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Occupational Health& SafetyProgramMedicine Hat School District No. 76

MHSD 76, OHS Manual Table of Contents 1/2

Medicine Hat School District No. 76

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Policy Amendment Register

Chapter Description

1 Introduction of Occupational Health & Safety Annex A: Occupational Health & Safety

Annex B: Superintendent’s Safety Statement

2 Implementing OHS in Schools & District Workplaces Annex A: Due Diligence Checklist

3 Safety Roles & Responsibilities Annex A: Superintendent Responsibilities

Annex B: Administrator & Dept Manager Responsibilities

Annex C: Employee, Volunteer & Contractor Responsibilities

Annex D: OHS Committee Responsibilities

4 Employee Safety Orientations Annex A: Employee Orientation Checklist

Annex B: Emergency Contact Numbers

5 Accident / Incident Investigation & Reporting Annex A: Student Accident Report

Annex B: Employee / Adult Accident Report

Annex C: Incident Report

Annex D: Property Damage Report

Annex E: Vehicle Damage Accident Report

Annex F: Contractor Accident Report

Annex G: Hazard Report

Annex H: WCB Reporting Flowchart

Annex I: ASEBP Reporting Flowchart

MHSD 76, OHS Manual Table of Contents 2/2

Chapter Description

6 First Aid & Emergency Eyewash Annex A: First Aid Attendant Chart – Updated Annually

Annex B: Type 1 Checklist

Annex C: Type 2 Checklist

Annex D: Type 3 Checklist

Annex E: Type P Checklist

Annex F: First Aid Record Form

7 Personal Protective Equipment Annex A: Personal Protection Equipment Example Applications

Annex B: Personal Protection Equipment Selection Guide

Annex C: CSA Safety Footwear Selection Chart

8 Hazardous Assessment & Controls

9 Emergency Response

10 Chemical Hazards

11 Safe Work Practices

12 Office and Industrial Ergonomics

13 Violence Prevention in the Workplace

14 Contractor Safety

Medicine Hat School District No. 76 Occupational Health & Safety Manual - Amendment Register

Holders of this OHS Manual are responsible to maintain its currency by updating it with all amendments as they are issued from Central Office and the Occupational Health & Safety Department. Updates will be monitored during inspections and audits, as they occur during the year. Amendment Number Issued By Date Inserted in Manual Amendment By Safety Manual Draft Issued to Committee

OHS Office June 2015 OHS Officer

Introduction to Occ Health & Safety Chapter 1 1/5

CHAPTER 1

Legislative Requirements Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act states that: Obligations of employers and workers Section 2(1)

Every employer shall ensure, as far as it is reasonably practicable for the employer to do so, (a) the health and safety of

(i) workers engaged in the work of that employer, and (ii) those workers not engaged in the work of that employer but present at the

work site at which that work is being carried out, and (b) that the workers engaged in the work of that employer are aware of their

responsibilities and duties under this Act, the regulations and the adopted code.

Specific responsibilities for employees are spelled out in the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act.

Section 2(2) Every worker shall, while engaged in an occupation, take reasonable care to protect the

health and safety of the worker and of other workers present while the worker is working, and cooperate with the worker’s employer for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of the worker, other workers engaged in the work of the employer, and workers not engaged in the work of the employer but present at the work site at which that work is being carried out.

Why an Occupational Health & Safety Program? To Protect Employees and Students

The Superintendent, senior administration, principals and non-school based department heads have a statutory obligation to provide a safe and healthy environment in which employees, students and volunteers can perform to the best of their abilities. Many of the components of a proactive workplace Occupational Health & Safety Program are also applicable to student health and safety (e.g., emergency preparedness, hazard identification and control, incident investigation, infection control). These components recognize that all employees have a role to play and are the key to the program's success. Note: Students are not generally defined as “workers”, and therefore are not covered by this legislation. However, student safety is paramount in the workplace and it is expected by the employer that safe work practices extend to all situations.


To Meet Legislative Requirements

Occupational health and safety is a legislated requirement in Alberta. Principals and non-school based department heads, as the employer's representatives at each location, have statutory obligations to: • ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken in accordance with the Alberta

Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code and other relevant acts and regulations.

