Faculty of Health Staff Meeting: Health and Safety Refresher March 23, 2012
Agenda 9:10 9:20 Welcome 9:20 10:00 Emergency Preparedness Plan (Randy Diceman) 10:00 10:10 Occupational Health and Safety Policy 10:10 10:45 Small group activities 10:45 11:00 Break 11:00 11:40 Presentation 11:40 11:50 Completion of Safety Orientation Checklist 11:50 12:00 Reporting back: How to incorporate Health and Safety into regular meetings Safety meeting topics ideas 2
Health and Safety Policy York University is committed to the prevention of illness and injury through the provision and maintenance of healthy and safe conditions on its premises. The University endeavors to provide a hazard free environment and to minimize risks by adherence to all relevant legislation and, where appropriate, through development and implementation of additional internal standards, programs and procedures. York University requires that health and safety be a primary objective in every area of operation and that all persons utilizing University premises comply with procedures, regulations and standards relating to health and safety. 3
Health and Safety Policy (cont.) Occupational Health and Safety: Supervisors: ensure that persons under their direction are made aware of and comply with all applicable requirements and procedures adherent to this policy. investigate all hazards of which they become aware and shall take appropriate corrective action. acquaint its employees with such components of legislation, regulations, standards, practices, and procedures as it pertains to the elimination, control and management of hazards in their work and work environment. Employees: work safely and comply with the requirements of legislation, internal regulations, standards, and programs shall report hazards to someone in authority, in the interests of health and safety of all members of the community. 4
Half-time Stretch! Spinal Twists Side Stretches Hip & Glute Stretch 5
Health and Safety Policy (cont.) Students: conducting themselves in a manner which is consistent with their health and safety and that of others. Failure to do so may be considered a breach of Presidential Regulations governing student conduct. Tenants and Contractors: The University will make its commercial tenants and contractors aware of its Occupational Health and Safety Policy all persons working on its premises conduct their business in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. 6
Occupational Health and Safety Programs 7
Occupational Health and Safety Training 8
Occupational Health and Safety Act Purpose is to protect workers against health and safety hazards on the job. The Act sets out the rights and responsibilities of all parties in the workplace. It establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards and it provides for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily. The Act is based on the principle of the internal responsibility system in which workplace parties work together to identify health and safety problems and develop solutions. involves everyone, from the Board of Governors of the University to the individual worker. 9
Occupational Health and Safety Act Two important provisions are: (1) the requirement for employers to have a health and safety policy and program; (2) the direct responsibility that officers of a corporation have for health and safety. The Joint Health and Safety Committee or the Health and Safety Representative, has a role to play by monitoring the internal responsibility system. 10
OHSA: Responsibilities of employers, supervisors, workers Employer: York University is the employer for its entire full and part-time academic and non-academic staff. delegated to various levels of supervisory staff = senior administrators and managers Supervisor: a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker. both academic and non-academic divisions of the University, e.g. faculty members or principal investigators may have charge of a workplace (e.g. a laboratory) or some degree of authority over graduate students, teaching assistants, administrative staff or other University employees. Administrative staff as outlined in position descriptions. 11
OHSA: Responsibilities of employers, supervisors, workers Worker: a person who is paid to perform work or supplies services. all University employees are workers including students who are paid to perform work It is the policy of the University that as far as possible it will be a safe and healthy place to work and study. Therefore, although some individuals such as students and volunteers may not meet the definition of a worker under the OHS Act, they should be afforded the same protection that would be afforded a worker under the Act. 12
OHSA: Responsibilities of Employers 1. Prepare and post (review and revise at least annually) a written occupational health and safety policy and develop/maintain a prevention program to fulfill that policy. 2. Comply with any orders and requirements of inspectors, directors and other agents from the Ministry of Labour. 3. When appointing a supervisor, appoint a "competent person". According to OHS Act, a "competent person means a person who, (i) is qualified because of their knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance, (ii) is familiar with the provisions of this Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and (iii) has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health and safety in the workplace 13
OHSA: Responsibilities of Employers (cont.) 4. Provide all equipment, materials and protective devices, as prescribed, and offer training in its safe use and its limitations and ensure it is maintained and used properly. 5. Inform a worker, or a person in authority over a worker, about any hazards in the workplace and outline the control strategies which must be implemented to prevent exposure to that danger. 6. Post in the workplace a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and pertinent Regulations and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Form 82 "In All Cases of Injury" poster. 7. Take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. 14
OHSA: Responsibilities of Supervisors Duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. In addition, supervisors must: 1. Be familiar with the provisions of the OHSA and regulations and the University s health and safety policies, programs and procedures as they apply to the workplace under their control. 2. Be knowledgeable about potential or actual danger to health and safety in the workplace and advise workers about these hazards. 3. Ensure that a worker works in compliance with the OHSA and regulations by following safe workplace procedures and by ensuring any personal protective equipment, protective devices and/or clothing required to be used or worn by a worker are properly used and maintained. 4. Provide a worker, where prescribed, with written instructions outlining the measures and procedures to be followed for the worker s protection. 5. Provide a worker with instruction and training to protect the health and 15 safety of the worker.
