Section 5 - Health And Safety

Section OverviewThe requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) ensure the occupational safety of security guards and those with whom they interact.

ContentsLaws and RegulationsResponsibilities of EmployerResponsibilities of SupervisorsResponsibilities of EmployeesThe Rights of the EmployeesEducation and TrainingWorksite Inspections and Follow-upInvestigating IncidentsSafety MeetingsRecords and StatisticsFirst AidWorkplace HazardsViolence and Psychosocial HazardsWHMIS

Health and Safety Program Laws and Regulations

What is due diligence?“Due diligence” simply means taking all reasonable care to protect the well-being of employees or co-workers. To meet the standard of due diligence, you must take all precautions that are reasonable in the circumstances so that you can carry out your work and your health and safety responsibilities.

What is the defense of due diligence?

In prosecutions for violations of health and safety laws, the prosecutor must prove that the accused committed a prohibited act. To be acquitted, the accused must then establish that on a balance of probabilities all reasonable precautions to comply were taken in the circumstances.

Health and Safety continued

Both the Ontario Government and the Government of Canada have laws to protect the health and safety of workers under their jurisdictions. These laws are called Acts. An Act is general. It sets out what the law is about, whom it applies to and the penalties for disobeying it. Some Acts have also have Regulations. Regulations are specific. They spell out all the details that you need to know in order to obey the law.

The Occupational Health & Safety Act

Ontario workers are protected by the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act or OHSA. (We’ll just call it the Act.) The Act sets out general health and safety requirements for every workplace it applies to. Ontario's Ministry of Labor (MOL) enforces the Act, and MOL inspectors have strong powers to inspect workplaces and investigate accidents. MOL inspectors can also lay charges against companies or people breaking the law. If convicted, the person or company can be fined and/or put in jail.

The Act's RegulationsThe Occupational Health and Safety Act has many Regulations that apply to specific occupations, types of workplaces and/or workplace hazards. For instance, there are specific regulations for occupations like firefighters, teachers and university academics. And there are regulations for specific workplaces such as health care facilities, industrial establishments, construction and mining. Then there are regulations to deal with certain kinds of hazards like biological agents and x-rays. Finally, there’s a Regulation that covers most hazardous materials and there are Regulations covering eleven especially dangerous materials called Designated Substances. These Regulations are very detailed and they have the same legal force as the Act itself. The same penalties apply. You should know which, if any, of these Regulations apply to your job and workplace.

Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA)

The WSIA is another important law for occupational health and safety. It was created to promote safe and healthy workplaces, help workers who have been injured or made ill from their work return to their jobs quickly and safely, and to provide compensation benefits while they are off work. The WSIA is administered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). In all but the most minor cases, you and your employer have a responsibility to report a work-related injury or illness to the WSIB promptly and to file a claim correctly.

Federal Laws

The federal government has responsibility for a wide range of workplaces. If you work in one of these locations, the federal government’s Canada Labor Code Part 2 and its Regulations protect your health and safety, not Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. However, the rules are very similar for both laws.

Responsibilities of the Employerinstruct, inform and supervise workers to protect their health and safety; assist in a medical emergency by providing any information to a qualified medical practitioner who requests the information in order to diagnose or treat any person; Appoint competent persons as supervisors. He or she must: be qualified–through knowledge, training and experience–to organize the work and its performance; be familiar with the Act and the regulations that apply to the work being performed in the workplace; know about any actual or potential danger to health and safety in the workplace.inform a worker or a person in authority over a worker, about any hazard in or on the work site. help the health and safety representative to carry out his/her duties; not employ workers who are under such age as may be prescribed or knowingly permit underage 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, as well as explanatory material prepared by the ministry that outlines the rights, responsibilities and duties of workers. prepare a written occupational health and safety policy, review that policy at least once a year and set up a program to implement it; provide the health and safety representative with the results of any occupational health and safety report that the employer has. If the report is in writing, the employer must also provide a copy of the relevant parts of the report; advise workers of the results of such a report

Responsibilities of Supervisors

Ensure that a worker complies with the Act and regulations.Orientation of new workers and supply the necessary training needed to accomplish safe work habits. Perform inspections and investigations at job sites.Ensure that any equipment, protective device or clothing required by the employer is used or worn by the worker; Advise a worker of any potential or actual health or safety dangers known by the supervisor; Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers

Responsibilities of Employees

Learn and follow safe work proceduresCorrect known hazards or report them to the supervisor.Participate in inspections and investigations where applicable.Use personal protective equipment (PPE) where required and as directed by the supervisor on site.Help create a safe workplace by recommending ways to improve the health and safety program.

