Does your crew, including your subs, know your Rescue Plan?

I’ve talked a lot recently about the new Ontario Working at Heights training standard’s arrival on April 1 of this year. How anyone you send above the height of 3 metres, whether ladders or scaffolding or whatever, is required to use fall protection equipment.

But just as important as part of this legislation, a rescue plan for your jobsite is required by law.

All workers, including sub trades need to read, understand and sign off on a rescue plan, before commencing work.

A rescue plan should cover items like: How quickly can someone be rescued, what equipment is needed, where is the rescue equipment located and are those rescuing not being put at risk themselves.

Information on rescue needs to be given to everyone at the beginning of each day, including a posted copy on site of your emergency procedures, which shows the nearest hospital, contact details for police, fire service and ambulance departments.

While under investigation after an accident, producing written documentation to show your due diligence beforehand, can save prosecution, fines and/or jail. The Act says:

“on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than twelve months, or to both”

“If a corporation is convicted of an offense under subsection (1), the maximum fine that may be imposed upon the corporation is $500,000”

Added to these penalties is an internet publication of the prosecution for the public and your competition to access through search engines like Google. The Act says: Internet publication. Authority to publish under subsection (1) includes authority to publish on the Internet. 2006, c. 19, Sched. M, s. 5

Policies & Procedures are required under regulation O. Reg. 213/91, s.26.1(4) The Act says: “Prepare and review at least annually a written occupational health and safety policy and develop and maintain a program to implement that policy“

It’s all about covering your back and CARAHS had that in mind when it developed a specific Policy and Procedure package recently for our industry. The package provides a set of guidelines for employees and sub trades to follow. Item like first aid, violence or harassment, hazard reporting, employee/contract position orientation, disciplinary procedures and more are covered.

Thanks to the internet there are free downloads versions available if you have the time to search. Yet these might give you false hope and may not be specific or watertight enough, especially when standing in a court of law, defending oneself.

If you have any questions on this article, please call us toll free at 1 866 366 2930.

By providing education and training, CARAHS reduces your risk of fines, job site closures and prosecution under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. We are independent of unions and government.

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