health & safety at work - ocea · this workbook explains your rights and responsibilities on...
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Ministry of Labour
Worker
Health & Safety at Work Prevention Starts Here
Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps
This workbook belongs to:
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TableofContents Introduction 4
Step1:GetonBoard 5
Everyonehasaroleinsafety 5
HowtheOccupationalHealthandSafetyActworks 5
Dutiesoftheemployer 6
Dutiesofthesupervisor 7
Dutiesoftheworker 7
Rightsoftheworker 8
Step1quiz 9
Step2:GetintheKnow 10
Youneedtoknowabouthazards 10
Somecommonworkplacehazards 10
Protectingyoufromhazards 12
Protectiveequipmentanddevices 13
Otherwaystofindoutabouthazards 13
Step2quiz 15
Step3:GetInvolved 16
Workingtogetherforsafety 16
Therighttoparticipateinhealthandsafety 16
Healthandsafetyrepresentativesandhealthandsafetycommittees 17
Whattolookforandwhattoask 17
Beasafetyrolemodel 18
Step3quiz 19
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Step4:GetMoreHelp 20
Youarenotalone 20
Therighttorefuseunsafework 21
Moreinformationandresources 21
Step4quiz 23
What’snext? 24
Answerstoquizquestions 25
Ontario’sHealth&SafetySystem 27
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IntroductionThisworkbookexplainsyourrightsandresponsibilitiesonthejobandtellsyouwhatOntario’sOccupationalHealthandSafetyAct(OHSA)expectsfromyouremployer,yoursupervisorandyou.Thesearethingsyouneedtoknowandunderstandsothatyoucanbesafeatworktodayandeveryday.
Everyoneintheworkplace,fromtheemployertothenewestworker,hasdifferentbutimportantdutiestokeeptheworkplacesafe.Becauseemployershavethemostauthorityintheworkplace,theyhavethegreatestresponsibilitybutit’simportantforyourownsafetythatyouunderstandeveryone’shealthandsafetyduties,includingyours.
Preventinginjuriesandillnessesatworkstartshere,withthethingsyoulearninthisworkbook,butitdoesn’tendhere.Oneofyouremployer’sdutiesundertheOHSAistogiveyouspecificinformationandinstructionsabouthowtostaysafeonyourjob.Whatyoulearnfromthisprogramwillhelpyoustarttounderstandthoseinstructions.Wehopeyouwillusewhatyoulearnhereeverydayofyourworkinglife.
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Step1:GetOnBoard
EveryonehasaroleinsafetyAnewjobisachanceforafreshstart.You’relearningnewskillsandmeetingnewpeople.Buteveryjobhashazards,nomatterhowsafeitlooks.
ThenumberofpeopleinOntariowhosufferawork‐relatedillnessorinjuryeachyearwouldfilltheseatsofadozenbighockeyarenas.
Fromthelistbelow,whodoyouthinkismorelikelytogethurtorsickonthejob?Checkoneoftheboxesandexplainwhy.
1.Newandyoungworkers ❏
Why?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.Experiencedworkers ❏
Why?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Therightansweris#1.StudiesshowthatnewandyoungworkersinOntarioarefourtimesmorelikelytogethurtduringtheirfirstmonthonthejobthanatanyothertime.
That’sbecausetheyoftenaren’ttoldaboutordon’tunderstandthehazardsofthejob.Theydon’tknowwhattoexpectfromtheiremployer,theirsupervisor,andofthemselves.Sometimestheyaren’tsurewhatquestionstoask.Sometimestheydon’tevenknowwhotoask.
That’swherethelawcomesin.
HowtheOccupationalHealthandSafetyActworksTheOHSAisasetoflawsthatspellsoutthedutiesofemployers,supervisorsandtherightsanddutiesofworkers.TherearealsodifferentRegulationsthatareattachedtotheOHSA.Theycontainmoredetailedlawsabouthowtomaketheworkplacesafeinspecificsituations.Forexample,severalRegulationsexplainwhatisneededtoworksafelywithchemicalsandotherhazardousmaterials.Thisincludestraining,warninglabelsonproductsandinformationsheets.TherearealsoRegulationsfordifferenttypesofworkplaces,suchasconstructionprojects,healthcarefacilities,industrialestablishmentsandmines.
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ThewholepointoftheOHSAandRegulationsistokeepworkersfromgettinghurtorsickonthejob.ThereareinspectorsfromtheMinistryofLabourwhomakesurethelawsarefollowedandmayissueordersorlaychargesiftheyaren’t.Ifapersonisconvictedofbreakingthelaw,therearepenaltiessuchasfinesortimeinprison.