• identify possible hazards in the work location and take steps to either eliminate or control them. • ensure the correct use of appropriate personal protective equipment. • ensure that employees are aware of and follow codes of practice, e.g., asbestos removal, safe work procedures. • ensure that contractors comply with the legislation. • investigate serious injury accidents and incidents that have the potential of causing a serious injury. • develop an emergency preparedness plan for the workplace and plan drills and simulations to keep employees in a high state of readiness. • ensure that employees are educated in the handling and use of controlled (chemical) products. • ensure that employees are aware of their responsibilities and duties under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code. • ensure that employees are competent to perform their tasks if the work can endanger themselves or others. Government officials charged with administering the legislation have the authority to prosecute for contraventions of statutory obligations. Alberta Occupational Health & Safety has recently implemented a system of Administrative Penalty & Fines that may be issued to workers and/or employers for violations to the Occupational Health & Safety Act of the Province. Individuals working for the employer as well as the employer itself can be subject to prosecution and, where prosecutions result in convictions, fines of up to $1,000,000 and/or jail sentences of up to 12 months may be imposed. If an accident or injury occurs at the school or worksite, principals and non-school based department heads may be liable to prosecution unless they can demonstrate due diligence.

To Demonstrate Due Diligence

Due diligence is a legal defense that was defined in 1978 by the Supreme Court of Canada. If an employee is injured on the job, the employer may be charged under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code for failing to protect the employee's health and safety. The employer's only defense is due diligence by showing that he/she has taken all reasonable steps to prevent the injury. This would consist of anticipating the injury, providing necessary training, ensuring personal protective equipment is being used, safe work procedures and supervision. This is accomplished by conducting Risk Assessments and taking corrective action where and when needed to mitigate risks that can


be managed directly, or in implementing various safety controls to manage the risks in a reasonable manner. Due diligence is demonstrated by developing plans to meet the legislative requirements. One key element of any plan is ensuring the competency of employees. Under Section 14(1) of the Alberta General Safety Regulation, principals and non-school based department heads shall ensure, where work is to be done which may endanger any worker, that the work is done only by a competent worker or by a worker who is not competent working under the direct supervision of a competent worker. This manual outlines those aspects of the legislation that apply to various areas within the District. Not all chapters will apply to every school or worksite location. For instance, Chapter 13, Fall Protection, will only apply to work that requires employees to work at a height above 3 metres, as per Part 9 of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulations and Code. All employees involved in work at this height must comply with legislation. This includes training in proper usage of fall protective system and ensuring the worksite is established in a safe manner, as well as ensuring that the employee follows all regulations while performing the assigned task. Management is responsible to ensure the employee is provided with the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and that it is used correctly at all times. This is done according to the Collective Agreements that are in place at any given time. The Superintendent, senior administrators, principals and non-school based department heads demonstrate due diligence by taking action in three key areas - awareness of legislative requirements, competency of employees and monitoring and compliance. The first area is awareness of legislative compliance. Ignorance of the law is no defense. The Superintendent, senior administrators, principals and non-school based department heads demonstrate due diligence by ensuring that they and their employees are aware of the legal requirements that pertain to their particular role and responsibilities. The Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code have over five hundred sections that apply to employers and employees in Alberta. The second area is competency of employees. Competency includes awareness of the proper procedures as well as necessary training and development. Principals and non-school based department heads demonstrate due diligence by ensuring that their employees are properly trained to handle tasks that could be considered dangerous to their health and safety. For example, what would take place if a custodian, while handling hazardous cleaning chemicals, is badly burned in a chemical spill at a school? A provincial investigator would determine if the employee: • was competent to handle these chemicals. • had received necessary training in identifying and handling hazardous chemicals. • knew where information on this chemical was located. • knew how to use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.


If the investigator determined that the custodian was not competent to handle this chemical, the head custodian and/or the principal or the non-school based department head could be held liable and charged under the legislation. The third area of due diligence relates to monitoring and compliance. It is not enough for the Superintendent, senior officers, principals and non-school based department heads to make employees aware of their legal requirements and provide proper training. They shall also monitor their school or worksite to ensure that employees are complying with the legislation and working in a safe and healthy manner. If a serious accident or incident occurs, provincial investigators will want to determine: • if proper monitoring processes are in place. • if employees are receiving ongoing training. • if hazards are being identified and controlled. • if incidents and accidents are being investigated. • if emergency procedures are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. The Superintendent, senior administrators, principals and non-school based department heads demonstrate due diligence by ensuring that these processes are in place, utilized on a regular basis and documented. In determining how much diligence is enough, each situation will differ. The greater the likelihood of an incident occurring, the more stringent the monitoring system should be.

