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Injury Prevention Resources for Metal & Non Metallic Mineral Products - General

General | Metal Fabricating | Automotive & Aircraft | Cement, Concrete, & Stone | Foundries, Smelters, & Metal Powders | Marine

 

Ergonomics | Eye Protection | Fall Protection | Hearing Protection | Lockout | Machine Safeguarding | Respiratory Protection | Other

The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the metal, non-metallic mineral products industries. 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.

Ergonomics

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.

Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Back Talk: An Owner's Manual for Backs BK4 (PDF 706 KB) space
An illustrated handbook that explains how the back works, provides tips for avoiding injury, and shows how to care for the back during recovery.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
Updated: November 2011
Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

BackCare The National (UK) Organisation for Healthy Backsspace
A website which helps people manage and prevent back pain by providing advice, promoting self help, encouraging debate and funding scientific research into better back care.
Source: BackCare

Elements of Ergonomics Programsspace
"This primer describes the basic elements of a workplace ergonomics program. The text is largely built around NIOSH experiences in evaluating risks of WMSDs in a variety of workplaces."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety

Ergonomics (general - non-healthcare specific)space
Ergonomics is matching the job to the worker and product to the user. Ergonomics and human factors are often used interchangeably in workplaces.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Ergonomic hazardsspace
Ergonomic hazards include repetitive and forceful movements, vibration, temperature extremes, and awkward postures that arise from improper work methods and improperly designed workstations, tools, and equipment.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

ErgoWeb Reference Materialsspace
Links to a very large number of online ergonomics resources.
Source: ErgoWeb

Foot Comfort and Foot Safety at Workspace
Describes common causes of foot problems, how work conditions and footwear can contribute to foot problems, how foot injuries can be prevented, how job and workplace design can improve foot safety, how to buy the right footwear for work, how to care for one's feet, and exercises that can be done at the workstation.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

OSH Answers: Hand Tool Ergonomicsspace
Information on the following topics presented in question-and-answer format: Health Hazards, Introduction, Job Design, Tool Design, Workspace Design.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

OSH Answers: Pushing and Pulling -- Generalspace
Information presented in question-and-answer format.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Eye Protection

Eye Protection in the Workplace space
A guide for employers and supervisors that provides a framework for the safety orientation, education, and training of young workers.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

OSH Answers: Safety Glasses and Face Protectors space
Information about safety glasses and face protectors presented in a question-and-answer format.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Fall Protection

An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment BK60 (PDF 545 KB) (Updated: September 2005) space
An introduction to the proper use of personal fall protection equipment. This booklet outlines the safe use and limitations of personal fall protection equipment, including safety belts, harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Also available in the following languages:

* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

100% Preventable: Slips, Trips, and Falls space
Demonstrates painful falls to emphasize need for more awareness and safe work procedures.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
Available from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Background and extensive guidelines on preventing injuries from slips, trips, and falls (PDF 631 KB)space
This booklet provides background and extensive guidelines on preventing injuries from slips, trips, and falls.
Source: HSE, UK (Health and Safety Executive)

Hearing Protection

Sound Advice: A Guide to Hearing Conservation Programs BK12 (PDF 1 MB) space
This guide explains what is required of a hearing conservation program and provides general information on implementing a hearing conservation program.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
Updated: May 2006

A Practical Guide to Effective Hearing Conservation Programs in the Workplace space
Downloadable as PDF files from this page.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Hearing Conservation (PDF 160 KB)space
"OSHA's hearing conservation program is designed to protect workers with significant occupational noise exposures from suffering material hearing impairment even if they are subject to such noise exposures over their entire working lifetimes. [This booklet] summarizes the required component of OSHA's hearing conservation program."
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Lockout

Lockout: a guide to safe work practices (video)

video thumbnail 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. (35min 39s)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Lock out. It takes just seconds to lose a limb. (slide show)

video thumbnail This slide show describes two accidents, each where a worker lost a limb following improper lockout. (2 min 58 s)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Lockout BK21 (PDF 2.4 MB) space
This booklet defines lockout, explains lockout policy and procedures, and provides guidance on compliance with Regulation requirements.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Also available in the following languages:

* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Updated: September 2005

Critical Injury -- "Heim" Punch Pressspace
"A worker was critically injured due to improper lock out procedures on a 'HEIM' 400 ton Punch Press." (March 4, 1991)
Source: Ontario Ministry of Labour

Lock Out Machinery Before Servicingspace
Provides tips for locking out machinery or equipment to prevent injuries. (WorkSafe Magazine, March/April 2000)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Machine Safeguarding

Safeguarding in Metal Products Manufacturing (slide show)

video thumbnail 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)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Guarding (video)

video thumbnail 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)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Safeguarding Machinery and Equipment: General Requirements (PDF 4.6 MB)space
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.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Safeguarding in Manufacturing (PDF 733 KB)
(A Companion guide to Safeguarding Machinery and Equipment: General Requirements booklet.)

