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Injury Prevention Resources for Manufacturing
The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the manufacturing industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.
General
Manufacturing Safety (PDF 1.3 MB)
This publication was produced for employers, supervisors, workers, joint committees, and safety professionals as a guide to safety-related issues in their daily work environment. Interested stakeholders may also refer to or use the information contained in this document to assist them in carrying out their occupational health and safety roles and responsibilities.
Source: WorkSafeBC 
* Available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC store.
Ladder Safety Series
This series has been developed to provide information that should help encourage safe work practices when using ladders.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Due Diligence (video)
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Due Diligence outlines the safety responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers. Using clips from WorkSafeBC videos and commercials, Due Diligence vividly portrays the human cost of workplace accidents. (12 min 21 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Confined Spaces
Multimedia
Confined Spaces: Safe Yesterday, Deadly Today (1 of 3) (video)
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Identify the confined spaces in your workplace as a first step in reducing their hazard. (3 min 22 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC
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Confined Spaces: Test to Live (2 of 3) (video)
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Test the atmosphere before entering a confined space. It can make the difference between life and death. (3 min 38 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC
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Confined Spaces: Rescue - Just Calling 911 Doesn't Cut It (3 of 3) (video)
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Successful rescue requires proper planning, training, equipment, and practice. (3 min 04 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC
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Confined spaces: deadly spaces (video)
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This video is designed for municipal workers and illustrates the basic rules for working in confined spaces. Oxygen deficiency and other potential dangers are covered. In addition, the health effects and physical characteristics of toxic gases including carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, and methane are examined. (12 min 56 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC
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Precious Time - The Cody McNolty story (video)
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This video contains language that may be offensive to some, viewer discretion is advised.
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Source: WorkSafeBC
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Booklets & pamphlets
Hazards of Confined Spaces (PDF 912 KB)
This book describes the main types of hazards found in confined spaces. Confined spaces may contain hazardous atmospheres, including insufficient oxygen, toxic (poisonous) air, or an explosive atmosphere.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Also available in the following languages:
- 在密闭空间工作的危险 (Simplified Chinese, PDF 2.1 MB)
- 在限制空間工作的危險 (Traditional Chinese, PDF 1.7 MB)
- 밀 폐 공 간 의 위 험 (Korean, PDF 1.9 MB)
- ਮਹਿਦੂਦ ਥਾਵਾਂ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਤਰੇ (Punjabi, PDF 1.2 MB)
- Peligros de Los Espacios Reducidos (Spanish, PDF 1 MB)
- Các Nguy Hiểm của Những Chỗ Bít Bùng (Vietnamese, PDF 1.2 MB)
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
Toolbox meeting guides
Confined Spaces Toolbox Meeting Guides
Source: WorkSafeBC
Visit the confined spaces web pages for more information.
Machinery and Equipment (Safeguarding)
Multimedia
Guarding
(video)
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This video describes the types of guards available for different work situations and how their use can prevent injuries and save lives.(14 min 46 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Too Much To Lose (video)
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An experienced worker loses his fingers when he uses a dangerous piece of equipment without a guard. (3 min 12 s) video guide (PDF 252 KB) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Safeguarding in Food Products Manufacturing (slide show)
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With everything there's a cost - with food production, I'm going to tell you what that cost is. (3 min 5 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Safeguarding in Metal Products Manufacturing (slide show)
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Every year several hundred manufacturing workers in B.C. injure their hands due to missing or inadequate safeguarding. Don't be one of them. (2 min 30 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Guarding for Woodworking
(slide show)
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Effective point-of-operation safeguarding and safe work practices can help to prevent serious injuries when using table and panel saws. (4 min 40 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Booklets & pamphlets
Safeguarding Machinery and Equipment: General Requirements (PDF 4.6 MB) 
This manual is for everyone who owns, operates, maintains, or sells powered machinery and equipment.
- Employers will find information to help them comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) and Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act. It will also help them exercise due diligence in providing a safe work environment.
- Supervisors will find information to help them assess the risks to their workers from harmful contact with machinery and equipment.
