Greenhouse Growers: Risks, Hazards and Solutions

There are many hazards found within the greenhouse growers’ sector, so it can be daunting to easily find
solutions to these challenges. But without a solid understanding of the dos, don’ts, and best practices, these
hazards also present numerous risks to workplaces.

The Greenhouse risk assessment project, is a multi-year initiative undertaken by the Ontario Ministry of Labour
Skills and Training Development (MLTSD) in coordination with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
and greenhouse industry stakeholders, who are working together to develop solutions that address the
identified top ten hazards and their associated root causes. This document provides some clarity on current
resources and workplace best practices that address these challenges, and how our Greenhouse growers solutions
can help!

Top 10 Root Causes

Lack of Fall Protection (anchoring points)
Lack of “Near Miss” Reporting
Engineering and new technology challenges
Fit for Duty concerns
Lack of a preventative maintenance program
Resistance to change
Training and education challenges
Not following policies and procedures
Complacency and Personal Protective Equipment
Lack of communication

By breaking down the top 10 root causes of incidents in the greenhouse sector, we have identified 6 common
hazard categories, and provided links to associated WSPS solutions. Many of these are free and available in other
languages! You can also connect with our on-call duty consultants at dutyconsultant@wsps.ca if you have
additional questions.

Common Hazards and Links to Solutions

Working at Heights
Challenge Solutions

For Greenhouse Growers, working at heights is a common Training

hazard, so having a structured workplan in place that is based on Working at Heights
your workplace specific risk assessment is critical.
Guides
Effective workplans, policies and programs should be developed Preventing Falls
in a collaborative fashion. Including maintenance staff in your Preventing Lifting & Overexertion Injuries
plans can go a long way to ensure that ladders, fixed and portable Proper Use of Ladders
anchoring points for structures, machinery and other platforms Job Aid - Mobile Ladders Platforms
are in place and inspected regularly, through a preventive Job Aid - Aerial Work Platforms
maintenance program.
Articles
Remember, it’s not only fall prevention! Working at Heights can Working at Heights Regulations
also result in overexertion injuries. Training on the safe use of
ladders should also be provided for staff. Most resources are also available in French and Spanish.
Fit for Duty
Challenge Solutions

Fit for duty is a term that most people associate with working Training
conditions and job specific physical demands. However, it is Impairment and Cannabis in the Workplace
actually a very broad term, with several considerations, such as: Impairment in the Workplace: What Managers Need to
• substance use (such as cannabis and alcohol, but may Know
also include cough medication, Tylenol etc)
• COVID-19 resources for the agriculture sector Guides
• fatigue Temporary Foreign Agricultural Workers
• family crisis Impairment resource hub
• shock/insecurity
Articles and Videos
• unresolved conflict or harassment/bullying
Building a Safety Culture in Agriculture
• weather and shift work
Mandatory Awareness Training: Turning Awareness into
Action

Most resources are also available in French and Spanish.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the Internal Responsibility System (IRS)

Challenge Solutions

Communication is key! The most effective safety programs not Training

only include guidance, policies and training on the recognition, Orientation for New Agricultural Workers
identification, and control of hazards, required PPE, near miss Safety Health and the Law for Greenhouses
processes and corrective action plans, but should also reinforce Personal Protective Equipment: The Basics
why these are important. Having a robust communication
strategy is critical and should also address: Guides
Protective Gloves
• reporting near misses (an unplanned event that did not Respirator Fit
result in injury, illness, or damage, but had the potential Properly Cleaning and Storing Respirators
to do so) Protecting Hands & Fingers
• Opportunities to easily report incidents in an anonymous Small Business Checklist: 1-5 6-19 and 20-49 employees
and non-punitive fashion
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements Articles and Videos
Building a Safety Culture in Agriculture
As an employer, you have certain responsibilities concerning PPE. Stop Think Act | Working Alone
You must identify the hazards in the workplace and control them Stop Think Act - Be Farm Safe, Not Lucky
as best possible before using PPE. Where PPE must be used, you Stop Think Act | Work Safely
will need to train employees in how to use the right equipment, New Seasonal Worker Orientation
materials, and PPE and ensure employees always use the How to produce your own short training videos
necessary PPE properly. OHS answers to FAQ

Most resources are also available in French and Spanish.

Preventive Maintenance
Challenge Solutions

Preventive Maintenance considerations are an important part of Training

any safety program, and should include components such as: Working at Heights

• formal preventive maintenance program Guides

• pre task risk assessment policy Material Handling Devices
• regular inspections of Proper Use of Ladders
- lifting devices and ladders Skid-Steers and Loaders
- roofs Hydraulic Systems
- machinery, tools and equipment Preventive Maintenance Programs
Assessment Tool and Instructions
Be aware that fatalities and critical injuries can occur during
maintenance as well. Using properly maintained equipment Articles and Videos
hydraulic locks, and rated jack stands, will ensure no crushing For Everything There is a Season
incidents happen.

Remember, winter is also a time for additional training. It

represents an opportunity to get new and younger workers
trained on maintenance and proper use of equipment.
Healthy Workplaces: Workplace Culture and Mental Health Considerations
Challenge Solutions

Workplace Mental Health (WMH) influences all elements of a Training

healthy workplace, including culture, the physical environment, Mental Health e-courses
personal health, and community involvement. WSPS has Violence in the Workplace: Awareness
developed comprehensive healthy workplace solutions and Situational Awareness and De-escalation
wellness initiatives to support you as you create your own
healthy workplace. Guides
Daily Chore - Handling Stress on the Farm
Remember, creating a healthy workplace is a strategic business Employee Violence Risk Assessment Questionnaire
move and communicates your commitment to going “above and
beyond” basic health and safety requirements – all while Articles and Videos
reducing risks and costs, strengthening your competitive Stop Think Act | Mental Health
advantage, and creating a positive workplace culture. Psychologically Healthy and Safe Workplaces
Mental Health Poster
Building a Safety Culture in Agriculture
Assess your workplace mental health readiness
Raising Awareness on Mental Health in Agriculture
Continuing the Conversation on Mental Health in
Agriculture
© 2022, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). All rights reserved. 999-BHR-01-IADO

The information contained in this reference material is distributed as a guide only. It is generally current to the best of WSPS's knowledge as at the revision date, having been compiled from
sources believed to be reliable and to represent the best current opinion on the subject. No warranty, guarantee, or representation is made by WSPS as to the absolute correctness or sufficiency
of any representation contained in this reference material. WSPS assumes no responsibility in connection therewith; nor can it be assumed that all acceptable safety measures are contained
in this reference material, or that other or additional measures may not be required or exceptional conditions or circumstances. Under no circumstances shall WSPS, its affiliates, or any of its
respective partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, or representatives be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages or lost revenues, lost profits,
or otherwise, arising from or in connection with this document. Publication date: February 2022