TheOHSAgiveseveryoneintheworkplaceduties.Thesedutiesareconnectedtothelevelofauthorityeachpersonhasintheworkplace.Tosortoutallthedutiesinaworkplace,theOHSAbreaksthemdowntothreemainlevelsofauthority:
1. theemployer(whoisinchargeofeveryone)
2. thesupervisor
3. theworker(you).
TowhichofthesethreepeopledoyouthinktheOHSAgivesthemostduties?Checkoneoftheboxesbelowandexplainwhy.
1.Theemployer ❏
Why?_________________________________________________________________________
2.Thesupervisor ❏
Why?_________________________________________________________________________
3.Theworker ❏
Why?_________________________________________________________________________
Therightansweris#1–theemployer.Themoreauthorityapersonhasintheworkplace,themorehealthandsafetydutiestheyhave.
It’simportantforyoursafetythatyouunderstandeveryone’shealthandsafetyduties.
DutiesoftheemployerHerearesomeofthethingstheOHSAsayseveryemployerhastodoaspartoftheirjob:
1. Makesureworkersknowabouthazardsanddangersintheworkplaceandhowtoworksafely
2. Makesureeverysupervisorknowshowtotakecareofhealthandsafetyonthejob.
3. Createhealthandsafetypoliciesandproceduresfortheworkplace.
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4. Make sure everyone knows and follows the health and safety procedures.
5. Make sure workers wear and use the right protective equipment.
6. Do everything reasonable to keep workers from getting hurt or sick on the job.
Duties of the supervisor Here are some of the things the OHSA says every supervisor has to do as part of their job:
1. Tell workers about hazards and dangers in the workplace and show them how to work safely.
2. Make sure workers follow the law and the workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
3. Make sure workers wear and use the right protective equipment.
4. Do everything reasonable to keep workers from getting hurt or sick on the job.
Duties of the worker Now here are some of the things the OHSA says every worker has to do as part of their job:
1. Follow the law and the workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
2. Always wear or use the protective equipment that the employer requires.
3. Work and act in a way that won’t hurt them or any other worker.
4. Report any hazard they find in the workplace to their supervisor.
Suppose you have been asked to do something that you don’t know very much about. What should your employer and your supervisor do to make sure you are able to do it safely? Explain in the space below.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The people who made the OHSA thought about that question, too. The Act says that your supervisor and your employer have to “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for your protection.” That means they have to do everything that is reasonable to protect you on the job.
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RightsoftheworkerYouremployerhastheresponsibilitytomaketheworkplaceassafeaspossibleandtotellyouaboutanyhazardsintheworkyoudo.Yoursupervisorhasthesameduty.Theyalsohavetomakesureyouknowhowtoavoidthosedangersandworksafely.YouhavetherightundertheOHSAtobetoldaboutthehazardsintheworkyoudoandtobeinstructedonhowtodoyourworksafely.
Ifsomeoneasksyoutodoworkthatyoudon’tknowenoughabout,youremployerandsupervisorareresponsibleformakingsureyouknowhowtodotheworksafely.That’swhyyouhavetherighttospeakupandaskquestions–evenifyouareshyorunsure.Peoplecangethurtonthejobiftheydon’thavetherightinformationandtraining.
Youshouldneverhavetobeworriedthatyouwillgetintroubleforaskingquestionsorreportingaproblem.It’sagainstthelawforyouremployeroryoursupervisortopunishyouinanywayfordoingwhattheOHSAsaysorforaskingyouremployerorsupervisortodowhattheOHSAexpectsthemtodo.Thisiscalleda“reprisal.”It’sevenagainstthelawforyoursupervisororemployertothreatentopunishorfireyoufordoingthesethings.
Youalsohavearighttorefusetodounsafeworkifyouhavereasontobelieveitputsyouorafellowworkerindanger.Wewilllookatthisrightandyourprotectionfromreprisalsinmoredetaillater.
Preventionstartshere,butitdoesn’tendhere.
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Step1quizBeforewemoveontoStep2oftheprogram,hereisashortquizonthematerialwehavejustcovered.(Theanswersareinthebackoftheworkbook,butpleasedon’tlookatthemaheadoftime.)
1. ThenumberofpeopleinOntariowhosufferawork‐relatedillnessorinjuryeachyearwouldfilltheseatsofadozenbighockeyarenas.
Yes ❏ No ❏
2. New workers are less likely to get hurt on the job than people who have been on the job longer.
Yes ❏ No ❏
3. The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations tell everyone from the employer to the newest worker how to make the workplace safer.
