Health and Safety Awareness Training 2017 1
Course Content Worker General Health and Safety Awareness: Introduction Legislation Roles and Responsibilities Employee Rights Right to know Right to Participate Right to Refuse Workplace Hazards JHSC Requirements Getting Help 2
Please Note At the conclusion of this orientation there will be a short knowledge verification of the material covered. Please ensure this is completed in order to receive full credit. 3
Everyone has a role in safety Every job has hazards Everyday people are injured or get ill Who do you think is more likely to get hurt? New or young workers, or experienced workers 4 4
According to The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) New and young workers are four times more likely to become injured during the first month on the job. Each year the number of work related injuries including new and young workers and experienced workers would fill the seats of a dozen big hockey arenas. 5
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Separate laws covering different industry sectors were replaced with a comprehensive law covering almost all Ontario workplaces. This law, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OH&S Act), was passed in 1978 6
The Occupational Health and Safety Act The Occupational Health and Safety Act came into force on October 1, 1979. Its purpose is to protect workers against health and safety hazards on the job. Workers and employers must share the responsibility for occupational health and safety. This concept of an Internal Responsibility System (IRS) is based on the principle that the workplace parties themselves are in the best position to identify health and safety problems and to develop solutions 7
The Occupational Health and Safety Act The Internal Responsibility System involves everyone from the highest ranking executive down. How well the system works depends upon whether there is a complete, unbroken chain of responsibility and accountability for health and safety. Several provisions of the Act are aimed at fostering the internal responsibility system. Two important provisions introduced in 1990 are as follows: (1) the requirement for employers to have a health and safety policy and program; and (2) the direct responsibility that officers of a corporation have for health and safety. 8
The Occupational Health and Safety Act If the internal responsibility system fails to address adequately the health and safety issues in a workplace, or if the Act and regulations are not being followed, the Ministry of Labour has the authority to enforce the law. Inspectors have broad powers to, among other things, inspect any workplace, investigate any potentially hazardous situation and work refusal, order compliance with the Act and regulations and initiate prosecutions. Employers, supervisors and workers must assist and co-operate with inspectors. The City of Guelph has an Accountability Policy which provides this information: Click here for the policy document for further information 9
The Occupational Health and Safety Act To balance the employer's general right to direct the work force, and the production process in the workplace, the Act gives certain basic rights to workers. These include the following: The Right to Participate The Right to Know» Workers have the right to be part of the process of identifying and resolving workplace health and safety concerns.» Workers have the right to know about any potential hazards to which they may be exposed. The Right to Refuse Work» Workers have the right to refuse work that they believe is dangerous to either their own health and safety or that of another worker 10 10
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Who is covered by the Act? Almost every worker, supervisor, employer and workplace in Ontario is covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations. Also covered are workplace owners, constructors and suppliers of equipment or materials to workplaces that are covered by the Act. 11
Regulations The Occupational Health and Safety Act The Occupational Health and Safety Act, which gives the Government of Ontario broad powers to make regulations, sets out general principles and duties for the workplace parties. The regulations set out in detail how these duties are to be carried out. Many regulations have been passed under the Act. For example, there are four separate sector specific safety regulations that apply to the following: Industrial Establishments (O.Reg 851) Construction Sites (O.Reg 213/91) Mines (O.Reg 854), and Health Care and Residential Facilities (O.Reg 67/93) 12 12
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Numerous other Regulations are also made under the Act, and these include the following: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (O. Reg 860) Confined Spaces (O. Reg 632/05) Control of exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents (O. Reg 833) Designated Substances (O. Reg 490/09) Acrylonitrile Arsenic Asbestos Benzene Coke Oven Emissions Ethylene Oxide Isocyanates Lead Mercury Silica Vinyl Chloride Asbestos on Construction Projects (O. Reg 278/05) 13
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Duties of the Employer Every employer must: Instruct, inform and supervise workers to protect their health and safety; Appoint competent persons as supervisors; Inform supervisors and workers about any hazard in the workplace and train everyone in safe work procedures; Help the JHSC committee and the health and safety representatives to carry out their duties; Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker; Post in the workplace a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act; Prepare and post a written occupational health and safety policy, review that policy at least once a year and set up a program to implement it 14
