In Ontario’s industrial sector, safety compliance isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s an operational necessity. Delays in meeting codes from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) or failing to complete a proper Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) can stall production schedules, increase liability, and raise project costs. That’s why many industrial operators rely on owner’s engineer [...]
In Ontario’s manufacturing and industrial facilities, machine safety is governed by a variety of standards, but few are as critical as CSA Z432. This standard lays the foundation for safe machine design and guarding principles in workplaces across the province. Designed to reduce injury and streamline regulatory compliance, CSA Z432 is an essential reference for [...]
Industrial machinery creates ongoing risks during operation, maintenance, and repair. Guarding systems are the primary defense against contact with hazardous motion, energy release, or expelled materials. Facilities operating under OHSA machine guarding standards must select guard types that comply with machine guarding regulations and performance-based guidelines outlined by CSA and other industrial machine safety standards. [...]
Dust explosions remain one of the most overlooked hazards in the food manufacturing sector. Fine powders—such as flour, sugar, starch, or powdered milk—can ignite when airborne and exposed to an ignition source. A detailed explosion risk assessment led by fire and explosion consultants can prevent catastrophic losses, improve safety compliance, and reduce long-term liabilities for [...]
Industrial sites handling hazardous materials must prioritize flammable liquid safety to minimize risks and comply with Ontario’s regulatory framework. An emergency response plan addresses immediate incident response and long-term preparedness for storage, spill containment, evacuation, and communication. Without a comprehensive system, facilities storing or transferring flammable liquids face significant dangers to personnel, property, and operations. [...]
Implementing machine guarding services with lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures creates a robust foundation for industrial safety in Ontario workplaces. While physical barriers reduce exposure to hazardous motion, procedural controls like LOTO eliminate energy risks during servicing. When these measures work in tandem, safety systems move beyond isolated solutions and reflect a comprehensive safety strategy aligned with [...]
Lean manufacturing principles originated to reduce waste and improve process flow in production environments. Initially developed in the automotive sector, it has since been applied across multiple industries seeking greater operational control. By focusing on minimizing non-value-added activities, lean principles help organizations stay agile, reduce cycle times, and optimize resource allocation. However, integrating lean initiatives [...]
Flammable solvents pose significant fire and explosion risks in industrial facilities across Ontario. Despite their widespread use, many organizations underestimate the potential hazards. According to fire and explosion safety consultants, inadequate handling and improper storage of these substances regularly cause preventable fires, risking employee safety and business operations. So, how can you recognize, handle, and [...]
Small businesses often have this assumption that a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) is only for large-scale industrial facilities. However, Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) mandates that any workplace with potential safety risks—such as machine hazards, or exposure to flammable substances — must undergo a PHSR in Ontario, Canada, before operations begin. [...]
Workplace safety regulations have undergone significant transformations over the last five decades, particularly in industries that rely on heavy machinery. Industrial machine safety standards have evolved in response to technological advancements, increasing awareness of workplace hazards, and stricter enforcement of safety regulations. In the 1970s, machine safety regulations were far less comprehensive than they are [...]