To Reduce the Cost of Accidents and Incidents

Accidents and incidents are costly, both from a human and financial perspective. The employer has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, students, volunteers and visitors. In addition to the human cost, there is a significant financial cost to the District when employees are injured on the job. The employer pays financial premiums each year to the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta to cover costs for medical aid and lost wages for injured employees who are covered by Workers' Compensation. The premium is partly based on the employer's accident experience rating, as compared with that of other school districts in Alberta. The majority of certified teaching staff are not covered by Alberta WCB, but have alternative coverage for compensation benefits, provided by the Alberta School Employees Benefit Plan (ASEBP). This is currently managed by the Payroll Department at the employer’s Central Office. When an employee is injured, there are other additional unseen costs incurred to cover Human Resource time for hiring, wages of replacement staff, property and equipment damage, reduced efficiency, overtime and more. Accidents are preventable through appropriate risk management techniques and practices.


Demonstrating Commitment to Occupational Health and Safety The employer values its employees and is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace and learning environment for employees, students and others present at its work sites. Occupational health and safety is manifested in three important ways:

• Employer’s Policy • Roles and Responsibilities of Staff • Occupational Health & Safety Program

The Superintendent has articulated his support in the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Policy and has issued both a Policy and Policy Statement which is to be posted in all the employer’s facilities, at all times. The Occupational Health & Safety Program Statement is Annex A and the Superintendent’s Safety Statement can be found in Annex B of this chapter of the manual.

Occupational Health & Safety Chapter 1, Annex A

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The employer is committed to an Occupational Health & Safety Program that protects all our staff, our property and other workers who enter our property, our students, the general public and the environment. The District believes that health and safety is a shared responsibility between the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent, senior managers, supervisors, all employees, students, volunteers, visitors and contractors present at its work sites and that by working together, the employer’s work site health and safety environment, can be continuously improved. Our objective is to prevent injuries and property damage in all work execution and operations. This will be achieved by creating a work atmosphere in which health and safety is implemented with everyday operations. Employees at every level are responsible and accountable for the school’s health and safety performance and will provide leadership for the Occupational Health & Safety Program. Employees will be familiar with the requirements of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Legislation and the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Program as it relates to their work processes. This will be achieved by:

• promoting a safe work environment based on employee involvement, teamwork, education, training and commitment.

• promoting the philosophy that safety is a core value, associated with every priority. • recognizing group and individual achievements. • treating everyone with dignity and respect. • ensuring all regulatory requirements, specifically the Alberta Occupational Health &

Safety Act, Regulation and Code, are met in all work execution and operations, is responsible for the health and safety of employees by actively encouraging the participation of all employees in the Occupational Health & Safety Program.

All employees are responsible for protecting the health and safety of themselves and their fellow employees by following all policies and procedures, working safely, and improving health and safety measures where possible. Accidental loss can be controlled through good management in combination with staff involvement. Health and safety is the responsibility of all staff and management. Safety roles and responsibilities for all levels are provided separately within Chapter 3 of this manual. All contractors shall meet the employer’s occupational health and safety requirements and all Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Acts, Regulations and Codes, as well as all Alberta WCB Legislation. Contractor safety is addressed in Chapter 14 of this manual.

Occupational Health & Safety Chapter 1, Annex A

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SAFETY PROGRAM GUIDELINES

The responsibilities of the Superintendent, senior administrators, principals and non-school based department heads, as employer representatives, are outlined under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

In addition, the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code makes all employees, including the Superintendent, senior administrators, principals and non-school based department heads, responsible for:

• following codes of practice and safe work procedures established by the District and implemented at the worksites.

• having knowledge of hazards of their job. • reporting any hazardous or potentially hazardous situations to their supervisor. • reporting any injuries or occupational illness immediately to their supervisor in a timely

manner in accordance with the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Act and Regulations. • participating in health and safety training. • wearing the required personal protective equipment. • making sure all equipment, including personal protective equipment, is in proper working

order and utilized at all times when required. • knowing the location, type and, if so designated, the operation of emergency equipment. • asking questions if they do not know the proper safe work procedure. • identifying conditions that would cause imminent danger to themselves or others.

