* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*                                                                   *
*                         INFORMATION ALERT                         *
*                                                                   *
*  Produced by:  Ontario Ministry of Labour                         *
*  Provided by:  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety *
*                                                                   *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


INFO ALERT:  29

DATE:  February 8, 1993


*** HAZARD SUMMARY: ***  

The following two fatalities occurred at tourist outfitter
establishments with workers employed as summer help.

1)   A worker was driving a tractor down a hill when the brakes
     failed.  The emergency brake was non-functional.  The tractor
     rolled over and, since it was not equipped with a roll-over
     protective structure, the driver was crushed.

2)   A worker gathering minnow traps drowned when his canoe
     overturned.  The worker was not wearing a life jacket or personal
     flotation device.


*** LOCATION(S) AND SECTOR(S): ***

Tourism industry: tourist outfitters and outfitter camps.


*** SUGGESTED PRECAUTIONS: ***

The tourism industry, including tourist outfitters and outfitter
camps, falls under the jurisdiction of the Occupational Health and
Safety Act: all requirements of the Act and applicable regulations
apply.

Regarding the fatalities outlined above:

1)   Section 25(1)(b) of the Act requires the employer to ensure that
     "equipment, materials and protective devices provided by him are
     maintained in good condition".

     The Regulation for Roll-Over Protective Structures, O.Reg.
     524/88, requires that tractors be equipped with protective
     structures and seat belts to prevent injury or death in the event
     of a roll-over.

2)   Section 90 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments
     requires workers to wear a life jacket or personal flotation
     device (PFD), when there is a risk of drowning.

In establishments employing seasonal help, emphasis must be placed on
the duties of employers, supervisors and workers under the
Occupational Health and Safety Act.


NOTE:     "Information Alert" is produced by the Occupational Health
          and Safety Branch, Ministry of Labour for use by Ministry
          inspectors, health and safety associations and other
          interested groups or individuals in Ontario.  The goal of
          this publication is to communicate hazard information as
          soon as it becomes available to prevent injury to workers. 
          Reproduction and use of these alerts is encouraged.


Disponible en francais