Slide 1 Workplace Hazards and Safe Work Practices Section 1 A - objective 3 & 4 Slide 2 Why is it important to know your workplace environment? Potential hazards exist in every trade. It is up to you to identify workplace hazards and know the precautions to take to prevent injury. Slide 3 There are 5 main categories of hazards Biological Hazards - Chemical hazards - Government of Alberta Chemical Hazards Ergonomic hazards Physical hazards - Government of Alberta Physical Hazards Psychological Hazards - Psychological Hazards in the workplace Slide 4 Biological Hazards These are hazards such as: Viruses (Covid, west nile, hantavirus) Bacteria Mold (Fungal or bacterial) Parasites Living organisms (Mouse or animal droppings) Respiratory or systemic illnesses may result from exposure. Slide 5 Chemical Hazards (More commonly used in the Horticulture industry) These are hazards such as: Pesticides Herbicides Fertilizers Direct contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation, skin sensitization, dermatitis and chemical burns. Slide 6 Ergonomic Hazards These hazards are the result of improperly designed workplace procedures: Improper job and tools procedures that result in: Back injuries Repetitive strain injuries Strained muscles Fatigue Slide 7 Physical Hazards These are hazards such as: Noise Vibration Temperature extremes Radiation Fire and high pressures These may result in hearing loss, heat stress, frostbite, hypothermia etc. Slide 8 Work Site Hazard Identification and Assessment These are key activities in the prevention of accidents. It is important to identify existing and potential hazards. Increasing awareness leads to prevention of workplace accidents and illnesses. Slide 9 Employer Responsibilities Each time you are on a new site or whenever site conditions, operations, or processes change. Your employer must asses your worksite and identify: Existing hazards Potential hazards Slide 10 Types and Objective of Hazard controls: Engineering Controls: Elimination Substitution Redesign Isolation Automation Slide 11 Administrative controls: Safe work practices, job procedures, policies, rules Work/rest schedules to reduce exposure Limiting hours of work Scheduling hazardous work during times when exposure of other workers is limited Wet methods as opposed to dry sanding or sweeping Slide 12 Your employer must ensure you have and use PPE! Safety eyewear, hardhats and safety boots Hearing protection Respiratory protective equipment A combination of all three approaches when necessary Video Slide 13 Hazard Assessment Tools The six main tools are: Hazard assessment and reports Checklists Health and safety inspections Health and safety plans Emergency response plans First Aid records and incident reports Slide 14 Hazard Assessment Reports The hazard assessment reports support: Development of methods Procedures and actions To eliminate or control hazards. There is no mandatory written format. It must be applicable to the worksite and as thorough as possible. Slide 15 Checklist A hazard assessment tool used to ensure due diligence is exercised: Easy way to complete an inspection quickly and thoroughly A blank area should be included to include other hazards that need to be addressed Slide 16 Health and Safety Plan Many companies establish their own health and safety programs and plans. This can be a variety of measures to promote health and safety: Safety Policies Regular staff safety meetings that discuss safety topics, issues and near misses (accidents or incidents) Regular safety training (First Aid) These all promote safety in the workplace to keep workers safe. Slide 17 Health and Safety Committee Very effective communication link between workers and management. Helps promote an awareness and interest in health and safety on the work site. Regular meetings are held (monthly) to identify and help solve health and safety concerns. Slide 18 Emergency Response Plans OHS Code requires employers to develop an emergency response plan that may require a: Rescue or Evacuation The plan is site specific and used as a tool in your hazard assessment Slide 19 Emergency Procedures Your employer is responsible to conduct a hazard assessment on your worksite Develop an emergency response plan to manage any emergency that may arise Once informed of the plan you have the responsibility to ensure the plan remains current If there are any changes to the worksite Inform your employer as the emergency response plan may need to be updated Slide 20 What we want a emergency plan to look like Simulation exercises are a good way to practice parts of a emergency response plan! Increase the likelihood of successfully dealing with emergencies. Slide 21 What we want to avoid during an emergency (Funny Video) Hands on training and how to use fire extinguishers and other activities designed to keep you and your co-workers prepared for emergencies! We want to be able to respond effectively to emergencies. These plans should be reviewed on a regular basis. Slide 22 First Aid and Incidents Reports (OC Connect) Report to your employer whenever a worker becomes ill or injured: Your employer or the worker writes a report detailing the incident When it occurred, where it happened and first aid and the cause of the incident. Slide 23 Employers must keep this repost in a secure file for a period of three years. Action must be taken to prevent the incident from occurring again. These are confidential documents. Slide 24 First Aid Employers must ensure the proper number of first aiders are available at the work site for every shift First aiders must provide proof of their qualifications and credentials (keep your first aid certificate with you). Ensure you maintain your first aid by renewing. Employers must ensure first aid services, supplies and equipment are available at the work site. Slide 25 Type of First Aid Equipment Required Is based on: How hazardous the work is Time taken to travel from the work site to a healthcare facility The number of workers on each shift Slide 26 Slide 27 The Impact of a Positive Attitude OH&S states that: Every worker shall while engaged in an occupation: Take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of of the worker and other workers Cooperate with the employer to protect the health and safety of the worker, other workers and other workers not engaged in the work of the employer Slide 28 The single largest contributor of safety in the workplace is YOUR ATTITUDE. The risk of work related injury or illness is greatly reduced if: You have a open, healthy attitude towards safety. Everyone benefits from a healthy attitude towards preventing accidents. Slide 29 Be proactive by using safety equipment and avoid potentially hazardous situations by: Being aware of hazards and potential hazards Unsafe work practices Inattentiveness that does not appear to be safe Signs of impaired judgement or decision making If you see something that is not safe, report the activity to your employer! Slide 30 Machinery and Equipment Hazards Depends on what machinery or equipment you are using Mobile equipment (Refer to company policy and or manufacturer’s specifications) -Skid Steers, tractors, man baskets etc. Tools (Refer to company policy and or manufacturer’s specifications) -Chain saws, pumps, rototillers etc. Slide 31 Air and Water Hazards Some examples of Air Hazards: C02 (exhaust) from machinery and equipment Vapours (from gasoline, diesel, chemicals etc.) Dust and airborne particles (concrete dust, dust from dry soil, soil medias etc.) Any other air hazards? Slide 32 Some examples of Water Hazards: Applying Hazardous Chemicals (pesticides, herbicides etc.) Slide 33 Safe Housekeeping Practices The general manner in which you keep your job site. Clutter and obstructions may lead to unsafe conditions Clean up after each task, and or at the end of each day Maintain a clean worksite to avoid hazards that may cause a worker to slip, trip or fall Slide 34 Tips on how to keep your workplace clean and well organized: Collect and dispose of garbage on a regular basis Store materials and supplies and hazardous materials in a secure and tidy location away from work area Sweep, clean, organize on a regular basis Wipe all liquid spills as soon as noticed to avoid creating slippery surfaces