Yes ❏ No ❏
4. The OHSA puts the greatest responsibility on the employer to make sure no one gets hurt or sick on the job.
Yes ❏ No ❏
5. It’s against the law for my employer to fire or punish me for doing what the OHSA says.
Yes ❏ No ❏
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Step2:GetintheKnow
YouneedtoknowabouthazardsSomepeoplesaythatwhatyoudon’tknowcan’thurtyou.That’snottrueatwork.Onsomejobs,whatyoudon’tknowcankillyou.Ahazardisanythingintheworkplacethatcouldhurtyouorthepeopleyouworkwith.
Allofushaveheardaboutaworkerorgroupofworkerswhowerekilledonthejob.Wehaveheardofworkersfallingfromheights,gettingcaughtinequipmentorbeingelectrocutedandburned.Eventslikethesesendashockwavethroughtheworkplaceandthecommunity,anditisatragiclossforthevictim’sfamilyandfriends.Unfortunately,thiskindofeventhappensnotonceortwicebutdozensoftimeseachyearinOntario.
Thereisahazardattherootofeverywork‐relateddeath,injuryorsickness.Ahazardcantakemanyforms.Sometimesmorethanonehazardcancombinetomakeanevenbiggerhazard.Youneedtoknowaboutthehazardsinyourworkplacebeforeyoustartworking.
Thinkaboutthepeopleyouknow.Doyouknowsomeonewhohasbeenhurtorkilledatwork?Whatwasthehazardattherootofit?Howdiditaffectyou?Howdiditaffecttheirfamily?Makesomenotesaboutyourstoryinthespacebelow.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SomecommonworkplacehazardsHerearesomeofthemostcommonhazardsinOntarioworkplaces:
1. Repeatingthesamemovementsoverandover,especiallyifyouareinanawkwardpositionoryouusealotofforce.Thinkofsomeonewhobendsdownallday,orsomeonewholiftsheavythingsoverandoveragain,especiallyabovetheshouldersorbelowtheknees.
2. Slipping,trippingorfalling.Thinkofsomethingassimpleasspilledcoffeeonthefloor,aclutteredworkarea,oraraisedplatformwithnoguardrails.
3. Workingnearmotorizedvehicles.Thinkofbeinghitbyadumptruckthatisbackinguponaconstructionsite…orsomeonegettinghitbyaforklifttruckinawarehouseoronaloadingdock.
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4. Usingorworkingnearmachinery.Overtheyears,manyworkershavebeenkilledorseriouslyinjuredbytheequipmenttheyoperated.
5. Workplaceviolence.Itcanhappeninmanyworkplacessuchastoagasstationattendantworkingaloneatnight,ortoahealthcareworkerorahomecareworkerinthosesettings.
Canyouthinkofanyothercommonworkplacehazards–especiallyonesinyourownjob?Hereareacoupleofpossibleexamples.Trytolistafewothers.
1. Loudnoise
2. Nolighting
3. _____________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________
Youalsoneedtothinkaboutlessvisiblehazardsrelatedtoyourwork–thingslikechemicals,fumes,andtoxicdust.Orgermsandvirusesinlabsandhealthcareworkplaces.Someofthesehazardscanmakeyouverysick.Sometimestheymakeyousickrightaway;othertimesyoudon’tknowthatyouaresickuntilmonthsorevenyearslater.That’swhyit’simportanttoknowaboutthesehazardsnow.
It’stheemployer’sdutytomakesurethatthesupervisorknowsenoughandhasenoughexperienceandtrainingtokeepworkerssafeandhealthywhiletheywork.
It’stheemployer’sandsupervisor’sdutytoinformworkersofhealthandsafetyhazards.
It’stheworker’sdutytoreporthazardstheyknowoftothesupervisororemployerassoonaspossiblesotheycanfixit.
Employers,supervisorsandworkersworktogethertomaketheworkplacesafer.
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Here are four important questions about your job that you need to know the answers to. If you don’t know, ask your supervisor:
➔Whatarethehazardsofthisjob?
➔Isthereanyspecialtrainingneededforthisjob?
➔DoIhavetherightprotectiveequipmentforthisjob?
➔IfIhaveanyquestionsaboutsafety,whodoIask?
Canyouthinkofanyotherhealthandsafetyquestionsyoushouldask?Hereareacoupleofexamples.Trytolistafewothers.
➔HowdoIreportaninjury?
➔WhatdoIdoinanemergency?
