Latest news with #OccupationalHealthandSafetyAct
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Security crisis at hospitals and clinics sparks fear and protest
A surge in armed attacks and violent crimes at rural hospitals has left healthcare workers fearing for their lives. Hospitals and clinics – especially those in rural areas or with insufficient security – are becoming the targets of ruthless robbers, with medical staff and patients being the victims. Recent incidents include an attack by armed criminals on medical practitioners at the Barberton District Hospital in Mpumalanga; a robbery at gunpoint of security guards at Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape; and ongoing attacks – including rape – on nurses at isolated health facilities in Limpopo. Barberton Hospital protest This week, hospital employees at Barberton Hospital were picketing outside the gate demanding the government must ensure their safety before they could resume work. A group of armed people reportedly entered the facility a few days ago and 'threatened nurses and doctors'. Mpumalanga department of community safety, security and liaison Moeti Mmusi confirmed the incident and said the department has taken steps to ensure the safety of the workers. 'Not a work boycott' SA Medical Association Trade Union's Mpumalanga representative, Mandla Matshabe, confirmed their members were scared to enter the facility due to safety concerns. ALSO READ: Two nurses kidnapped for 4 hours and raped in Limpopo clinic attack The contract of the current security company lapsed and as the new firm was preparing to move in, the criminals hit the hospital and attacked the staff and patients, Matshabe said. 'This is not a work boycott. There is a security threat due to the incident that took place in the early hours of 1 June. 'Workers are willing to perform their duties. The security threat is posed by the handover to a new security company – and I believe there is a security threat throughout the province due to this transition,' said Matshabe. 'In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, workers asked the employer to ensure their safety at the hospital.' Healthcare workers' continuous attack Cyril Mdluli, a provincial secretary of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa, said: 'We note the continuous attack on health care workers by the community and criminals and call for a strong security system in all health facilities. 'Currently, our securities are not armed. We need to review that decision. Mpumalanga is the only province where security matters are handled at the department of safety and security. ALSO READ: Chuene Clinic attack: More charges expected against Limpopo suspect as case postponed 'We therefore call for security to be managed by the department of health. Insourcing will increase the security in facilities.' Mdluli said for security needs to be met, facilities must have proper fencing and lighting. Department of health spokesperson Dumisani Malamule declined to comment. Rural clinics security concerns Last month, Zoutnet news reported attacks on nurses working in rural hospitals across Vhembe. 'Nurses are facing a lot of challenges, especially those working in rural clinics and hospitals, where there is no security,' said Fhumulani Mulaudzi from the University of Pretoria. Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa president Simon Hlungwani earlier highlighted a nurse who was raped while on duty in Limpopo and another who was shot dead in Tembisa Hospital. 'We need to come up with clear programmes that we are going to drive to wage the struggle and improve the service,' Hlungwani said. As one nurse said: 'It pains us to see we are lacking in the very service we are supposed to render to our communities.' NOW READ: Gauteng health warns of 'silent killer'
Hamilton Spectator
31-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Stoney Creek steel company fined $200,000 in 2022 worker death
A Stoney Creek steel company has been fined $200,000 after a worker was fatally struck by a forklift in April 2022. Janco Steel Ltd., a steel processing company located on Arvin Avenue, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the forklift was directed by a signaller when its operator did not have a clear view while moving around the facility, according to a media release from the Ministry of Labour. As previously reported by The Spectator, emergency services were called to the facility for an industrial rescue after a worker had been struck by a forklift and suffered critical injuries on the morning of April 26, 2022. The worker — a 36-year-old man — was transported to West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, but died of his injuries soon after. While few details were originally released, the latest media release from the province sheds new light on what happened inside the facility, which processes steel products, including slit-to-width large coils. That day, a worker employed by Janco was fatally struck by a forklift operating inside of the plant. The worker was operating an overhead crane, which was moving a large steel coil from a transport truck to a weight scale. While the worker was looking up at the load, he walked backwards into an 'interior driveway' where the forklift was travelling, the ministry said. The operator of the forklift did not see the worker and could not see the area in front of the coil that was being moved, according to the release. A police officer stands at the scene of a workplace fatality at Janco Steel in Stoney Creek on April 26, 2022. At the time of the incident, the forklift operator was driving roughly two to three kilometres per hour and stopped the vehicle when another worker yelled out. However, the forklift had already hit the operator of the crane. An investigation by the ministry found that Janco had violated the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires a signaller to direct any operator of material handling equipment, such a forklift, who does not have a full view of its intended path of travel. Janco pleaded guilty to one charge under the OHSA in early April. The company will also have to pay a 25 per cent victim surcharge. The Spectator reached out to Janco for comment Friday afternoon, but did not immediately hear back. The April 2022 incident marks at least the second time the Stoney Creek steel processor has pleaded guilty in the death of one of its workers. Janco was previously fined $150,000 for the death of one of its workers who was fatally injured in 2016. The company pleaded guilty in May 2018 to failing to ensure that regulated measures and procedures under OHSA were followed. A worker was killed on July 21, 2016, after coils were not properly secured by a hold-down arm, causing one of the cut coils to fall and crush him. Provincial regulations require that materials, such as those produced at Janco, be lifted, carried or moved so as not to endanger the safety of any worker. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Business Upturn