OHSA: Responsibilities of Workers 1. Work in compliance with the OHSA and regulations. 2. Use or wear protective equipment, devices and/or clothing that the employer requires to be worn. 3. Report to their supervisor the absence of or defect in any equipment or protective device of which the worker is aware and which may endanger themselves or another worker. 4. Report to their supervisors any contravention of the OHSA or the regulations or the existence of any hazard of which they are aware. 5. Not remove or make ineffective any protective device required by the regulations or by the employer. 6. Not to use or operate any equipment, machine, device or thing or work in a manner that may endanger themselves or another worker. 7. Not engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct. 16
Joint Health and Safety Committee Advisory bodies composed of representatives of workers and management. Their primary functions are to identify workplace health and safety hazards and to make recommendations to management with respect to workplace health and safety. In order to carry out these duties, worker members of the committees and health and safety representatives perform regular inspections of the workplace. http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/committees.htm 17
Hazard Reporting System 18
Hazard Report Form 19
Work Refusal Process 20
Accident Reporting full-time, part-time and temporary employees of the University are covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) for injuries and illnesses resulting from their employment. University is obliged to report to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), within three days, of any accident that results either: in lost time from work (past the day of the accident) or which necessitates health care from a health professional such as physician, dentist or specialist. 21
Accident Reporting Workers are responsible for reporting any work related accidents, injuries or occupational diseases to their supervisor immediately after the occurrence. Supervisors are responsible for: 1. Investigating the worker s accident. 2. Notifying a worker member of the JHSC or Health and Safety Representative representing the worker. 3. Completing and distributing the Supervisors Accident investigation Report form within 24 hours of the occurrence. 4. For critical injuries*, notifying Security Services at 416-736-5333 (York Security notifies the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, which, in turn, notifies the Ontario Ministry of Labour). 22
Accident Investigation Accident investigation should include: Notifying relevant parties e.g. Joint Health and Safety Committees and appropriate management Assessing the scene Interviewing (e.g. injured worker, supervisor, witnesses) Reporting Recommending corrective action Implementing corrective action Communicating recommendations to workers and management 23
Accommodation of Injured Workers Injury resulting in either a temporary or permanent disability, which prevents the worker from performing the normal duties of the job. York University has an accommodation program to enable workers to continue to work following an injury, and will make every reasonable effort to accommodate their abilities and limitations as specified by their physician. Additional information on return to work can be obtained from York University Employee Well Being Office. 24
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) a regulation established under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. gives workers the right to know about toxic or hazardous substances in the workplace. three main duties: to identify and label hazardous materials, to provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and to train workers. Purpose: to reduce workplace illness and injury by increasing worker awareness and understanding of the hazards associated with chemical or physical agent exposure. 25
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) - Purpose To reduce workplace illness and injury by increasing worker awareness and understanding of the hazards associated with chemical or physical agent exposure. To make workers aware of the control methods which are to be used when there is a potential for exposure to dangerous chemicals, materials or agents. All Material Safety Data Sheets for products must be readily accessible to workers and will be kept in the workplace. 26
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) - Symbols WHMIS symbols are found on supplier labels. Read the label before using the material. Workplace Labels must be applied when materials are put into a secondary container. 6 classes 27
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) - Symbols 28
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) - Symbols 29
Emergency Telephone List 30
Safety Orientation Checklist 31
How to Incorporate Health and Safety into Regular Meetings In meetings managers and staff should be encouraged to raise any potential health and safety concerns that may arise in a given circumstance and seek advice on how to prevent safety hazards. For example, at special events that may involve hanging banners from certain heights or handling food that may pose burn hazards (e.g. serving hot coffee), staff should be aware in advance of what resources and practices they should be familiar with to stay safe. checking in regularly perhaps quarterly/half yearly if staff have observed anything within their department that they think poses a safety issue Safety tip of the month; open forum on concerns in the workplace; add some fun tension relieving exercises 32