The Right to Participate

Employees have the right to be part of the process of identifying and resolving workplace health and safety concerns. This right is expressed through employee membership on joint health and safety committees, or through employee health and safety representatives.

The Right to Know

Employees have the right to know about any potential hazards to which they may be exposed. The parts of the Act that implement the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) play an important role in giving employees the right to know.

The Right to Refuse Work

Employees have the right to refuse work that they believe is dangerous to either their own health and safety or that of another worker. The Act describes the exact process for refusing dangerous work and the responsibilities of the employer in responding to such a refusal

EDUCATION AND TRAININGAll new employees will be given an orientation by their supervisor immediately upon hiring. The following topics will be included in the orientation:CSM rules and regulations with reference to the on-site work habits. Employees Roles and Responsibilities at the workplace.Disciplinary measures used at the worksite.Location of the first aid kit and fire extinguisher on any site.The proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).How to accurately report accidents and injuriesWorkplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training for any hazardous product in the workplaceApplicable training in ‘First Aid’ and ‘CPR’.Training in ‘Tactical Communications’ and ‘Crowd Management’.Understanding the ‘Occupational Health and Safety Act’ laws and regulations that directly affect the health and safety of everyone on the job. The rights of the employee as stated in the ‘Occupational Health and Safety Act’ will also be addressed.Learn the proper and most effective ways to locate potential hazards in the working environment.

WORKSITE INSPECTIONS AND FOLLOW-UP

A supervisor and an employee from CSM will conduct regular inspections at each job site to identify hazards and recommend how to eliminate or minimize the hazards. These safety inspections will be performed on a regular basis by the supervisor or an employee representative knowledgeable with the work process. The inspection will also look at how work is performed. Serious hazards or unsafe work practices discovered during inspections or observed by employees, supervisors, or the employer will be dealt with immediately and take measures to remedy these serious hazards and unsafe work practices. All worksite inspections will be recorded on the proper ‘Workplace Inspection Recording Form’ and a copy of this report handed to the Health and Safety Representative.

Ministry of Labor Inspectors

The inspector can visit a site at any time and exercise fairly broad powers to inspect, ask questions, and give orders. If the inspector approaches a worker directly, the worker must answer questions and cooperate. The supervisor must be informed of any orders given or recommendations made.

INVESTIGATING INCIDENTS

A CSM supervisor and an employee will investigate any injuries or close calls on the same day the incident occurs. Any incident that results in an injury requiring medical treatment, or that has the potential for causing serious injury, will be investigated immediately. This investigation will find out what went wrong, determine if our health and safety practices were faulty, and most importantly, recommend actions that will prevent a recurrence of the problem. All investigations will be recorded on the proper ‘Investigation Report’ form and copies of this report shall be forwarded to the Health and Safety Representative.

SAFETY MEETINGS

The management of CSM will conduct regular monthly safety meetings with workers to review accident investigation reports and inspection reports. Review and discuss unsafe work practices, conditions and safety concerns by management and employees. Management will take action on all items discussed. A record will be kept of the meeting and action taken. A copy of the safety meeting minutes shall be posted for reference by employees.

RECORDS AND STATISTICS

The following records and statistics shall be maintained:

First-aid records, WCB inspection reports, accident/incident investigation reports, material safety data sheets, worksite inspection reports, safety meeting minutes, safety and health talk records, employee orientation forms, equipment log book and training records.

These records are kept at the main office of Canadian Security Management and with the Health and Safety Representative. Medically related records will be handled in a manner that respects the Confidentiality of the individual.

FIRST-AID

CSM management shall ensure that first-aid services, supplies and equipment as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, are available to employees on all shifts and at all sites. Employees shall be instructed in the procedure for summoning first-aid. Employees shall promptly report all injuries to the site supervisor and the Health and Safety Representative. A treatment record book shall be maintained.