➔_________________________________________________________
➔_________________________________________________________
➔_________________________________________________________
ProtectingyoufromhazardsTherearemanywaysthatyouremployercanprotectyoufromworkplacehazards.Thebestwayistogetridoforeliminatethehazardcompletely.Agoodexampleisreplacingatoxiccleaningchemicalwithonethatisnon‐toxic.
Ifthehazardcan’tbeeliminated,youremployercantrytoreducethehazard.Thiscanbedonebyreducinghowmuchofthehazardyouareexposedto.Anexampleofthisisturninguptheventilationsysteminafactory,orputtingabarrieraroundadangerouspieceofequipment.Thesearecalled“engineeringcontrols.”
Anotherwaytoreducehazardsistoreducehowlongorhowoftenyoucomeincontactwiththehazard.Thiscanbedonebyarrangingtheworkdifferentlysothatyouarenotexposedaslong.Thesearecalled“administrativeorworkpracticecontrols.”
Ifthehazardstillexistsaftertryingtocontrolitthroughelimination,engineeringcontrolsandadministrativeorworkpracticecontrols,youremployermayrequireyoutouseprotectiveequipmentand/orprotectivedevices.
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ProtectiveequipmentanddevicesTheOHSAsaysthatoneofyourdutiesasaworkerisalwaystowearorusetheprotectiveequipmentthatyouremployerrequires.
Youmaythinkthatahardhat,safetyglasses,steel‐toedbootsorsomeotherprotectiveclothingorequipmentareuncomfortableorslowyoudown.ButiftheOHSAoryouremployersaysyouhavetowearorusethesethingstodothework,youhaveto.
Someofthemachineryinyourworkplacemayhaveaguard.Theguardprotectsyoufromcomingincontactwithamovingpart.IfyouremployeroroneoftheOHSRegulationssaysthattheguardhastobeused,ithastobeused.TheOHSAsaysthatyoumustneverremoveordisableanyprotectivedevicethatisrequired.Ifthedevicehastocomeoffforanyreason,youshouldnotusetheequipmentwithoutareplacementdevice.Takingshortcutsbyremovingguardsisunsafe–andit’sagainstthelaw.
TheOHSAsaysyouhavetomakesureyoudon’tuseanyequipmentormachineinawaythatcouldhurtyouoranyotherworker.Youalsocan’tactorbehaveinawaythatcouldhurtyouoranyoneelse.Thatmeansnoplayinggames,pranksoractinginotherwaysthatcouldhurtsomeone.
OtherwaystofindoutabouthazardsThereareotherwaysyoucanfindoutabouthazardsinyourworkplace.Youremployermayhavesomeoftheworkplacehealthandsafetyproceduresinwriting.Theseproceduresareabouttheworkyoudoandthemachinesandequipmentyouuse.Youremployerhastomakesurethatyouknowandunderstandthemwhenyoustartwork.Youremployerisalsoresponsibleformakingsuretheproceduresarefollowedbyeveryone.
Thelawsayseveryworkerhastohaveinformationandtrainingaboutchemicalsorhazardousmaterialsintheworkplace.TheWorkplaceHazardousMaterialsInformationSystem(WHMIS)Regulationsaysthatyouneedtoreceiveinformationandinstructiononhowtouse,storeandgetridofhazardousmaterialssafely.Thisinformationisavailableonwarninglabelsandinformationsheets.
Ifyourjobinvolvesusingequipment,youremployerandsupervisormustinstructyouonhowtooperatethatequipmentsafely.Onewaytogetinformationonthesafeuseofmachineryisfromtheoperator’smanual.Ittellsyouabouthazardsandhasinstructionsonhowtousetheequipmentsafely.Youremployershouldmakesureanyonecancheckthemanualiftheyneedinformation.Ifthereisnomanualavailablefortheequipmentyouareusing,youshouldaskyoursupervisorforinformationonhowoperatetheequipmentsafely.
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Anotherimportantwaythatyoucanlearnabouthazardsisthroughtraining.Sometimesyouremployerwillgiveyouthetrainingatyourworkplace;sometimesyouwillbesentsomewhereelsefortraining.Youremployeralsohastotellyouhowandwheretogetfirstaid,andwhattodoinanemergency.
Inasafeandhealthyworkplace,everyoneknowsabouthazards.Ifyouseeahazardonthejobora“closecall”,reportittoyoursupervisororemployerrightaway.Thatway,someonewhoknowshowtofixitcandealwithitsothatnoonegetshurt.“PreventionStartsHere”wheneveryoneknowsabouthazards.
