Understanding PHSR's

As of October 2000, a Pre-start Health and Safety Review (or PHSR) must be performed on any new or used process or equipment which has been moved into a new workplace or where a safety control has been added or modified. This is a requirement of the Ontario Health and Safety Act. In effect, it is law.

What is a Pre-start Health and Safety Review?

A PHSR is a specific audit of a process or piece of equipment which may uncover deficiencies with respect to relevant sections of the Ontario Health and Safety Act. The safety concerns are identified and evaluated for hazard potential. Measures to bring the deficiencies into compliance are defined. The results are then presented to management and the Joint Health and Safety Committee and are used to establish an action plan for the implementation of the measures.

What is the purpose of a Pre-start Health and Safety Review?

There are many instances of equipment which is presently in an unsafe operating condition. The standards of safety are increasing every year. This process is a means to improve the safety of new or modified equipment, to enhance the visibility of these standards, and to educate. The goal is to apply these standards to existing equipment to bring the whole standard up to enhanced levels.

When are they required?

A Pre-start Health and Safety Review is required when new equipment or line purchased, also used equipment or process is moved to a new location / workplace. Exemptions are possible under certain specific conditions.

contact us for details

What are the benefits of PHSR's?

On the positive side, the PHSR process identifies equipment safety concerns and proposes practical measures which are necessary to place the equipment in a safe and reliable operating condition. It also identifies unsafe working practices and can uncover areas of inefficiency or waste.

A structured action plan allows safety deficiencies to be corrected in an organized and cost effective manner. A side benefit is renewed motivation from employees when they realize their employer is taking an active step towards ensuring their safety. Obviously, a safer operation means fewer injuries, less lost time, and lower insurance premiums, as well as higher worker morale.