Sector summary

The utilities sector comprises firms involved in line clearing, telecommunications, utilities, municipal power, private power and water. Examples include pipelines, telephone firms and cable television firms.

Key hazards

The following list represents hazards to which workers are commonly exposed in the utilities sector:

  • activities that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
  • machine (and powered equipment) hazards such as improper lock-out and unguarded equipment
  • machine – rollover
  • electrical contact
  • material handling hazards (such as workers being struck by objects, caught or crushed between objects)
  • slips, trips and falls
  • exposures
  • noise
  • transportation equipment and vehicle traffic
  • confined spaces.

In general, hazards that are not covered by a regulation and hazards in workplaces not covered by a sector-specific regulation are addressed through the application of the general duty clause 25(2)(h) of the Occupational health and safety Act (OHSA).

Workplace parties should refer to the narrative portion of the field visit report, if they have received one, for further information or contact their health and safety association for guidance.

In addition to any other hazards which may be present in a workplace, all employers covered by the OHSA must comply with the requirements for workplace violence and harassment. The act sets out requirements for workplace violence and harassment in sections 32.0.1 to 32.0.8. Further information regarding the requirements related to workplace violence can be found in the Ministry of Labour (MOL) guide Workplace violence and harassment: Understanding the law.

Additional information, including more information about new workplace harassment provisions, can be found on the MOL topic webpages for Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment. Employers may wish to consider the use of the ministry’s Code of Practice to Address Workplace Harassment under the Occupational health and safety Act.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Workplace pains and strains can be serious and disabling for workers, causing pain and suffering ranging from discomfort to severe disability.

MSD is not a medical diagnosis; it is an umbrella term for a group of injuries. Some of these injuries include: back pain, muscle strain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), rotator cuff syndrome, tennis elbow and shoulder pain.

  • Identify and assess job-related MSD risk factors (i.e. identify tasks and activities involving manual material handling, use of ladders, static or repetitive movements etc.).
  • Review training on job-specific MSD risk factors.
  • Assess controls to reduce worker exposure to MSDs.
  • Contact your health and safety association for guidance in assessments and prevention of MSDs.

Machine hazards

Machine or transmission start-up (improper lockout)

Injuries experienced by accidental machine start-up can include lacerations, crushing and amputations. In some circumstances these injuries can cause permanent disability or death. 

The Regulation for Industrial Establishments (Regulation 851) applies to industrial establishments (such as an office building, factory, arena, shop or office or any land, buildings and structures pertaining there to) and sets out requirements for worker protection against machine start-up in sections 75 and 76.

  • Review repair/maintenance of machinery [section 75].
  • Ensure requirement/compliance with lockout procedures [sections 75 and 76].
  • Ensure that instruction and information is provided to a worker on the hazard and the requirements to isolate and lockout hazardous energy [OHSA clauses 25(2)(a) and 25(2)(d)].

Unguarded equipment

Injuries to workers can include lacerations, amputations, crush by entanglement and loss of consciousness. Serious injuries can lead to permanent disability or death.

Hazards due to unguarded equipment include worker exposure to pinch points, moving (rotating) equipment, and in-running nip hazards. Equipment that has exposed moving parts such as cutting equipment, conveyors and exposed drive-motor assemblies used to power compressors and/or ventilation fans may endanger a worker. Regulation 851 sets out requirements for guarding of equipment in sections 24, 25, 26, 28, 31 and 32.

  • Ensure that the requirements for the guarding of prime movers or transmission equipment are followed [section 24].
  • Ensure that pinch points are guarded [section 25].

Machine roll-over

The Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) Regulation (Regulation 856) applies to all workplaces (except farming operations) covered by the Occupational health and safety Act.

Machines that fall into the categories of lawn ride-on tractors and lawn and garden ride-on tractors can be equipped with implements and are considered tractors, a type of machine to which the ROPS regulation can apply.

The smaller riding lawn mowers are unable to accommodate implements, and are not tractors within the commonly understood meaning of the term, and are not machines to which the ROPS Regulation applies.

Injuries from equipment roll-over can include fractures, loss of consciousness, internal injuries and lacerations. Severe incidents can lead to permanent disability (amputation) or death (mechanical compression) when workers are trapped or caught between equipment and the ground or other object.

Regulation 856 sets out the requirements regarding roll-over protective structures.

The ROPS Regulation applies to a lawn tractor or lawn and garden tractor that is designed to accommodate other implements and that is rated at more than 15 kW (20 hp)or weighs more than 700 kg (1,500 lbs).

Review the requirements of Regulation 856, section 2 to determine which equipment is available in the workplace where roll-over protective structures are required. Exceptions include equipment which is:

  1. 15 kW(20 hp) or less OR 700 kg (1,500 lbs) or less
  2. manufactured before 1980.
  • Ensure that workers comply with the requirement to use a seatbelt [subsection 3(1)].
  • Acquaint a worker of any known hazards [OHSA clause 25(2)(d)].
  • Ensure that workers are provided information, instruction and supervision related to the operation of machines and the requirement of ROPS [OHSA clause 25(2)(a)].