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Step2quizHereisaquickquizonthispartoftheprogram.(Theanswersareinthebackoftheworkbook,butpleasedon’tlookatthemaheadoftime)
1. TheOccupationalHealthandSafetyActsaysthatyouhavetherighttoknowabouthazardsinyourworkplace.
Yes❏ No❏
2. Ifahazardcanmakeyousick,youwillalwaysstarttofeelsickrightaway.
Yes❏ No❏
3. Tokeepfromgettinghurtonthejob,youneedtofindoutaboutthehazardswhileyou’reworking.
Yes❏ No❏
4. Ifyouhaveanydoubtsaboutthesafetyoftheworkyou’redoing,youshouldkeepthosedoubtstoyourself.
Yes❏ No❏
5. Ifyouseeahazardwhileyou’reworking,youshouldreportittoyoursupervisororemployerrightaway.
Yes❏ No❏
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Step3:Getinvolved
WorkingtogetherforsafetyUnderstandingtheOccupationalHealthandSafetyActisallaboutknowingthehealthandsafetydutiesofemployers,supervisorsandthedutiesandrightsofworkers,andputtingthemintoaction.Weallhavetogetinvolved.
Ifanemployerknowsaboutahazardanddoesn'ttrytoeliminateorreduceit,ormakesuretheworkersaretoldaboutitandhowtodealwithit,thatemployerisnotdoingwhatthelawrequires.
Ifasupervisorknowsaboutahazardanddoesn'texplaintotheworkershowtodealwithit,thatsupervisorisnotdoingwhatthelawrequires.
Ifaworkerknowsaboutahazardanddoesn'treportittothesupervisorortheemployer,thatworkerisnotdoingwhatthelawrequires.
Ifyouseeahazardonthejob,youhaveadutytospeakup.Thisincludesreportingequipmentthatisn’tworkingright,andanyotherhazardsthatmaybepresentasaresultofnotfollowingtheOHSAorRegulations.It’simportantthatyoureporttoyoursupervisororemployeranyinjury,incidentorclosecall,sothattheycanpreventthosekindsofthingsfromhappeningagaininthefuture.
TherighttoparticipateinhealthandsafetyTheOHSAgivesyoutherighttoparticipateandgetinvolvedinkeepingyourworkplacesafeandhealthy.Therearemanywaysyoucandothis.Canyouthinkofthree?
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
Herearefourgoodwaystogetinvolvedinkeepingyourworkplacesafe,buttherearemanymore:
1. Youcanaskquestionswhenyou’renotsureaboutsomething.
2. Youcanvolunteertobecomeaworkerhealthandsafetyrepresentativeoraworkermemberofthejointhealthandsafetycommittee.
3. Youcanhelpyourhealthandsafetyrepresentativeorjointhealthandsafetycommitteewithhealthandsafetyinspectionsbypointingoutpossiblehazardsinyourworkarea.
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4. Youcantakeyourhealthandsafetytrainingseriouslyandputwhatyoulearnintopracticeinyourjob.
HealthandsafetyrepresentativesandjointhealthandsafetycommitteesTheOHSAsaysthatworkplaceswith6to19workersneedtohaveahealthandsafetyrepresentativeorajointhealthandsafetycommittee.Inmostlargerworkplaceswith20ormoreworkers,theOHSAsaysajointhealthandsafetycommitteehastobesetup.Committeeshavetohaveatleasttwopeopleonthem;theworkersortheirunion,ifany,pickoneofthemandtheemployerpickstheother.Inworkplaceswherethereare50ormoreworkers,thecommitteemusthaveatleastfourmembers,andatleasthalfofthemembershavetorepresentworkers.
Thecommitteeplaysanimportantroleinhelpingtokeepworkplacessafe.Forexample,amemberofthecommitteewhorepresentsworkersmustregularlyinspecttheworkplace.Informationfromtheseinspectionsisbroughtbacktothecommittee.Thecommitteethenmakesrecommendationstotheemployertoimprovehealthandsafety.Theemployerhastorespondtotheserecommendationswithinashortperiodoftime.Becausethereisanemployerandaworkermemberofthecommittee,everyonehasasayinidentifyingandsolvingproblems.
Insmallerworkplaces,thehealthandsafetyrepresentativehasmanyofthesamerolesasacommittee.Theyhelptoimprovehealthandsafetyatwork.Theydothisbyinspectingtheworkplaceoften.Iftheyfindaproblem,theymakerecommendationstotheemployerabouthowtofixit.