- Workers will gain greater awareness of the hazards associated with equipment operation and maintenance and of the safeguarding protection they have a right to expect.
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
For your convenience and ease of use, the chapters of this book are available as individual PDFs. Chapter 4 has been further divided into sections that highlight specific guarding requirements for specific types of equipment. These sections have separate covers so that they can be printed and used on their own.
| Cover, WorkSafeBC info, title page, acknowledgements, CCIP data, table of contents |
Front matter (PDF 416 kb) |
| Introduction | Intro (PDF 100 kb) |
| 1. Hazard Recognition | Chapter 1 (PDF 504 kb) |
| 2. Risk Assessment | Chapter 2 (PDF 120 kb) |
| 3. Design and Selection Criteria for Safeguards | Chapter 3 (PDF 2.1 mb) |
| 4. Some Common Safeguarding Applications | Chapter 4 |
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Section 1 (PDF 611 kb) |
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Section 2 (PDF 120 kb) |
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Section 3 (PDF 2.1 mb) |
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Section 4 (PDF 424 kb) |
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Section 5 (PDF 629 kb) |
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Section 6 (PDF 435 kb) |
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Section 7 (PDF 506 kb) |
| Appendices | Appendices (PDF 552 kb) |
| Zip archive containing all of the above files (requires zip utility to compress) |
Zip archive (ZIP 6.4 mb) |
Safeguarding in Manufacturing (PDF 733 KB)
(A companion guide to the Safeguarding Machinery and Equipment manual).
This guide provides information to help employers comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) and Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act. It will also help them exercise due diligence in providing a safe work environment.
Supervisors will find information to help them assess the risks to their workers from harmful contact with machinery and equipment. Workers will gain greater awareness of the hazards associated with equipment operation and maintenance and of the safeguarding protection they have a right to expect.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
Safe Operation of Grinders (PDF 60 KB)
This placard can be posted in the workplace and outlines the proper installation and proper use of grinders.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Information sheets
Machine Risk Assessment Survey (PDF 267 KB)
This document will help identify hazardous machine motion to which a worker may be exposed. It also contains the "hierarchy of safeguarding controls" as a reference.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Machine Guarding Checklist (PDF 248 KB)
This checklist can be used to analyze the machinery in your workplace. Reproduced with permission from Canadian Auto Workers Union video "Blowin' in the Wind - Machine Guarding Prevents Death."
Source: WorkSafeBC
Don't let your guard down (PDF 211 KB)
"Accidents involving unguarded machinery and equipment often result in disfiguring injuries, amputations, and death. Safeguarding is your first and best defence against these types of accidents." From WorkSafe Magazine, May/June 2006.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Hazard alert posters
- Fatality 2009-03 Worker dies when struck by board after kickback
- HA 08-15 Worker's hand crushed in pinch point of malfunctioning punch press
- HA 08-07 Worker struck when cutting wheel shatters and grinder recoils
- WS 06-07 Industrial lasers can cause serious eye injuries and severe burns
- AA 04-06 Workers seriously injured in conveyor accidents
- HA 04-06 Pasta machine catches sleeve, breaks hand
- HA 04-03 Baker's arm caught in bread dough machine
Regulation and guidelines
- OHS Regulation Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment
- OHS Guidelines Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment
Web resources
Machine Safety - Prevention of mechanical hazards (PDF 12 MB)
This guide describes the use of safeguarding to eliminate or reduce hazards in the manufacturing sector. Although the guide refers to standards for the province of Quebec it presents the information in a manner that will be useful for anyone that wants to learn about safeguarding methods and concepts.
Source: IRSST (Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail)
Safeguarding of Hydraulic Power Press Brakes (PDF 4.8 MB)
The objective of this document is to inform companies about the means available for safeguarding hydraulic power press brakes, while emphasizing the two most recent solutions: the safety light curtain and the laser beam device.
