Workers who work outdoors need to be familiar with these plants and ensure that they do not touch them with bare skin. Workers should ensure that their body and face is covered, that they do not use power equipment or tools around the plant and that all equipment is washed after potential exposure.

If a worker does experience a reaction from exposure, the affected area should be washed immediately with soap and cold water and to seek medical attention immediately. Another precaution is to stay out of sunlight if exposed to giant hogweed or wild parsnip.

For information on how to protect workers from hazardous plants, click here.

In 2013, falls were responsible for 25% of lost-time injuries (LTIs), 45% of critical injuries, and 10 fatalities.

If a worker is involved in a fall that has been arrested, it's important to get them to a safe place as quickly as possible without causing further injury or putting the rescuers at risk. The construction regulation (O. Reg. 213/91, s.26.1(4)) requires, that before workers use any fall arrest system or safety net on a project, the employer must develop written procedures for the rescue of a worker whose fall has been arrested.

A rescue plan is a strategy or procedure, planned in advance, to safely retrieve a person who has fallen from an elevated work surface and is suspended in a full body harness, and can include a self-rescue and/or a mechanically aided rescue.

Any rescue equipment should be stated in the plan, adequate for the rescue, be available on site and all rescuers are familiar with the use of the rescue equipment. Any rescue equipment should also be inspected and found in good shape.

An authorized rescuer should be trained by a competent rescue trainer before exposure to a fall hazard or a potential rescue application.

For more information regarding working at heights and rescue plans, contact us today to arrange your full or refresher course. Courses are scheduled on an as needed basis and can be held at your site or at the Kingston Construction Association (KCA).

Additional information on how to create your Fall at Heights Rescue Plan, click here .

Whether you are heading out on a road trip this summer, or using a vehicle for work purposes, completing a circle check before your trip can save you a lot of heartache.

A circle check is a visual inspection of your vehicle. It involves walking all the way around the vehicle to ensure there are no safety concerns. This thorough check should become an automatic part of your safety habits every time you are going to use a vehicle for the first time each day.

Commercial Motor Vehicles must comply with the Highway Traffic Act Regulation 199/07 requirements for daily (pre-trip or "circle check") inspections within 24 hours before driving.

Items to Look for when completing a Circle Check:

1. Check Under the Hood: Look for any engine oil/leaks, coolant levels/leaks, power-steering fluid, driver belts, windshield washer fluid. Ensure battery is clean and secure. 
2. Check outside vehicle: Inspect the lights, suspension/springs/shocks, any body damage, exhaust system, make sure the license plate is clean and visible. Ensure that there are no leaking fluids anywhere such as gasoline or coolants. Check that the trunk and hood are secure.
3. Liquid, Fuel and Tires: Check the fuel cap is secure and the tires are in good shape with adequate pressure. 
4. Look around and underneath your vehicle. This can help you detect any potential dangers such as animals or children hiding, and objects that may be obstructive. 
5. Check inside the vehicle: Steering, brake pedal reserve and fade, all gauges, fuel level, windshield wipers and washers, clean windows and mirrors, seat belts. Make sure the horn, heater and defroster are working. Check the parking brakes, and condition of the mirrors.

Always make note of any defects and report any problems to your supervisor immediately and do not use the vehicle until the issue has been resolved.