An Occupational Health & Safety Committee has been established to provide advice on all matters relating to occupational health and safety, including the development, implementation and monitoring of procedures to ensure healthy and safe work conditions for employees. The Committee will be made up of a cross section of employees including Associate Superintendent: Human Resources, Secretary-Treasurer, Administrator of Facilities, CUPE, the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Officer.

Implementation of OHS in a School District Chapter 2 1/12

CHAPTER 2

Legislative Requirements

Chapter 2 of this manual is a direct extension of Chapter 1 and provides further guidance on establishing due diligence during the implementation stages of the District Occupational Health & Safety Program. The legislative requirements are the same as Chapter 1 and are as such: Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act states that:

Obligations of employers and workers Section 2(1)

Every employer shall ensure, as far as it is reasonably practicable for the employer to do so, (a) the health and safety of

(i) workers engaged in the work of that employer, and (ii) those workers not engaged in the work of that employer but present at the

work site at which that work is being carried out, and (b) that the workers engaged in the work of that employer are aware of their

responsibilities and duties under this Act, the regulations and the adopted code.

Specific responsibilities for employees are spelled out in the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act

Section 2(2) Every worker shall, while engaged in an occupation, take reasonable care to protect the

health and safety of the worker and of other workers present while the worker is working, and cooperate with the worker’s employer for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of the worker, other workers engaged in the work of the employer, and workers not engaged in the work of the employer but present at the work site at which that work is being carried out.

Overview

The implementation of a successful Occupational Health & Safety Program is a significant undertaking for schools and other employer facilities. Not only is it required by legislation, but experience has shown that where there is an effective focus on health and safety issues, employees are more productive and may lead to higher quality work.

Involvement of employees is the key to successful implementation. Every employee has a role to play. Some will take responsibility for specific parts of the Occupational Health & Safety Program. Others will assist, for example, with inspections. Above all, everyone needs to work in a way that protects not only their own health and safety but also the health and safety of colleagues, students and members of the general public who might be present in the facility from time to time.


Getting Started (Establishing Due Diligence) What is meant by due diligence?

Due diligence is the level of judgement, care, prudence, determination and activity that a person would reasonably be expected to do under particular circumstances. When applied to occupational health and safety, due diligence means that employers shall take all reasonable precautions, under the particular circumstances, to prevent injuries or accidents in the workplace. This duty also applies to situations that are not addressed elsewhere in the Occupational Health & Safety Legislation. To exercise due diligence, an employer must implement a plan to identify possible workplace hazards and carry out the appropriate corrective action to prevent accidents or injuries arising from these hazards.

Why does due diligence have special significance?

"Due diligence" is important as a legal defense for a person charged under Occupational Health & Safety Legislation. If charged, a defendant may be found not guilty if he/she can prove that due diligence was exercised. In other words, the defendant must be able to prove that all precautions, reasonable under the circumstances, were taken to protect the health and safety of workers.

How does an employer establish due diligence within an OHS program?

The conditions for establishing due diligence includes several criteria:

• The employer must have in place written OHS policies, practices, and procedures. These policies, etc. would demonstrate and document that the employer carried out workplace safety audits, identified hazardous practices and hazardous conditions and made necessary changes to correct these conditions, and provided employees with information to enable them to work safely.

• The employer must provide the appropriate training and education to the employees so that they understand and carry out their work according to the established policies, practices and procedures.

• The employer must train the supervisors to ensure they are competent persons, as defined in legislation.

• The employer must monitor the workplace and ensure that employees are following the policies, practices and procedures. Written documentation of progressive disciplining for breaches of safety rules is considered due diligence.

• There are obviously many requirements for the employer but workers also have responsibilities. They have a duty to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of themselves and their coworkers - this includes following safe work practices and complying with regulations.

• The employer should have an accident investigation and reporting system in place. Employees should be encouraged to report "near misses" and these should be investigated also. Incorporating information from these investigations into revised, improved policies, practices and procedures will also establish the employer is practicing due diligence.


• The employer should document, in writing, all of the above steps: this will give the

employer a history of how the company's Occupational Health & Safety Program has progressed over time. Secondly, it will provide up-to-date documentation that can be used as a defense to charges in case an accident occurs despite an employer's due diligence efforts.

