Exposure to hazardous energy during routine operations has been identified as the top health and
safety risk and opportunity for Ontario's automotive manufacturing sector following a comprehensive
risk assessment that engaged stakeholders at all levels of the industry.
Hazardous energy can take many forms, including electrical, pressurized fluids or gases, mechanical,
chemical, and thermal energy. Exposure to hazardous energy can have catastrophic results for a
worker if they're near a release of stored energy from a machine.
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Automotive Manufacturing Sector are working
together to develop solutions that address the top ten primary causal factors for exposure to hazardous
energy in this sector. This document provides some clarity on current resources and workplace best
practices that address these risks.
Top 10 Primary Causal Factors
1. Inadequate Training
2. Lack of Hazard Identification/Risk Assessment
3. Lack of/Inadequate Documented Program
4. Lack of Worker Competency
5. Accepted Work Norms
6. Taking Shortcuts
7. Inadequate Equipment
8. Lack of Monitoring
9. Inadequate Maintenance
10. Performance Evaluation
Recommendations to address exposure to hazardous energy in the automotive manufacturing industry
were sorted into five categories. For each category, we have provided links to associated WSPS
solutions, many of which are free! You can also visit our Resource Hub or connect with a consultant if
you have additional questions.
Automotive Manufacturing Root Cause Analysis
Exposure to Hazardous Energy
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