These regulations detail what general safety precautions must be adhered to on site. The regulations must be read in conjunction with the OHSA. Some of the more important definitions to note are: “Confined space”; “Fire resistance”; “Flammable liquid”; “High risk substance”; “Scaffold”.
Every employer must identify the potential hazards in a workplace and formulate a risk assessment based on those hazards. If, after having done the risk assessment, it becomes evident that your employees will need personal safety equipment and facilities, then this regulation will apply to you.
Compliance Obligations?
If, after having done the risk assessment, the employer cannot eliminate the risk then he/she must take steps to safeguard the hazardous conditions or situation and to reduce the risk as much as practicable. Employees must be provided with appropriate safety equipment and facilities as may be necessary, free of charge.
Employers must take into account the nature of the hazard that could be encountered by the employee and consider the safety equipment listed in regulation 2(3)(a)-(g). The employer must instruct his employees in the proper use, maintenance and limitations of the safety equipment.
Employers must take steps to ensure that no safety equipment is removed from the workplace where the machinery is used, except for purposes of cleaning, repair, maintenance, modification or mending. The employer also must ensure that no employee is permitted to work unless they have been provided with the correct safety equipment.