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Duties of the Employer (Contd.) Provide and advise the JHSC and workers with the results of any occupational health and safety report that the employer has; Provide and maintain in good condition any equipment, materials and protective devices; Provide workers with written instructions on the measures and procedures to be taken for his or her protection; and Carry out training programs for workers, supervisors and committee members The Duties of the Employer can be found in Sections 25 and 26 15
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Supervisor Responsibilities A Supervisor must: Ensure that workers work in compliance of the OHS Act and regulations; Ensure that workers use or wear the personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer; Advise a worker of the existence of any potential or actual danger to the health and safety of a worker of which the supervisor is aware Provide written instructions to workers regarding measures and procedures to be taken for their protection Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker The Duties of the Supervisor can be found in Section 27 16
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Worker Responsibilities Workers are responsible to: Work in compliance with OH&S acts and regulations; Use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer; Report workplace hazards and dangers; and work in a manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment. Worker Responsibilities can be found in Section 28 17
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Fines and Penalties As per s.66 of the Act: Every person who contravenes or fails to comply with the OH&S Act is guilty of an offence. Individual fines (supervisor or worker): Up to a maximum of $25,000 or Up to 12 month jail time or, Both, per offence Corporate Fines: Up to $500,000 per offence 18
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Prosecution by the Ministry of Labour is usually considered when: An incident/accident results in a fatal/critical injury to a worker Performing a task with a high risk of injury There is a failure to comply with a Ministry of Labour order There is a contravention or lack of satisfactory compliance with the Act and its regulations Endangering own health and safety or the health and safety of other workers Failure to advise and to take all precautions reasonable to protect the health and safety of a worker. 19
The Occupational Health and Safety Act Criminal Code of Canada Bill C-45 enforced as of March 31, 2004 Based on the duty to prevent bodily harm in the workplace Charges of willful and reckless disregard to anyone having a directing mind in the workplace Charges of criminal negligence No Maximum Penalty 20
The Three Fundamental Rights of Workers: Right to Know Right to Participate Right to Refuse 21
The Right to Know The employer supports the workers right to know by making sure they get: Information about the hazards in the work they are doing Training to do the work in a healthy and safe way for example: Safe work procedures/ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Workplace Hazard Material Information System (WHMIS) People can get hurt on the job without the right information 22
The Right to Know Always ask questions if you are told to do something that you are unsure of. Your employer or your supervisor can not punish you for doing what the act says or for asking your employer or supervisor to do what the act expects them to do. 23
Right to know about hazards A hazard is anything in the workplace that could hurt you or the people you work with. There is a hazard at the root of every work-related death, injury or sickness A hazard can take many forms. Sometimes more than one hazard can combine to make an even bigger hazard. You need to know about the hazards in your workplace before you start working. 24
Workplace Hazards Definition of a Hazard: A hazard is a practice, behavior, physical condition, and/or situation that can cause injury, illness or damage to property. There are six types of hazard in the workplace Safety Hazards Biological Hazards Chemical Hazards Ergonomic Hazards Physical Hazards Psychosocial Hazards 25 25
Workplace Hazards Safety Hazards Inadequate machine guards, unsafe workplace conditions, unsafe work practices Biological Hazards Related to organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi & parasites Chemical Hazards Related to a solid, liquid, vapor, gas, dust, fume or mist Ergonomic Hazards Conditions caused by repetitive and forceful movements or awkward postures, that affect the musculoskeletal system resulting from improper work methods and improperly designed workstations, tools, and equipment 26 26
Workplace Hazards Physical Hazards Exposure to sources of energy such as noise, vibration, weather, heat, cold, electricity, explosive atmospheres, radiation and pressure Psychosocial Hazards Caused by sources of stress in the workplace such as violence, harassment, job conditions that may lead to stress. These may include the design of tasks, management style, interpersonal relationships and job roles, career concerns, and environmental conditions 27 27