Basic first aid concentrates on breathing, bleeding, and burns

BreathingIf the casualty is unconscious, check for breathing. Listen at the mouth and nose. Watch and feel for chest movement. If the casualty is not breathing, start artificial respiration immediately. The most efficient method is mouth-to-mouth.

Check for breathing.Listen at the mouth and nose.Watch and feel for chest movement.Open the airway.Lift chin. Pinch nostrils closed.Remove obvious foreign material. Take a breath.Make a tight seal at the mouth.Blow two breaths.

BleedingControl external bleeding immediately.Apply direct pressure to stop blood flow. affected part.Place casualty in comfortable position and elevateGet the casualty to rest to slow circulation.Apply direct pressure with hand over dressing.Do not remove blood-soaked dressing. Add another dressing and continue pressing.

When bleeding is controlled, secure bandage and maintain elevation. The simple formula for the control of bleeding is Rest, Elevate, and Direct Pressure– R.E.D.

A deep wound in the palm of the hand usually results in severe bleeding. You should control bleeding from a wound across the palm of the hand with direct pressure, elevation, and rest.Make a fist and apply pressure to the wound; at the same time, elevate the hand.Seat the casualty.Place a wad of gauze dressings over the wound and close the fingers around the wad to maintain pressure.Elevate the hand again to a higher position.

Burns

Immediately immerse the burned part in ice water or immediately apply ice or clean cloths soaked in cold water. Cold will:reduce the temperature of the burned area and prevent further damagereduce swelling and blisteringrelieve pain

What are workplace pains and strains?Workplace pains and strains are also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) and Repetitive Motion Injury (RMI).

These types of injuries affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves.

MSDs develop as a result of the effects of repetitive, forceful or awkward movements on bones, joints, ligaments and other soft tissues. Workers may experience symptoms such as discomfort, pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and restricted movements.

MSD is not a medical diagnosis; it is an umbrella term for a group of injuries.

Some of these injuries include:Back Pain (low back strain, etc.)Muscle StrainTendonitisCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)Rotator Cuff SyndromeTennis Elbow (epicondylitis)Shoulder Pain (shoulder myalgia)Workers are more likely to suffer an MSD if they perform jobs with MSD risk factors that include repetitive movements, forceful efforts, and fixed or awkward postures.

Preventing Slips, Trips and FallsShoesWear safe shoes or boots, with low heels and a good fit-avoid slippery soles.Be sure to wear shoes or boots with adequate tread when walking on icy, greasy or wet surfaces.Keep your shoes and boots in good conditionTake extra care when you come indoors with wet shoes or boots.

Working:Carry small loads close to your body and below chest level so you can see over or around what you are carrying.Close cabinet drawers and doors as soon as you are finished with them.Adjust your walking to the surface you are traveling on, and don’t run.Slow down and take small careful steps if the surface is rough, cluttered, slippery or at an angle.Hold the handrail when you go up or down stairs.

If You Do Fall:Don’t move if you think you’ve hurt yourself – call for help.

Housekeeping:Watch for slip and trip hazards (e.g. loose tiles or torn carpeting) in your work area and wherever you walk.Immediately correct any hazard that might cause a fall, or report it to your supervisor.Clean up spills immediately.Take extra care whenever you see a Wet Floor sign. Keep walkways and floors clear of boxes, extension cords and litterImmediately move anything that is stored on or near stairways, or report the hazard to your supervisor. Notify your supervisor if there is nowhere to store new materials properly.

Workplace Hazards

Health & Safety is your front line defense against human, material and property loss. Start by spotting obvious hazards. The “recognize, assess and control” method of dealing with hazards is actually a specialized form of problem solving. The problem is to anticipate hazards and then take action to prevent injury and illness to people or to control property losses.

Hazard Recognition

Hazard recognition means noting a “suspected” hazard, because of its potential to harm or damage, or having it brought to your attention. The alert may come as a personal opinion or concern.

Hazard identification is a skill used by a trained individual who has the knowledge to make this determination. This could include trained workers, supervisors or a health and safety representative.

Whether identified or merely suspected, the objective is to anticipate hazards before they cause harm or damage.

What is a hazard?

… any practice, behavior, condition, or combination that can cause injury or illness in people or damage to property.

