Ministry of Labour inspectors are visiting workplaces in Ontario this month to focus on hazards in shipping and receiving areas, including loading docks. This latest safety blitz will focus on hazards involving:
• Positioning and securing of vehicles, including checking that vehicles are immobilized and secured against accidental movement;
• Loading and unloading activities, including checking for hazards involving material handling equipment, fall hazards and manual material handling that could lead to musculoskeletal disorders; and
• Entry and exit of transport vehicles, including checking for traffic hazards affecting pedestrians and the general work environment.

The blitz is a part of the government's Safe At Work Ontario strategy. Between January 1, 2000 and October 31, 2010, 15 workers died in incidents involving shipping and receiving areas, including loading docks, according to the Ministry of Labour.

"Workers face a variety of high-risk hazards in shipping and receiving areas of workplaces. Our government is taking steps to prevent these types of injuries and deaths. Workers have the right to return home safe and sound to their families at the end of each day, " said Charles Sousa, Minister of Labour.

Ontario has 430 occupational health and safety inspectors.

www.labour.gov.on.ca