WhattolookforandwhattoaskTheOHSAsaysthatyouremployermustposttheOHSAandotherhealthandsafetyinformationinyourworkplace,suchasanoccupationalhealthandsafetyposter.Lookforthepostednamesofyourhealthandsafetyrepresentativeorjointhealthandsafetycommitteemembers–thesearepeopleyoucantalktoifyouneedhelp.Andifyourworkplacehasmorethan5workers,youremployerhastopostthecompanyhealthandsafetypolicy.
Ifyoucan’tfindanyofthisinformationinyourworkplace,talktoyoursupervisoraboutit.Healthandsafetyisanimportantpartofhisorherjob.Youcanalsotalktothepeopleyouworkwithandbenefitfromeachother’sexperience.
Alwaysbeonthelookoutforhazardstoyourselforothers.Beforeyoustartyourworkday,askyourselfquestionslike:
➔Isanyofthemachinerybroken?
➔Aretherewarninglabelsorsigns?
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➔IsthereanymovingequipmentIcouldgetcaughtin?
➔IstheresomethingIcouldsliportripon?
➔DoIneedprotectiveequipment?
➔DoIknowhowtodothisjobsafely?
Canyouthinkofanyotherquestionstoaskyourself?Hereareacoupleofexamples.Trytolistafewmore.
➔IsthereanotherworkernearbywhocouldgethurtbywhatI’mdoing?
➔IsthistaskmorethanIcanphysicallyhandle?
➔_____________________________________________________________
➔_____________________________________________________________
➔_____________________________________________________________
Thesearegoodquestionsforeveryoneintheworkplacetoask.Preventionstartshere,bypayingattentiontodetailsandbyfollowingtheOHSAandtheworkplacehealthandsafetyprocedures.
BeasafetyrolemodelMostworkersshouldbeabletolooktotheirsupervisorsasgoodhealthandsafetyrolemodels.Butothersmayalsobelookingtoyouasarolemodelforgoodhealthandsafetypractices.Howyouwork,andthewayyouthinkandtalkaboutthework,canaffectthesafetyofthepeopleyouworkwith.Themessageyouwantotherstogetfromyouis:“Preventionstartshere.”
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Step3quizHereisaquickquizonthispartoftheprogram.(Theanswersareinthebackoftheworkbook,butpleasedon’tlookatthemaheadoftime.)
1. It’simportantthatyouknowthesafewaytodoyourjob.Youshouldsharewhatyouknow.Ifyouseeahazard,youmustreportittoyoursupervisororemployer.
Yes❏ No❏
2. Youshouldgetinvolvedinhealthandsafetybyaskingquestions,andyoushouldputwhatyoulearnfromtrainingintopracticeonthejob.
Yes❏ No❏
3. Ifyoucan’tfindanyhealthandsafetyinformationpostedinyourworkplace,youshouldjustgobacktoworkandnotworryaboutit.
Yes❏ No❏
4. Yourhealthandsafetyrepresentativeorjointhealthandsafetycommitteecanhelpyouwithanyconcernsthatyoumighthaveaboutworkingsafely.
Yes❏ No❏
5. It’sOKtotakesafetyshortcutstogettheworkdonefasterandontime.
Yes❏ No❏
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Step4:GetMoreHelp
YouarenotaloneIt’sasadfactthatinsomeworkplaces,nobodypaysmuchattentiontosafety.Inthoseworkplaces,it’sallaboutdoingtheworkasquicklyaspossible.Ifsomeonequestionsthewaythingsarebeingdone,theymaygetadirtylookbutnothingisdonetomakethingssafer.Peopleinworkplaceslikethatareoftenafraidtodoanythingaboutitbecausetheydon’twanttogetfired.Sotheykeepquiet.
Maybeyoufeltthatwayonapastjob.That’swhyit’simportanttoknowthatyouarenotalone.Helpisalwaysavailablefromoutsidetheworkplace.
Ifyouseesomethingunsafethatcouldhurtsomeone,youneedtoreportittoyoursupervisororyouremployer.It’salsoagoodideatotellyourhealthandsafetyrepresentativeorcommitteeifthereisone.Butiftheemployerorsupervisordoesn’tfixtheproblem,youcancalltheMinistryofLabour.TheMinistry’sjobistohelppreventworkplaceinjuriesandillnessesthroughenforcingtheOHSA.Theywanttoknowifthereareproblemsthataren’tbeingfixed.
