Inside a PSR: What to Expect From a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review

As a leader in industrial operations, keeping your workplace safe is both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility.

A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PSR) is a key tool in helping you catch hazards before equipment or processes are launched—protecting your team and your business from unnecessary risk.

In Ontario, PSRs are required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and apply to various types of machinery, processes, and workplace modifications. Knowing how a PSR works—and what to expect—can help you stay compliant, reduce risk, and strengthen your overall safety culture.

What Is a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review?

A PSR is a formal safety review that takes place before new or modified equipment or processes are introduced into the workplace. Its main goal is to identify and control potential hazards before operations begin.

Key components of a PSR include:

Hazard Identification: Spotting risks such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, or ergonomic issues.
Risk Assessment: Evaluating how likely a hazard is to cause harm and how severe the consequences could be.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all processes meet Ontario safety requirements and relevant CSA standards.
Corrective Actions: Offering practical recommendations—like engineering solutions or procedural changes—to mitigate risks.
Clear Documentation: Recording findings, actions taken, and future monitoring requirements for internal and regulatory reference.

Why PSRs Are a Strategic Investment

PSRs aren’t just about compliance—they’re a way to reinforce safe practices, prevent downtime, and promote trust. Here's how they add value:

Legal Safeguards: A documented PSR helps protect you from fines, lawsuits, or stop-work orders.
Fewer Incidents: When hazards are addressed early, accidents are less likely to happen.
Stronger Safety Culture: Regular reviews demonstrate that safety is a top priority.
Operational Efficiency: Reducing the risk of failure or shutdown keeps production on schedule.
Stakeholder Confidence: Safe environments build trust with employees, customers, and investors alike.

Getting Ready for a PSR: A Practical Checklist

Solid preparation can make the PSR process smoother and more effective. Here are a few things you can do in advance:

Organize Key Documents: Gather manuals, safety data sheets, blueprints, and inspection records.
Bring in the Right People: Consult with engineers, operators, and safety experts who know the systems inside and out.
Run a Self-Audit: Walk through the work area to flag any obvious issues ahead of time.
Communicate Early: Let employees know what’s happening and how they’ll be involved in the process.

Tackling Common PSR Challenges

Even with solid planning, PSRs can run into roadblocks. Here are a few ways to keep things on track:

Limited Resources: Prioritize the highest-risk areas and consider phasing your reviews to spread out the work.
Employee Pushback: Clear communication and inclusive training help earn team support.
Changing Regulations: Stay updated on legislation through industry associations or by working with experienced consultants.

Making PSRs Part of Your Safety Culture

A single review won’t change everything overnight—but when PSRs become a routine part of your operations, they can help shift the culture.

To make that happen:

Lead by Example: Leadership buy-in sets the tone for company-wide engagement.
Embrace Continuous Improvement: Treat each PSR as a learning opportunity—not a checkbox.
Train Regularly: Ongoing education helps staff understand and respond to hazards more effectively.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create space for feedback and make it safe for employees to speak up about safety concerns.

Why External PSR Consultants Can Help

While internal teams know the day-to-day operations best, bringing in external safety experts can provide additional value.

Here’s what third-party PSR professionals bring to the table:

Industry Perspective: They’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) across multiple operations.
Unbiased Assessment: A fresh set of eyes can spot overlooked issues.
Compliance Expertise: Consultants stay on top of evolving safety codes and legislation.
Cost Savings: Avoiding a single serious incident can easily offset the cost of the consultation.

A Smarter Way to Manage Safety

PSRs aren’t just a regulatory hurdle—they’re an opportunity to build a safer, more resilient operation. By involving your team, leveraging expert input, and treating safety as a shared responsibility, you can create a workplace where everyone feels confident and protected.

Partner With PSR Experts You Can Trust

At RTR Engineering, we’ve spent more than years helping industrial teams across Ontario meet and exceed safety standards. We tailor each PSR to your exact needs—ensuring compliance, safety, and operational performance go hand in hand.

Whether you're introducing new equipment or modifying an existing system, we’re here to help you build a stronger, safer foundation.

Get in touch today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s set the bar for safety together.