Electrical contact

Injures to workers can include loss of consciousness, burns, lacerations and fractures as a result of contact with the live electrical apparatus or fall to the ground from the same level, or from an elevated working height.

The lack of muscular self-control after electrical shock and the inability of workers to protect themselves or brace for the impact can contribute to serious head, neck and back injuries. Severe incidents involving electric shock can lead to permanent disability or death.

Regulation 851 sets out requirements for working with electrical equipment and around electrical installations in sections 40 to 40.2.

  • Ensure that proper procedures are followed when performing electrical maintenance [sections 42-44.2].
  • Ensure that proper lock-out procedures are followed [subsections 42(1) and 42(7)]. Ensure that workers are provided information, instruction and supervision [OHSA clause 25(2)(a)].

Material handling hazards: struck by objects, caught between or crushed by objects

Injuries associated with material handling can include workers being struck by objects, caught between objects and/or crushed by mechanical compression. Manual material handling may also lead to MSDs.

Regulation 851 sets out requirements for material handling in sections 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50. Section 51 contains requirements regarding mechanical lifting devices.

  • Review operations/processes involving the movement of material, equipment and product in the workplace.
  • Ensure that materials, equipment and product are stored safely and can be removed and handled by workers safely [section 45]. Ensure that mechanical lifting devices are maintained in good condition, are operated by a competent person and are capable of handling loads [section 51].

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls hazards include hazards that result in workers falling onto the same surface or falling from a height.

Injuries to workers can include fractures, lacerations and loss of consciousness. In extreme circumstances, injuries caused from a fall can lead to permanent disability or death.

The Regulation for Industrial Establishments (Regulation 851) sets out a number of requirements for worker protection against slips, trips and falls, including but not limited to sections 11, 13, 14, 15, 73 and 85.

  • Floors and other surfaces used by workers must be free of obstructions, hazards, accumulations of ice and snow and not have a slippery surface [section 11].
  • Review requirements for guardrails to protect from falls [sections 13 and 14].
  • Review fall protection equipment required when working from heights [section 85].
  • Ensure that training is provided to a worker on the use of protective clothing and equipment (i.e. fall arrest equipment [section 79].
  • In areas requiring ladder use, review compliance with section 73.
  • Employers must provide information, instruction and supervision to protect workers from slips, trips and falls and acquaint workers with the hazards [OHSA clauses 25(2)(a) and 25(2)(d)].

Exposures

Chemical exposures

Chemicals can present hazards to workers by a variety of different mechanisms such as causing chemical burns to skin, irritation to eyes and airways and by absorption or injection into the body.

  • Review the use of chemicals used in the workplace such as cleaners, disinfectants and any other chemicals used.
  • Ensure compliance with requirement for skin protection [Regulation 851, section 84].
  • Ensure compliance with requirement for eye protection [section 81].
  • Ensure compliance with requirement for emergency eyewash facilities [section 124].
  • Ensure compliance with requirement for emergency shower facilities [section 125].
  • Ensure that workers are trained about precautions to take, use of protective equipment and emergency procedures [section130].
  • Ensure that the requirements outlined in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) (Regulation 860), and the requirements to monitor and control exposure limits as identified in the Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents Regulation (Regulation 833) are followed.

General workplace environment

Workplace hazards related to the general workplace environment may include exposure to fumes and other contaminants related to poor or inadequate ventilation. Exposure to cold or heat may also be a hazard to worker health and safety.

  • Ensure workplace ventilation is adequate [Regulation 851, sections 127 and 128].
  • Ensure that a workplace is adequately heated where appropriate [section 129].
  • Review sources of heat or excessive temperatures in the workplace and ensure that adequate controls are in place to protect workers.

Noise

Injuries to workers can include varying degrees of noise-induced hearing loss.

The Noise Regulation O. Reg. 381/15 sets out workplace requirements regarding noise.

  • Review the engineering controls and administrative (work practices) controls in place to reduce noise levels and exposures (mufflers on air exhausts, mechanical damping, vibration isolators, enclosures, limiting worker’s exposure time) [subsection 2(2)].
  • Review the availability and use of hearing protection [subsection 2(6)].
  • Review the type of hearing protection provided [subsection 4(1)].
  • Review placement of warning signs at approaches to noisy areas [subsection 2(7)].
  • Review the training provided to workers [section 3].
  • Personal protective equipment is to be used only as a last resort. Engineering controls and work practices must be used where practicable [subsection 2(5)].

Transportation equipment and vehicle traffic

Injuries can occur when workers are struck by or come into contact with motorized equipment or vehicles in a workplace.

Where vehicles or motorized equipment are present:

  • review locations where pedestrians and vehicles may be present in a workplace.
  • ensure that controls are in place to adequately protect workers from vehicles and motorized equipment. [Regulation 851, section 20].

A comprehensive program to protect workers may include an assessment of the risks and implementation of measures and procedures appropriate in the circumstances, such as warning lights, signs, signallers, barriers and worker training. The use of reflective clothing appropriate for the circumstances is also important. Workplace parties may wish to refer to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard CSA Z96-15 which contains performance criteria for high visibility garments. CSA Standard Z96-15 - High-visibility safety apparel is available through the Canadian Standards Association.