This Infoflip 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 assess the risks to their workers from harmful contact with machinery and equipment
  • workers 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 WorkSafeBC

Guarding  (Video)space
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)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

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 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 WorkSafeBC

Concepts and Techniques of Machine Safeguardingspace
"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."
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Safety and Health Topics - Machine Safeguarding space
"This page contains general information on the various hazards of mechanical motion and techniques for protecting workers."
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Machine Guarding eTool space
"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)

Preventing the Injury of Workers by Robots space
"Victim entered the working range of the robot to do maintenance and was pinned between the back of the industrial robot and a steel safety pole."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Workers from Amputations (PDF 1 MB) space
"Anyone responsible for the use and care of stationary machinery---employers, employees, safety professionals, and industrial hygienists---should read this publication. This guide can help you, the small business employer, identify and manage common amputation hazards associated with operating and using stationary equipment."
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Critical Injury -- Unguarded Cut-off Sawspace
"A worker received serious injuries to his left hand when he reached across the path of a 15 inch saw blade and inadvertently stepped on the foot pedal that activated the hydraulically controlled radial arm that moves the saw blade across the wood."
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Light Curtains Protect Workers' Hands (PDF 2 MB) space
Article in WorkSafe Magazine, January/February 2001.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Foundry Machinery Guarding: Mould and Core-making Machineryspace
"This information sheet is one of four prepared by the Foundries Industry Advisory Committee's Working Group on foundry machinery guarding. It is intended that the four sheets be read together. Essential introductory information is given on sheet 2." Foundries Sheet 3.
Source: Health and Safety Executive (UK)

Foundry Machinery Guarding: Sand Handling Equipment (PDF 40 KB)space
"This Information Sheet is one of four prepared by the Foundries Industry Advisory Committee's Working Group on foundry machinery guarding. It should be read in conjunction with the essential introductory information on sheet 2." Foundries Sheet 4.
Source: Health and Safety Executive (UK)

Foundry Machinery Guarding: Shakeouts, Sand Mixers and Shotblasts (PDF 40 KB)space
"This information sheet is one of four prepared by the Foundries Industry Advisory Committee's Working Group on foundry machinery guarding. It should be read in conjunction with the essential introductory information on sheet 2." Foundries Sheet 5.
Source: Health and Safety Executive (UK)

Respiratory Protection

Breathe Safer: How to use respirators safely and start a respirator program (PDF 3.4 MB) space updated
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 WorkSafeBC
Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Updated: October 2011

OSH Answers: Respirator Selection space
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)

OSH Answers: Respirator Care space
This document provides checklists for caring for respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Other

Fields of Vision: Pedestrian Safety around Forklifts (video)

video thumbnail 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)
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Manufacturing Safety BK117 (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 WorkSafeBC
* Available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC store.

Preventing Heat Stress at Work BK30 (PDF 2 MB) (Updated: February 2007) space
This booklet provides a basic overview of job-related heat stress, how to recognize and treat heat stress, and how to prevent heat stress.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

Also available in the following languages:

* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

WHMIS at Work (PDF 928 KB)space
This booklet explains the basics of WHMIS and answers some commonly asked questions about WHMIS.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

OSH Answers: Safety Hazardsspace
Safety hazards in this section deal with machine guarding, mechanical power transmission systems, electrical safety, power and hand tools, working and walking surfaces, trip and fall hazards, ladders, scaffolds, and other personal climbing and elevated support devices, lock out and tag out procedures and so on.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

NIOSH Hazard Controlsspace
Hazard Controls are short, user-friendly documents that describe control techniques for reducing hazardous exposures to workers in a particular application or industrial process. These documents outline and illustrate successful engineering controls and work practices.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

Preventing Deaths and Injuries While Compacting or Baling Refuse Materialspace
"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)



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