MinistryofLabourinspectorscan’tbeinallworkplacesatalltimes.ButtheMinistrywantstohearifthere’saproblemonthejobthatisn’tfixedanywhereinOntario.Soithasatoll‐freenumberthatyoucancall.CallingthatnumberconnectsyoutotheHealthandSafetyContactCentrethattakescalls24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek.Ifyoudon’twanttogiveyournamewhenyoucalltheHealthandSafetyContactCentre,youdon’thaveto.Hereisthenumber:
1‐877‐202‐0008
Rememberwementionedreprisalsbefore?It’sagainstthelawforyouremployeroryoursupervisortofireorpunishyoufordoingwhattheOHSAexpectsyoutodo,orbecauseyouaskedthemtodowhattheOHSAexpectsthemtodo.It’sevenagainstthelawforyouremployerorsupervisortothreatentofireorpunishyouforthesethings.TheOHSAisveryclearonthis.
Ifyoufeelthatyouremployeristakingactionagainstyouforraisingahealthandsafetyconcern,youcandiscussitwithaunionofficialifyouareamemberofaunion,orbringacomplainttotheOntarioLabourRelationsBoard.Ifyou’renotsurewhattodo,youcancalltheMinistry’stoll‐freenumberforinformation.TheOfficeoftheWorkerAdviseralsoprovidesfreeadviceandrepresentationtonon‐unionizedworkerswhoareinthissituation.Youcancalltheirtoll‐freenumberforhelp:1‐855‐659‐7744.
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TherighttorefuseunsafeworkIfyouhavereasontobelievethattheworkyouaredoingortheequipmentyouareusingmighthurtyouorsomeoneyouworkwith,youcanrefusetodothatwork.Thismeansthatyoutellyouremployerorsupervisor(andyourhealthandsafetyrepresentativeorcommittee)thatyouthinkyouareindangerandyouarenotgoingtodothework.Youneedtotellthemwhy.
Allworkershavetherighttorefuseworkiftheyhavereasontobelieveit’sdangerous.It’simportanttoknowthatyoucanalsorefuseworkifyouhavereasontobelievethattheareawhereyouareworkingislikelytoendangeryouoranyotherworker,orthatyouareindangerfromworkplaceviolence.
Youmustreportthesituationtoyoursupervisororemployer,andshouldalsocontactyourhealthandsafetyrepresentativeorcommittee.Mostofthetime,yoursupervisororemployerandyoursafetyrepresentativeorcommitteememberwillbeabletosolvetheproblem.Iftheproblemisn’tfixedoryoustillhavereasontobelievetheworkisunsafe,youcancontinuetorefusethework.AMinistryofLabourinspectorwillthenbecalledintoinvestigate.
Some workers, such as nurses, firefighters and police officers cannot refuse work if the danger is a normal part of their job or if refusing work would put someone else in danger. Talk to your union, other workplace representatives, supervisor or employer if you think your right to refuse work may be limited by the work you do.
MoreinformationandresourcesOntariohasahealthandsafety“system”whichincludesthefollowingpartners:
MinistryofLabourDevelops,communicatesandenforcesoccupationalhealthandsafetyrequirementsandemploymentstandards.Develops,coordinatesandimplementsstrategiestopreventworkplaceinjuriesandillnessesandcansetstandardsforhealthandsafetytraining.1‐877‐202‐0008http://www.labour.gov.on.ca
WorkersHealth&SafetyCentreAnoccupationalhealthandsafetytrainingcentreforworkers,representativesandemployers.1‐888‐869‐7950http://www.whsc.on.ca
OccupationalHealthClinicsforOntarioWorkersSixmedicalclinicslocatedacrossOntariothatprovideoccupationalhealthservicesandinformation.1‐877‐817‐0336http://www.ohcow.on.ca
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Health & Safety Ontario Four health and safety associations that provide sector specific consulting, training, products and services. http://www.healthandsafetyontario.ca
• Infrastructure Health and Safety Association – serves electrical, construction and transportation sectors. 1-‐800-‐263-‐5024
• Public Services Health and Safety Association – serves health, education and municipal sectors. 1-‐877-‐250-‐7444
• Workplace Safety North – serves mining, pulp and paper and forestry sectors. 1-‐888-‐730-‐7821
• Workplace Safety and Prevention Services – serves industrial, farming and service sectors. 1-‐877-‐494-‐9777
The system is there to serve everyone in the workplace – employers, supervisors and workers.
Another place you can go for information is the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. They have information and fact sheets on their website. If you are having trouble finding information, you can ask questions by telephone at 1-‐800-‐668-‐4284 or through their website at www.ccohs.ca .
“Prevention Starts Here,” but it doesn’t end here.