Confined space

A confined space means a fully or partially enclosed space that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy, and in which atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location or contents or because of work that is done in it.

Injuries to workers can include loss of consciousness and collateral injuries sustained as a result of loss of consciousness.

In some circumstances such as oxygen depletion, toxic substance inhalation, or explosive atmosphere, injuries to workers can lead to permanent disability or death.

The Regulation for Confined Spaces (O. Reg. 632/05) sets out workplace requirements regarding confined spaces.

  • Review work locations that meet the definition of confined space.
  • Ensure compliance with the requirement to have a program in place for confined spaces [section 5].
  • Ensure compliance with the requirement to have adequate assessments of confined spaces carried out [section 6].
  • Ensure compliance with requirement to have an adequate plan developed and implemented for confined space entry [section 7].
  • Review compliance with requirement for worker training [section 9].

Trends

Table 1: Fatalities and critical injuries in utilities by fiscal year
Events2012-132013-142014-152015-162016-17
Fatalities00000
Critical injuries71612814
  • Only critical injury events reported to the ministry are included here.
  • These represent data that were reported to the ministry and may not represent what actually occurred at the workplace.
  • The critical injury numbers represent critical injuries reported to the ministry and not necessarily critical injuries as defined by the Occupational health and safety Act.
  • Non-workers who are critically injured may also be included in the ministry’s data.
  • The Ministry of Labour tracks and reports fatalities at workplaces covered by the OHSA. This excludes death from natural causes, death of non-workers at a workplace, suicides, death as a result of a criminal act or traffic accident (unless the OHSA is also implicated) and death from occupational exposures that occurred many years ago.
  • Data are subject to change because of inspectors’ updates to the database.
Table 2: Events and activities in utilities by fiscal year
Events and activities2012-132013-142014-152015-162016-17
Field visits325433327306227
Orders339483288297184
Complaints5360603738
Work refusals82523

Most common orders issued under the OHSA

From April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, the most common orders issued by the Ministry of Labour under the OHSA were:

  • An employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker [clause 25(2)(h)].
  • An employer shall ensure that, the equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer are maintained in good condition [clause 25(1)(b)].
  • An employer shall provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker [clause 25(2)(a)].

Most common orders issued under the Industrial Regulations

From April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, the most common orders issued by the Ministry of Labour under Regulation 851 were:

  • A floor or other surface used by any worker shall, be kept free of (i) obstructions, (ii) hazards, and (iii) accumulations of refuse, snow or ice [clause 11 (a)].
  • An in-running nip hazard or any part of a machine, device or thing that may endanger the safety of any worker shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the pinch point [section 25].
  • Material, articles or things shall be transported, placed or stored so that the material, articles or things (i) will not tip, collapse or fall, and (ii) can be removed or withdrawn without endangering the safety of any worker [clause 45(b)].
  • Where a machine or prime mover or transmission equipment has an exposed moving part that may endanger the safety of any worker, the machine or prime mover or transmission equipment shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the moving part [section 24].

Industrial Regulations identified by section

Inspectors may issue orders in the utilities sector under the following sections of the Regulation for Industrial Establishments where appropriate.

Section 11 – safe work surfaces

Sections 13 and 14 – guardrails

Sections 22 and 23 – flammable liquids

Sections 24, 25, 26, 28 and 32 – guarding of equipment

Section 45 – material handling and storage

Section 49 – compressed gas cylinders

Clause 51(1)(b) – examination of lifting device

Clause 51(1)(c) – maximum rated load plainly marked on lifting device

Section 57 – inadvertent vehicle movement

Section 73 – portable ladder

Section 76 – machine lockout

Section 79 – personal protective equipment instruction

Section 80 – head protection 

Section 81 – eye protection

Section 82 – foot protection

Section 84 – protection from noxious gas, liquid fume or dust

Section 85 – fall arrest

Applicable regulations

Construction

Employers should be aware that in situations where construction work is undertaken, the Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91) may apply.

Construction work can be described as new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs. The Occupational health and safety Act defines construction as including erection, alteration, repair, dismantling, demolition, structural maintenance, painting, land clearing, earth moving, grading, excavating, trenching, digging, boring, drilling, blasting, or concreting, the installation of any machinery or plant, and any work or undertaking in connection with a project but does not include any work or undertaking underground in a mine.

General resources

Publications | Ministry of Labour

For information and Guides, Fact Sheets, Information Bulletins, Guidelines, Alerts, Engineering Data Sheets, Extracts, Reports, Consultations, Codes, and Standards.

Videos and photos | Ministry of Labour

To view Ministry of Labour videos and photos.

Health and Safety Partners

To learn about sector-assigned health and safety associations.

By the numbers: WSIB statistical report

To review Workplace safety and insurance board (WSIB) injury experience data.

Electrical Utility Safety Rules - Infrastructure Health and Safety Association

Electrical Safety Authority (Ontario)

Electricity Act (and regulations made under the act)