Key Observations 2013: WSN Paper, Printing & Converting Industries (PPCI)
Economic
Based on Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Economic Outlook Report, Ontario’s export-oriented manufacturing sector will continue to be squeezed by a
1
strong Canadian dollar, high. But its performance will pick up as foreign demand improves and the U.S. economy gradually recovers in the second half of
2013. The real GDP growth of below the national average is projected for Ontario.
High Canadian dollar, coupled with high energy and transportation costs and international competition continues to put pressure on the viability of pulp
2
and paper sector firms and others that export products to the United States. This has resulted in continued downsizing and idling of paper machines
throughout 2012. Greater demand for corrugated products internationally continues to show positive results.
Continued flat line funding, lack of investment in infrastructure for amalgamation coupled with increased costs for labour, energy and other
3
organizational expenses.
Social/Demographic
Age group of 45 to 54 represents the largest age segment of population having lost time injuries, averaging approximately 36%. In the Pulp, Newsprint
and Board Industries (RG-039) sector this age segments represents 42% of lost time injuries over a five year history. Recruitment efforts are ongoing for
1
trades and operations positions. Recruitment efforts can pose challenges due to the geographic locations of some mills. Non-traditional language issues
are continuing to create a challenges for industry as well as literacy within the workforce.
Rate group 333, represents the largest number of active accounts for our sector at 81%, the largest percentage of FTE workers at 56% and the largest
2
percentage of lost time injuries at 55% in 2012. In 2012 lost-time injury rates dropped for four rate groups from 2011 (there was a slight increase in RG
41 corrugated boxes). All five rate group frequencies are well below the schedule 1 frequency.
Within the new rate groups assigned to the PPCI sector of WSN, 792 active accounts or 58% of firms have less than 5 employees. A further 261 accounts
3
or 23% of firms have less than 20 employees.
Legal/Policy
Legislation changes – Bill 160 has several proposed increases in employer training obligations for workers, supervisors and JH&S representatives’. Based
on this impending legislation WSN has kept the industry advised of these upcoming training requirements and has started to provide the necessary
1
guidance and training in preparations for these changes. Additional Bill 160 changes involving high hazard training (falls from heights) and accreditation
provide additional opportunities for WSN to be the provider of choice for this training and health and safety management system accreditation.
Focus from WSIB & MOL on IRS and inherent system hazards (MSD’s, MVI’s, Falls, Material Handling, Chemicals, Young/New/Temporary Workers,
2
Violence/Harassment, PPE Guarding and Lockout)
Legislation changes in 2011 (Bill 160) transferred responsibility of health and safety associations, and prevention services from WSIB to Ontario Ministry
3
of Labour (MOL) as of April 1, 2012. There is a focus on directing resources to the front line.
Based on injury analysis, most frequent MOL orders issues and field observations, machine guarding remains a significant hazard area for pulp and
4
printing sector clients. The number of orders from the MOL looks to have peaked and is starting to come down to lower levels.
Technology
Large firms often employ more modern equipment and processes. Small employers typically have older equipment and processes, which are more
1
labour intensive, than modern equipment in larger facilities. This leads to increased risk for MSD/guarding related injuries for the smaller firms.
Access to technology and internet based resources continues to increase for both businesses and individuals alike. More use of webinars are being
2
employed and made available as a means of communicating important information to clients.
Health and Safety
Between 2008- 2012 MSD’s accounted for 53% of all lost time claims in rate groups served by the sector. MSD’s had the highest impact at 64% within
1
this time period in the folding cartons rate group (RG-338).
Contact with objects and equipment within this same time period is the second highest incident type resulting in lost time injuries representing close to
2
28% of all LTI’s across all rate groups served by the PPCI sector.
3
4
5
Falls within this same time period is the third highest incident type resulting in lost time injuries representing an average of 13% of all LTI’s across all rate
groups served by WSN PPCI. The upcoming proposed “falls from heights” legislated training may assist in increasing awareness in this key area of
concern.
Back and spine followed by wrists, hands and fingers represent the part of body most injured within the sector. Wrists, hands and fingers represent the
most injured body part commercial printing industry (RG-333).
A statistical analysis between 2008-2012 of occupational disease claims within the paper, printing and converting industries shows 629 or the vast
majority of claims relate to noise induced hearing loss.