How to Incorporate Health and Safety into Regular Meetings a dedicated agenda item would encourage discussing health and safety. Staff could be asked to keep track of any health and safety issues they encounter at York, and jot down the date/time, along with a short description (point form, even) of the issue. Then if they wished to discuss such items at a meeting, they would have the opportunity. guest speakers to provide information sessions As a forum to notify staff about new, outstanding and resolved Health & Safety concerns. Perhaps meetings can always begin/end with short updates regarding any health and safety updates, reminders, fyi's etc. Set up an agenda on topics that people would like to discuss and pick one from the list that could be discussed at a meeting. 33
How to Incorporate Health and Safety into Regular Meetings Exploring what services are available or put in place. Making a list of what services are available. Make a Health and Safety Binder or quick reference binder. emphasize where community members can find reports that impact on everyone, e.g. security reports. There should also be an emphasis on ensuring that each community member knows the procedures to follow in any emergency. By having regular inspection of work space, chairs etc. Issues related to posture (musculoskeletal); look for building health and safety issues on the way to the meeting By setting 15 minutes each month or every 2-3 months to discuss Health and Safety matters. 34
How to Incorporate Health and Safety into Regular Meetings Let's hand out or pull from a hat, one question to everyone in the meeting relating to health and safety (e.g. scenarios or true/false or straight forward questions), and perhaps they can each read out loud to the group the questionnaire and their answer to it. It's okay not to have an answer too, because we can get people involved in answering this. This may encourage awareness and as well help the individual retain the information when they are involved in the experience through sharing. having a Health and Safety officer coming in to give talk periodically? The manager could reserve some time to talk about Health and Safety issues. 35
How to Incorporate Health and Safety into Regular Meetings Have Health and Safety on Agenda; cover one topic/segment of health and safety per meeting; advise staff of Health and Safety training at each meeting and encourage them to attend.. mandatory? by holding meetings like this one to address Health and Safety (perhaps on a 2-4 times per year) 36
Some Possible Health and Safety Topics that can be Discussed at Regular Meetings Special events, especially those involving visitors such as conversion events (e.g. Fall Campus Day, high school visits and Spring Gala). I think the faculty of health - could disseminate an interesting article on health (physical and mental) that is in "lay person's language" and this could be shared at regular meetings as a way of keeping our employee's healthy (the power of meditation to keep brain healthy, exercise, positive thinking etc) how to handle requests that you feel may be a safety issue? process for reporting issues; review of Occup. Health and Safety website Reporting health and safety issues (procedures, contacts, etc.), WHMIS, harassment and work place violence, ergonomics, slips and falls, air quality (e.g. smoking by exits/entrances), etc. 37
Some Possible Health and Safety Topics that can be Discussed at Regular Meetings can we call security services' escort to walk us to the bus stop if it's dark outside in the Winter time after work? who are the Health & Safety Rep. for the faculty; review the emergency processes (i.e. where is the closest exit and where is the meeting location, etc.) Issues and general concerns; Updates; Policy changes; Renewal notifications (i.e. WHMIS, First Responders, etc.) How to deal with students who are verbally abusive. What are our rights as employees; Mandatory signs that are posted in all public service areas on what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. 38
Some Possible Health and Safety Topics that can be Discussed at Regular Meetings What to do in a medical emergency; Where to gather in a campus wide emergency; If one cannot see the television announcements, what alternative forms of communications exist to ensure that each community member is aware of the emergency; When new technology (communication) is placed in office areas, tell the staff what it's for and how it will operate. Office ergonomics reviewed assessment done for all staff; keeping workstations germ free. Proper posture while using the computer; Tripping hazards; Stretching while sitting; Knowing who to call if there is water on the floor 39
Some Possible Health and Safety Topics that can be Discussed at Regular Meetings Let's discuss the importance and impact of work place injuries to the individual and university as a whole and the consequences when it is not reported. Let's also touch topics about ergonomics and postures at workstations as most people dwell there. What are exercises that can be done at the desk or break time to prevent injuries. What should I be looking out for that may not be an obvious health and safety issue? Updates on incidents on campus, and how we can safeguard students, faculty and staff Dangers re: Slips/Trips/Falls; Lab safety Equipment (what it is and why it is used); Office Ergonomics 40
Some Possible Health and Safety Topics that can be Discussed at Regular Meetings Responsibilities for Health and Safety i.e. employer's responsibility, supervisor's responsibility, employee's responsibility. Ergonomics; Slips, Trips and Falls Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders. working late safety and security measures on campus for staff working late 41
Some Possible Health and Safety Topics that can be Discussed at Regular Meetings Emergency preparedness: a emergency plan, implementation, communication, protocol, information flow... Fire: warden? duties, plan, meeting spot, communication, who gives 'all clear' Joint health and safety who/what/where/how/when? duties, information flow, communication We need more information, completely out of the loop and don't even know who to ask or what procedures are in place. 42