As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibility. Part of that is to ensure your company grows and reaches financial objectives. More importantly, though, you must ensure your workers stay healthy and safe on the job. Not only is a PSR assessment needed to achieve that goal, but it’s also mandated according to current safety regulations.
What Is a PSR for Ontario Businesses?
First, this is formally known as a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review. Second, a licensed engineer must complete the written report. In it, they identify potential health and safety risks. In particular, they focus on machinery, structures, processes, and protective elements associated with industrial facilities.
The Official Report
In simple terms, a PSR assessment is an official evaluation of machinery, structures, processes, and protective elements. The goal is to deem these items safe to use or operate. With the assessment complete, the engineer creates a report of their findings. To meet current safety standards, the report must include specific details in writing.
The report lists anything that poses a risk. That includes machinery that requires a modification, repair, or replacement. Anything the engineer outlines in the PSR for Ontario businesses is the owner’s responsibility to rectify.
Below are the specific items that an engineer must include in their Pre-Start Health and Safety Review.
- Detailed actions required to protect workers’ health and safety. If a machine or structure needs testing, you need to correct the problem. Employees cannot use or operate the machinery or structure until that’s done.
- Detailed actions required to ensure that machinery, structures, processes, and protective elements are compliant. These items must align with the current safety standards in the Industrial Establishments Regulations.
- Specifics about any inadequate structure of machinery or structures.
- The signature of the engineer or individual with expertise who performs the PSR for Ontario businesses. If the person conducting the assessment isn’t a licensed engineer, the report must outline their qualifications or expert knowledge.
Examples of Compliance Factors for a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review
As mentioned, a PSR assessment focuses on machinery, structures, processes, and protective elements within the workplace. Here are a few examples of compliance factors in the Industrial Establishments Regulations.
- Dust collectors
- Flammable liquids
- Guarding
- Laser scanners
- Lifting devices
- Processes that could lead to an explosion
- Racking/stacking structures
- Safety mats
As you can see, the engineer or qualified expert who performs a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review drills down to the smallest detail. Although the primary goal of this assessment is to keep workers healthy and safe, it has additional benefits. For instance, it ensures your company is compliant with current safety standards. It also serves to protect assets.
Rely on an Expert for a PSR in Ontario
To achieve all the goals that define a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review, contact us a S.A.F.E. Engineering, Inc. We specialize in this and other areas for industrial businesses.