Four important questions you need to know the answers to: What are the hazards of this job? Is there any special training needed for this job? Do I have the right protective equipment for this job? If I have any questions about safety, who do I ask? Can you think of any others? If you do not know the answers Ask your Supervisor. 28
What are the ways to control hazards? The main ways to control a hazard include: 1. Elimination (including substitution): remove the hazard from the workplace or substitute with a less hazardous product or process. 2. Engineering Controls: includes designs or modifications to plants, equipment, ventilation systems, and processes that reduce the source of exposure. 3. Administrative Controls: controls that alter the way the work is done, including timing of work, policies and other rules, and work practices such as standards and operating procedures. 4. Personal Protective Equipment: equipment worn by individuals to reduce exposure such as contact with chemicals or exposure to noise. These methods are also known as the "hierarchy of controls" because they should be considered in the order presented (it is always best to try to eliminate the hazard first etc). 29
Personal Protective Equipment is the final method of control to be considered: The OHSA says: One of your duties as a worker is always to wear or use the protective equipment that your employer requires. You must never remove or disable any protective device that is required. You have to make sure you don t use any equipment or machine in a way that could hurt you or any other worker. 30
Other ways to find out about hazards include: Reviewing all written health and safety procedures If using chemicals, get information and training about chemical or hazardous materials in the workplace. If using equipment, get instruction on the safe operation and use of equipment Get training i.e. Fall protection, Lock out, Emergency, etc. If you see a hazard on the job or a close call, report it to your supervisor right away 31
The OHSA gives you the right to participate and get involved in keeping your workplace safe and healthy. Four good ways to get involved include: 1. Asking questions when you re not sure about something. 2. Volunteering to become a worker health and safety representative or a worker member of the JHSC. 3. Helping your health and safety representative or JHSC with health and safety inspections by pointing out possible hazards in your work area. 4. Take your health and safety training seriously and put what you learn into practice in your job. 32
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) No committee: less than 5 workers, unless there is a designated substance Worker representative: 6-19 workers regularly employed JHSC required 20 or more 20 to 49 workers Minimum 2 committee members Over 50 Minimum of 4 members 33
The JHSC acts as an advisory body to: Stimulate awareness of safety issues Identify workplace hazards Recommend ways to eliminate or control the hazards Investigate critical injuries and work refusals Obtain information from the employer Carryout workplace inspections Health and safety representatives have many of the same roles as a JHSC. 34
Your employer must post the OHSA and other health and safety information: Health & Safety Policy Names of Joint Health & Safety Committee Members Ministry of Labour Prevention Poster WSIB Poster (Form 82) Meeting Minutes Inspection Reports 35
Be A Safety Role Model How you work The way you think The way you talk about the work Affect the safety of the people you work with. 36
The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work Workers have the right to refuse work if they have reason to believe it s dangerous. Occupational Health and Safety Act, S.43 The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) gives a worker the right to refuse work that he or she believes is unsafe to himself/ herself or another worker. A worker who believes that he or she is endangered by workplace violence may also refuse work. City of Guelph has an Work Refusal Policy which supports and provides this information: Click here for the policy document for further information 37
Right to Refuse Unsafe Work In specified circumstances, the right to refuse unsafe work is limited for: Police officers Firefighters Workers employed in the operation of correctional institutions and similar institutions/facilities Health care workers and persons employed in workplaces like hospitals, nursing homes, sanatoriums, homes for the aged, psychiatric institutions, mental health centers or rehabilitation facilities, residential group homes for persons with behavioral or emotional problems or a physical, mental or developmental disability, ambulance services, first aid clinics, licensed laboratories or in any laundry, food service, power plant or technical service used by one of the above [subsection 43(2)]. 38
External Resources: Ministry of Labour (MOL): Develops, communicates and enforces occupational health and safety requirements and employment standards. Health & Safety Ontario: Health and Safety Associations that provide sector specific consulting, training, products, and services: Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA): Serves electrical, construction, and transportation sectors. Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHA): Serves health, education and municipal sectors. Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB): Administers Ontario s no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS): Promotes the advancement of safe and healthy workplaces in Canada. 39
Please complete the knowledge verification quiz located HERE 40