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Bunzl Helps Employers with Washroom Hygiene Legislation Compliance
Exclusive CleanWatch™ platform launched ahead of Ontario's Bill 190 July 1, 2025 Deadline . BURLINGTON, Ontario, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Ontario's Bill 190 introduces stricter washroom hygiene standards effective July 1st, Bunzl Canada, the exclusive distributor of WandaNEXT™, is proud to introduce CleanWatch™, a cost-effective, simplified version of the platform designed to help employers comply with the new rules while improving cleanliness, safety and employee experience. Introduced in Ontario in 2024, Bill 190, also known as the Working for Workers Five Act , is a new law that makes changes to various employment-related statutes, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Standards Act (ESA). Under the new legislation, the first phase of which comes into effect July 1, 2025, constructors and employers are obligated to ensure that washroom facilities provided for workers are kept in a clean and sanitary state and maintain cleaning records. In phase two, which comes into effect January 1, 2026, washroom cleaning records must also be made easily accessible to workers. The CleanWatch™ Solution CleanWatch™ is a cutting-edge addition to WandaNEXT™ digital cleaning management software, which transitions facilities from traditional, reactive cleaning methods to a proactive, data-driven approach. The new, simplified CleanWatch™ application enables employers to easily record washroom cleaning activities and make the information conveniently accessible via QR code, so that compliance with Bill 190 legislation is both straightforward and cost effective. Compliance Made Easy CleanWatch™ simplifies adherence to the legislative requirements by providing real-time monitoring and detailed reporting on washroom cleaning, ensuring that employers can quickly and easily meet the new standards. 'As the July 1st implementation deadline for Bill 190 approaches, Bunzl is here to support Ontario businesses in achieving seamless compliance with minimal disruption,' said Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene's Sr. Vice President, Brock Tully. 'By adopting this innovative solution, employers can not only meet the new legislative requirements but also exceed them, setting a new standard for workplace hygiene and employee safety.' As the exclusive distributor of WandaNEXT™, Bunzl is committed to providing innovative solutions to enhance facility cleaning efficiency and effectiveness. WandaNEXT™ is trusted for its in-depth analytics, helping optimize resource allocation, improve cleaning protocols, and foster a positive user experience. To enable its customers to achieve compliance ahead of the legislation's effective date, Bunzl is offering the new CleanWatch™ product on a complimentary basis from June-December 2025. For more information about CleanWatch™ or to schedule a demo, please visit: About Bunzl Canada Bunzl Canada Inc. ( provides the cleaning and hygiene products and equipment, food and retail packaging, safety products and industrial supplies which keep over 45,000 Canadian businesses running optimally, every day. The company brings its customers the advantage of global sourcing, product innovation and national scale combined with responsive local service and deep category expertise. Bunzl Canada Inc. is an operating company of Bunzl plc (BNZL.L), a FTSE100 company listed on the London Stock Exchange in the Support Services sector. Media Inquiries Margo HunnisettVice President, Marketing & CommunicationsBunzl Canada Inc. [email protected] (905) 630-3749
Global News
23-05-2025
- Health
- Global News
Ontario to require defibrillators on construction sites
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Ontario is planning to require certain construction sites to have automatic external defibrillators. Labour Minister David Piccini says the proposal will be part of a larger piece of legislation, following six previous omnibus labour bills introduced by Premier Doug Ford's government. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Piccini says the recommendation for AEDs on construction sites came from industry stakeholders during consultations for a previous labour bill. Proposed regulatory amendments under the Occupational Health and Safety Act would require AEDs on construction projects expected to last longer than three months and employing at least 20 workers. A program through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board would reimburse companies for the cost, which is on average $2,300. Andrew Pariser, the vice-president of RESCON, which represents residential builders, says this move will save lives.
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario to require defibrillators on construction sites
Ontario is planning to require certain construction sites to have automatic external defibrillators. Labour Minister David Piccini says the proposal will be part of a larger piece of legislation, following six previous omnibus labour bills introduced by Premier Doug Ford's government. Piccini says the recommendation for AEDs on construction sites came from industry stakeholders during consultations for a previous labour bill. Proposed regulatory amendments under the Occupational Health and Safety Act would require AEDs on construction projects expected to last longer than three months and employing at least 20 workers. A program through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board would reimburse companies for the cost, which is on average $2,300. Andrew Pariser, the vice-president of RESCON, which represents residential builders, says this move will save lives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2025.