Source: IRSST (Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail)
Machine Guarding eTool (HTML)
This eTool focuses on recognizing and controlling common amputation hazards associated with the operation and use of certain types of machines.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), US
Concepts and Techniques of Machine Safeguarding
"This manual has been prepared as an aid to employers, employees, machine manufacturers, machine guard designers and fabricators, and all others with an interest in protecting workers against the hazards of moving machine parts." (1992; revised)
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), US
Self-Assessment Forms for Occupational Health & Safety (HTML)
These forms can be used by employers, supervisors, workers and or health and safety committees.
Source: IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association Ontario)
Powered Hand Tools
Information presented in question-and-answer format.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
Preventing Deaths and Injuries While Compacting or Baling Refuse Material
"This Alert describes five cases of fatal injuries that resulted when workers entered, fell, or were caught and pulled into energized compacting or baling equipment."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety)
Ergonomics
Multimedia
Lifting in the Workplace (video)
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Lifting is a common task in many workplaces. This animated video illustrates the risk associated with lifting and suggests ways to reduce this risk. (1 min 29 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Booklets & pamphlets
Safety in Manufacturing - Ergonomics
These worksheets can be used as a guide to identify ergonomics risk factors commonly found in the manufacturing industry. They also include some recommended limits along with possible control options.
- Ergonomics: Awkward Postures (PDF 264 KB)
- Ergonomics: Contact Stress (PDF 240 KB)
- Ergonomics: Forceful Exertion (PDF 416 KB)
- Ergonomics: Repetition (PDF 220 KB)
- Ergonomics: Static Postures (PDF 324 KB)
Making It Right: Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSIs) in Manufacturing (PDF 1.3 MB)
This publication provides guidance to help employers, joint health and safety committees, and worker health and safety representatives understand the risk of MSI and make simple changes in the workplace to reduce the risks and make manufacturing tasks easier to perform.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
Back Talk: An Owner's Manual for Backs BK4 (PDF 706 KB)
An illustrated handbook that explains how the back works, provides tips for avoiding injury, and shows how to care for the back during recovery. The booklet also covers situations that can cause excessive loads and describes ways to reduce the risk of injury.
Updated: November 2011
Source: WorkSafeBC
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
* A free ebook version for iPad is available on iTunes
Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI): A Guide for Employers and Joint Committees BK77 (PDF 4 MB)
This book provides guidance to help employers and joint committees prevent MSI in the workplace. It discusses the MSI prevention process: consultation, education, risk identification, risk assessment, risk control, training, and evaluation. The book also includes a table of some common risk control options and a chart that can be used to investigate MSIs.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* Available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store.
Understanding the Risks of Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI): An Educational Guide for Workers, on Sprains, Strains, and Other MSIs BK78 (PDF 1.2 MB)
A guide to help workers and employers recognize the signs and symptoms of MSI and understand the potential health effects of these injuries. Helps to identify the factors that place workers at risk for MSI, such as force, repetition, work posture, and local contact stress.
December 2008
Also available in the following languages:
- 了解肌骨骼受傷的危險 (Traditional Chinese, 1.4 MB)
- ਪੱਠਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਹੱਡੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਸੱਟਾਂ ਦੇ ਖਤਰਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ (ਐੱਮ ਐੱਸ ਆਈ) ਨੂੰ ਸਮਝਣਾ: ਮੋਚਾਂ, ਖਿੱਚਾਂ, ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰ ਐੱਮ.ਐੱਸ.ਆਈਜ਼. ਬਾਰੇ ਵਰਕਰਾਂ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਵਿੱਦਿਅਕ ਗਾਈਡ (Punjabi, PDF 1.3 MB)
* Available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store.
