Supporting employers and workers in improving practices to reduce serious incidents
From April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) is conducting an education, outreach, and enforcement campaign to focus on energy isolation pertaining to lockout/tagout (LOTO) in Ontario mines and mining plants.
LOTO-related incidents occur from improper isolation of hazardous energy. Following LOTO procedures and effectively isolating energy sources is key to preventing the release of hazardous energy when conducting routine and non-routine tasks. These steps protect workers from serious injuries or fatalities and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Contact with machinery/equipment (some related to energy isolation) is a top cause of lost-time injuries in the mining sector. However, lost-time injuries in mining have seen a significant drop falling from over 380 in 2021 to 280 in 2023, indicating that training, oversight and awareness campaigns can have a positive impact on protecting workers.
“When supporting firms through this lockout/tagout initiative, WSN can offer help through gap assessments, leading to continuous improvement plans, and then evaluations for effectiveness,” says Ron St. Jean, Health and Safety Specialist with WSN. “Whether it’s site-specific assessments or offering self-serve forms and checklists, WSN Health and Safety Specialists are eager to help mining firms work toward desired outcomes toward compliance and health and safety excellence.”
WSN will work with members over the coming months to:
- identify compliance best practices,
- help prepare for field inspections,
- highlight opportunities for accessible site procedures,
- identify training opportunities, and
- provide ongoing communications and education pertaining to LOTO roles and responsibilities.
Health and Safety Specialists are available to provide real-time guidance on effective practices related to maintenance, adjustment, servicing, and examination of equipment. Specialists can also offer training to equip workers with knowledge on work procedures and effective controls when working with equipment.
There is a renewed push to strengthen compliance with LOTO procedures, thereby protecting Ontario miners. Properly locking and tagging energized equipment isn’t just a requirement: it’s key to the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities. With greater awareness of hazardous energy sources, employers can raise the bar on safety while reinforcing a work culture that empowers workers to recognize risks and take action.
Related
Webinar recording: How to prepare for Ontario workplace inspections on energy isolation (lockout/tagout) – WSN, MLITSD, IHSA
Webinar presentation: How to prepare for Ontario workplace inspections on energy isolation (lockout/tagout) – WSN, MLITSD, IHSA
Lockout and Guarding – Workplace Safety North
How WSN Serves Ontario Mining Industries – Workplace Safety North
LOTO Assessment Tool – Workplace Safety North
Hazards in The Mining Sector – Workplace Safety North
Find Your Specialist – Workplace Safety North
Lockout eLearning – CCOHS
Risk Assessment and Management for Mines and Mining Plants – Government of Ontario