Workplace Safety North (WSN) was informed of a fatal incident in Ottawa, Ontario, where a contractor performing equipment maintenance was fatally struck by a Bobcat machine at an industrial site. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is investigating. Workplace Safety North wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by this incident.
This incident highlights the critical importance of proper equipment safety. Legislation in Regulation 851: Industrial Establishments, under the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, requires the following safety measures be put in place during maintenance operations:
- Block elevated machinery securely: Machinery, equipment, or materials that could fall or move must be securely blocked (Section 74).
- Stop and block moving parts before maintenance: Maintenance or repair should only be done when motion that may endanger workers has stopped, and any parts that could move are blocked (Section 75).
WSN urges workplaces to review their hazard assessments, equipment lockout and tagout procedures, and site supervision practices to prevent similar incidents.
For guidance and resources on working safely with mobile and heavy equipment, consult the WSN Resources Hub and Sections 74 and 75 from Regulation 851: Industrial Establishments. Additional workplace health and safety information can be found on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development website.
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Lockout and guarding resources – Workplace Safety North
Risk management resource – Workplace Safety North