Assessment tools
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This calculator takes into account some common risk factors and then helps you estimate whether a lift has a low, moderate, or high risk of injury. |
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Source: WorkSafeBC
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Push / Pull / Carry Calculator
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This calculator can be used to estimate the suggested maximum force that can be used during pushing and pulling, and the weight that can be carried. |
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Source: WorkSafeBC
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Web resources
- Elements of Ergonomics Programs: A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders Source: NIOSH
- OSH Answers: Ergonomics Source: CCOHS
- ErgoWeb Reference Materials Source: ErgoWeb
- OSH Answers: Hand Tool Ergonomics Source: CCOHS
- OSH Answers: Pushing and Pulling - General Source: CCOHS
- Back Pain Source: Health & Safety Executive (UK)
Lockout
Multimedia
Lockout: a guide to safe work practices (video)
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This video provides a comprehensive overview on locks used to control energy in machines. Protect your workers from accidents caused by the inadvertent operation of control devices. (35 min 39 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Lock out. It takes just seconds to lose a limb.
(slide show)
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This slide show describes two accidents, each where a worker lost a limb following improper lockout. (2 min 58 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Lockout for Woodworking
(slide show)
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De-energizing woodworking machinery when doing maintenance prevents injury. See the basic steps for locking out. (2 min 42 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Booklets & pamphlets
Lockout BK21 (PDF 2.4 MB)
This booklet defines lockout, explains lockout policy and procedures, and provides guidance on compliance with Regulation requirements.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* Available in Simplified Chinese,
Traditional Chinese,
Korean,
Punjabi,
Spanish, and
Vietnamese.
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
* A free ebook version for iPad is available on iTunes
Lockout Crew Talk
Source: WorkSafeBC
Toolbox meeting guides
Lockout Toolbox Meeting Guides
Source: WorkSafeBC
Mobile Equipment
Multimedia
Fields of Vision: Pedestrian Safety around Forklifts (video)
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This video, in dramatic style, puts you into the driver's seat and shows you how difficult it is for the lift truck operators to see pedestrians. The video then outlines simple ways pedestrians can help lift truck drivers see them - and avoid a serious or fatal accident. (12 min 20s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Young worker falls from forklift (slide show)
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A young worker new to the job falls 13 feet off a forklift's platform onto a concrete floor. (4 min 41 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Forklift crushes worker (slide show)
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Don't rely on just the parking brake. Lower the forks before exiting the cab. (2 min 59 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Forklift tips over, crushing operator (slide show)
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Slide show of an accident investigation where a forklift operator died when his forklift tipped over. (1 min 52 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Booklets & pamphlets
Safe Operation of Lift Trucks (PDF 86 KB)
This pamphlet describes the responsibilities lift truck operators have for the safe operation of their vehicles, as well as some of the things to avoid when working on, in, or near forklifts, platform trucks, powered small-pallet trucks, or similar powered units.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Multimedia
When are work gloves dangerous? (slide show)
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Wearing gloves can actually create a danger when working around machinery with moving parts. (2 min 45 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Grinders: What's the right eye protection?
(slide show)
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Safety glasses or goggles alone often do not provide sufficient protection when using grinders. (2 min 10 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Look at me (video)
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A worker who does not use eye protection while operating a grinder suffers a serious eye injury. (3 min 53 s) video guide (PDF 252 KB) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Fall Protection (video)
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Fall Protection highlights the need for fall protection systems in the workplace. With dramatic footage of accidents and computer animation, this video outlines the steps to develop safe practices when working from heights. (11 min 42s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Booklets & pamphlets
An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment BK60 (PDF 545 KB)
This booklet outlines the safe use and limitations of personal fall protection equipment.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* Available in Simplified Chinese,
Traditional Chinese,
Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
Breathe Safer: How to use respirators safely and start a respirator program (PDF 3.4 MB)
This manual helps explain the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and is a tool to help you work safely in workplaces where there are breathing hazards.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
Updated: October 2011
Toolbox meeting guides
Personal Protective Equipment Toolbox Meeting Guides
Source: WorkSafeBC
Information sheets
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Information Sheets by Industry - Manufacturing
A series of information sheets have been developed to provide a simple, clear format to help explain how to select, use, and maintain your personal protective equipment.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Web resources
Respirator Selection
This document describes how respiratory hazards are controlled, what you should know before selecting a respirator, the different types of respirators, and how to select the right respirator.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
Respirator Care
This document provides checklists for caring for respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
Visit the Personal protective equipment (PPE) web pages for more information.