To help you understand how Ontario’s workplace health and safety system works together to help create healthier and safer workplaces, try to match the following list of organizations to their purpose. (The answers are in the back of the workbook, but please don’t look at them ahead of time)
ORGANIZATION PURPOSE
A. Ministry of Labour __ Health and safety training
B. Health and Safety Ontario __ Enforces the OHSA
C. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board __ Medical clinics for injured or sick workers
D. Workers Health and Safety Centre __ Insurance benefits for injured or sick workers
E. Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario B.Workers
Occupational health and safety consulting, training, products and services
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Step4quizHere’saquizontheinformationwe’vecoveredinStep4.(Theanswersareinthebackoftheworkbook,butpleasedon’tlookatthemaheadoftime)
1. Ifyoureportadangeroussituationtoyoursupervisorandyourhealthandsafetyrepresentativeandtheycan’tfindawaytofixit,youcancalltheMinistryofLabour’stoll‐freenumberforhelp.
Yes❏ No❏
2. Ifyouhavereasontobelievetheequipmentyouareusingmighthurtyouorsomeoneyouworkwith,youhavethelegalrighttorefusethework.
Yes❏ No❏
3. Someworkers,suchasnurses,firefightersandpoliceofficers,havealimitedrighttorefusework.
Yes❏ No❏
4. It’sagainstthelawforyouremployeroryoursupervisortofireorpunishyoufordoingwhattheOHSAexpectsyoutodo,orforaskingthemtodowhattheOHSAexpectsthemtodo.
Yes❏ No❏
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What’snext?Nowthatyouhavecompletedthisgeneralawarenessprogram,youarereadytobegivenmorespecificinformationandinstructionbyyouremployerandsupervisorasrequiredbytheOHSA.Youshouldhearabout:
✓Specifichazardsinyourworkplace
✓Theproceduretofollowwhenreportinghealthandsafetyconcerns,incidentsorinjuries
✓Anyprotectiveequipmentyouarerequiredtowearoruse
✓Wherethecompany’shealthandsafetypolicyisposted(inworkplaceswithmorethan5workers)
✓Wherethefirstaidstationisandthenamesofqualifiedfirstaidproviders
✓Thecompany’semergencyplan
✓Informationonhazardousmaterialsinyourworkplace
✓Theworkplaceviolenceandharassmentpreventionpolicy
✓WhereacopyoftheOHSAisposted
✓Wherethenamesofyourjointhealthandsafetycommitteemembersareposted
Wehopethisprogramhasbeenusefulandthatyou’llusetheinformationinyourday‐to‐daywork.Knowingyourhealthandsafetyrightsandduties,andthedutiesofyoursupervisorandemployer,isanimportantfirststepinstayingsafeonthejob.
Rememberthatwhenitcomestoyourhealthandsafety,thereisnosuchthingasasillyquestion.Thatquestioncouldsaveyourlife–soaskit.
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AnswerstoQuizQuestions
Step1Quiz1. Yes
2. No–newworkersareactuallythemostlikelytogethurt.
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Yes
Step2Quiz1. Yes–theActsaysit’sthedutyofyouremployerandyoursupervisor
totellyouabouthazardsinyourworkplace.
2. No–somehazardsmightmakeyousickrightaway,butotherhazardsmightnotmakeyousickuntilmonthsorevenyearslater.
3. No–youneedtoknowaboutallthehazardsbeforeyoustartworking.
4. No–youneedtotalktoyoursupervisororyouremployeraboutit.
5. Yes
Step3Quiz1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No‐youshouldaskyoursupervisorwheretheinformationisposted.
4. Yes
5. No–allworkersshouldsetagoodexampleandfollowthelawandworkplaceprocedures.
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Step4Quiz1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes
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Ontario’s Health and Safety System
ORGANIZATION PURPOSE
A. Ministry of Labour D.
Health and safety training
B. Health and Safety Ontario A.
Enforces the OHSA
C. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board E.
Medical clinics for injured or sick workers
D. Workers Health and Safety Centre C.
Insurance benefits for injured or sick workers
E. Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario B.Workers
Occupational health and safety consulting, training, products and services
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Call the Ministry of Labour at 1-877-202- 0008Report critical injuries, fatalities, work refusals anytime.
Workplace health and safety information, weekdays 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Emergency? Always call 911 immediately.
Find out more: www.ontario.ca/healthandsafetyatwork
© Queen’s Printer of OntarioMinistry of LabourISBN 978-1-4606-0075-7 (Print)ISBN 978-1-4606-0076-4 (HTML)ISBN 978-1-4606-0077-1 (PDF - colour)ISBN 978-1-4606-0091-7 (PDF - simple)December 2012