Health hazards

These includechemical agents (solids, liquids or gases)physical agents (forms of energy or force such as sound, heat or electricity)biological agents (micro-organisms from plant, animal or human tissue)ergonomic hazards (consequence of poor equipment, workstation design or work activity design).

Safety hazards

These have the potential to cause traumatic injury or death. They include:machinery and equipment related hazardsenergy hazards (falls, struck by incidents, kinetic, released energy)confined space hazards material handling hazards.

Hazard assessment

Hazard assessment means evaluating the degree of risk and exposure to the suspected or identified hazard.Tools to assess hazards detailed inspection and/or testing of the hazardphysical observation by trained individualsinvestigations of near missesconducting interviews of workers orreviewing records such as first-aid records

Hazard controls

Controlling hazards means eliminating the hazard, or preventing it from harming workers. Control methods can be applied at three possible points with respect to the hazard.

At the sourceAlong the path At the worker

Violence and Psychosocial Hazards

Workplace violence is an increasing concern in Canadian workplaces. An imbalance between effort and reward, or demand and control, frequently results in a sense of injustice or unfairness in workers, leading to feelings of anger. Other psychosocial hazards, such as ongoing harassment, may also create deep feelings of anger and frustration. The anger may manifest itself in many ways that are expressions of violence or potential violence:

Threatening behaviorEmotional or verbal abuseBullyingHarassmentAssaultRecklessness

Health and Safety Reps

In some cases the health and safety representative, working member of a health and safety committee, or worker selected by fellow workers or union has a right to take part in accident investigation. The results of accident investigation and reporting should be made known to all personnel on site. Recommendations should be implemented to prevent the accident from happening again.

In all cases of injury, the EMPLOYER must do the following.

Make sure that first aid is given immediately, as required by law.Record the first aid treatment or advice given to the worker.Complete and give to the worker a Treatment Memorandum (Form 156) if health care is needed.Provide immediate transportation to a hospital or a physician's office, if necessarySubmit to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), within three days of learning of an accident, an Employer's Report of an Accident/Injury/Industrial Disease (Form 7) and any other information that may be required.Pay full wages and benefits for the day or shift on which the injury occurred when compensation is payable for loss of earnings.Notify the Ministry of Labour, health and safety representative and/or committee, and union as required by legislation.

The WORKER must do the following

Promptly obtain first aid.Notify the employer, foreman, supervisor, and worker safety representative immediately of an injury requiring health care and obtain from the employer a completed Treatment Memorandum (Form 156) to take to the physician or the hospital. Failure to report promptly can affect your benefits and subject your employer to fines.Choose a physician or other qualified practitioner with the understanding that a change of physician cannot be made without permission of the WSIB.Complete and promptly return all report forms received from the WSIB.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Frequently workplaces are required to work with new hazardous materials or previously installed hazardous materials requiring repair, maintenance, or removal. Some materials used for many years and thought harmless are now known to be hazardous. Proper handling requires careful planning, training, and use of personal protective equipment or controls.

Some hazardous materials common in construction are:

Supplier labels are required on controlled products with a volume of more than 100 milliliters and must includeproduct identifierappropriate hazard symbol(s)risk phrases (such as “dangerous if inhaled”)precautions (such as “wear rubber gloves”)first aid measuressupplier identifierstatement that a material safety data sheet (MSDS) is available for the product.

Workplace labels are required when controlled products are produced onsite or have been transferred from a supplier-labeled container to a different container.

Workplace labels must includeproduct identifiersafe handling instructionsstatement that an MSDS is available for the product. If details on the ingredients, health effects, handling, and other aspects of a hazardous products are not available from suppliers or employers, call the Construction Safety Association of Ontario at 1-800-781-2726 and provide the following information.Product name (for example, Solvex 100)Manufacturer's name and place of manufacture (for example, ABC Chemical, Montreal, Quebec)What is the product being used for? (for example, to clean parts)How is it being used? (for example, sprayed on)Is it being mixed with something else?Is it being heated?In what area is it being used? (for example, outdoors or in a holding tank)What does the label say?How can information be conveyed to you?

Designated Substances

“Designated substances” are substances that have been targeted for special regulation by the Ministry of Labour. Generally these substances are well-known toxic materials which present serious risk of illness.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that owners notify contractors of the presence of any designated substances. Contractors also have a responsibility to advise subcontractors. This notification must take place before binding contracts are arranged.