, flooding and late snowstorms—are not unheard of. Worse still, the effects of climate change have increased the likelihood of such severe weather events, making it harder for employers to know what conditions to plan for.

With this in mind, it’s critical for employers to consider a range of occupational protections for employees, depending on the forecast. To help with this goal, they should familiarize themselves with the following common spring health concerns and associated mitigation measures:

• High winds—Instruct employees to secure loose items and wear safety goggles to protect their eyes from flying debris. If winds are severe, eliminate tasks or stop outside work altogether.
• Slips and trips—Rainy spring weather can increase the likelihood of slips, trips and falls. When slippery conditions are present, provide workers with waterproof boots that have ample traction.
• Heat exposure—When it’s warm, make sure workers take frequent breaks in the shade and stay hydrated.
• Springtime allergies—Dust and pollen can cause allergies. As such, provide outdoor workers with face masks and eyewear to reduce their exposure to allergens.
• New working practices—With any seasonal change, new working protocols might ensue. Thus, it’s vital to review and update any workplace health and safety policies.

Recent Fines and Penalties

Siding Contracting Company Fined After Worker Fall

A siding contracting company was convicted for three separate offences under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. The offences took place on December 20, 2019, while a worker was installing soffit and exterior siding to the wall of a home using a platform called a pump jack. The worker subsequently slipped on ice and fell nearly 5 metres through a gap between the platform and the property’s wall, sustaining severe injuries in the process.

The company was found guilty of violating section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure the gap between the wall and the platform was less than 12 inches and for not properly maintaining the pump jack. Additionally, the worker was not wearing fall protection. The company was fined $75,000 plus a 25% victim fine surcharge.

This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing outdoor safety measures. If the company had taken proper precautions this accident could have been prevented. Be sure to take the necessary steps to mitigate springtime hazards and promote safe and healthy workplaces.

For more information on insurance and safety best practices, or to find out how to reduce your insurance costs call CMB at 780.424.2727 or click here to get a quote.