Hearing Protection
Multimedia
The Hearing Video
(video)
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This video describes the types of guards available for different work situations and how their use can prevent injuries and save lives.(14 min 46 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Deaf to the Danger: Packing Plant Scenario (video)
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This video demonstrates the dangers associated with wearing earbuds on the job in a packing plant. (1 min 25 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC |
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Deaf to the Danger: Warehouse Scenario (video)
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This video demonstrates the dangers associated with earbuds on the job in a warehouse. (1 min 23 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Booklets & pamphlets
Hear for good: Preventing noise exposure at work (PDF 280 KB)
"Noise is one of the most pervasive problems in today's occupational environment, affecting workers in manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture, and the military."
Source: WorkSafeBC
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Toolbox meeting guides
Hearing Loss Prevention Toolbox Meeting Guides
Source: WorkSafeBC
Web resources
A Practical Guide to Effective Hearing Conservation Programs in the Workplace
"Noise is one of the most pervasive problems in today's occupational environment, affecting workers in manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture, and the military."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Slips, Trips and Falls
Multimedia
Housekeeping in Woodworking
(slide show)
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Prevent slips, trips, falls, and injuries in your woodworking shop through simple housekeeping techniques. (1 min 46 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Young construction worker dies from fall
(slide show)
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Falls are a leading cause of fatalities in construction. In this slide show, a young worker died when he fell from a balcony. (3 min 1 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Falls from ladders
(video)
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This video demonstrates the importance of providing and following proper instruction on ladder use. (2 min 0 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Falls through Openings
(video)
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This video demonstrates the importance of proper planning, use of guardrails, and the right fall protection equipment. (1 min 41 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Falls from Top Plate
(video)
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This video demonstrates the importance of proper planning, use of guardrails/work platforms, and the right fall protection equipment. (2 min 6 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Falls from Formwork
(video)
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This video demonstrates the importance of proper planning, use of guardrails/work platforms, and the right fall protection equipment. (2 min 12 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Ladder safety (video)
Source: WorkSafeBC
Available for loan from WorkSafeBC Library. Call number: V675, DVD14
Available for purchase from WorkSafeBC Store Call number: V675, DVD14.
Ladder safety
The ladder safety portal contains hazard alerts, safety talks, and many other resources regarding ladder safety.
Source: WorkSafeBC
Booklets & pamphlets
- An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment BK60 (PDF 545 KB)
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
Courses
Regulation & guidelines
- OHS Regulation Part 4: General Conditions Sections 4.39 - 4.41
- OHS Regulation Part 13: Ladders, Scaffolds & Temporary Work Platforms
- Guidelines Part 13: Ladders, Scaffolds & Temporary Work Platforms
- WCB Standard: LDR 1-2004 Job Built Ladders
Web resources
- Foot Comfort and Safety at Work Source: CCOHS
- Ladders Storage and Handling Source: CCOHS
- What should you know about portable ladders before using them? Source: CCOHS
- Inspecting Ladders Source: CCOHS
- A Health and Safety Guideline for Your Workplace - Walking and Working Surfaces (PDF 625 KB) Source: IAPA
- Focus on Falls - Preventing Slips/Falls and Loss of Balance in Industrial Workplaces (PDF 528 KB) Source: IAPA
- Preventing slips and trips at work (PDF 631 KB) Source: Health & Safety Executive
Young Worker
Multimedia
Young Workers in Manufacturing (video)
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Michael Lovett lost his leg in a sawmill accident in 1999. He was just 18 years old. In this short video, Michael and a WorkSafeBC officer provide a perspective on what employers can - and should - do to prevent more tragedies like this. ( 6 min 39 s) |
Young worker falls from forklift (slide show)
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A young worker new to the job falls 13 feet off a forklift's platform onto a concrete floor. (4 min 41 s) |
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Source: WorkSafeBC | |
Booklets & pamphlets
Training and orientation for young and new workers (PDF 141 KB)
An employer's guide to the amendments in Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
Source: WorkSafeBC
Visit the young worker web pages for more information.
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