All of the elements of a "due diligence program" must be in effect before any accident or injury occurs. If employers have questions about due diligence in regards to health and safety, they should seek guidance and advice from the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer, to ensure that all appropriate steps have been taken and due diligence requirements are in place. Due diligence is demonstrated by your actions before an event occurs, not after.

What are areas to consider when reviewing due diligence?

When reviewing your due diligence program, it may help to ask yourself the following questions:

• Can a reasonable person predict or foresee something going wrong? • Is there an opportunity to prevent the injury or incident? • Who is responsible for preventing the accident or incident?

How to Use this Manual

This manual consists of multiple chapters, codes of practices and guidelines, information on sources of safety training and information and a glossary. Each chapter provides the information needed to establish and maintain, on an on-going basis, a compliance program for the topic under discussion. The contents of the Occupational Health & Safety Manual can be easily reviewed in the Table of Contents. In this chapter, detailed guidelines are set out for getting started and for maintaining due diligence on an on-going basis, including action plans, employee involvement and monitoring and compliance. The Board of Trustees and the Superintendent are committed to meeting all requirements of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code and any other relevant acts and codes and shall provide the resources for achieving this objective. All principals and non-school based department heads are expected to review this manual, the legislative requirements (if applicable) and implementation areas of all applicable chapters. Most chapters will apply to every facility; however, not all chapters will apply to the same degree. For example:

• A senior high school will need to have a comprehensive chemical hazards program

to cover science labs, CTS and custodial activities. • An elementary school will need to cover the chemicals used by custodians, plus a

limited number of chemicals used by teaching and support staff. • A maintenance facility will not need to be concerned about infection control to the

same degree as a school, but that is still an area to be considered. • Maintenance staff and CTS staff will have to be particularly concerned about hearing

conservation, because they are more likely to be exposed to high noise hazards, e.g., working with power tools.


• Implementation summaries, for the Superintendent, principals or non-school based department heads, are the major tasks that must be carried out to assure due diligence.

Responsibility of the Principal or Non-School Based Department Head

In deciding which topics to be concerned with, it is helpful to remember that, a principal or non-school based department head represents the Superintendent and is responsible for the health and safety of all employees, students, volunteers and visitors who are present and working in the facility at any given time. This includes:

• employees who work in schools and other facilities on a regular basis. • employees who are working at different facilities from time to time, e.g., maintenance

staff. • employees employed by contractors who are working at the facilities, e.g., contract

electricians.

Note: The issue of contractor staff is dealt with in more detail later, within Chapter 14 of this manual, titled “Contractor Safety Policy”.

Developing an Occupational Health & Safety Program at Schools and Facilities

An effective Occupational Health & Safety Program at your school or facility is a major undertaking. However, following these suggestions will assist in ensuring compliance in this area:

• As a manager you may already have made a good start in some areas, e.g., first aid

or training for WHMIS. Review the relevant chapters in the manual and expand upon them to establish or revise your plans. The manual is designed to help you implement your program. It contains “off-the-shelf” materials that you can take and use as is. Doing this allows everyone in the District to become familiar with and use the same forms, no matter what school or department they work for, leading to consistency in the various assessments and reporting requirements.

• Safe work practices (SWP) are being developed for particularly hazardous tasks, e.g., working with a table saw, working with acids (see Chapter 8 – Hazardous Assessment & Control). Once these are completed and implemented, these materials will provide an excellent resource in ensuring that employees are following appropriate procedures when performing hazardous tasks.

• In each chapter of the manual, materials (including forms and procedures) are available for your use, e.g., hazard identification. Caution: Where a report or form is intended to be returned to Central Office, e.g., an accident/incident report, the form presented in this manual must be used.

• Where you do not have all of the resources you need, specialist training and information services may be made available.

• Aim to achieve due diligence systematically. Initial emphasis should be on getting the building blocks in place. Start by making a plan. Focus on high-risk areas. Prioritize goals and then start to work on them one at a time.

• Utilize your employees to the fullest extent possible. Delegate responsibilities. Every school and facility in the District contains employees with valuable knowledge, expertise and/or interest in the different areas in which you must establish compliance. It would be extremely difficult to achieve compliance in such areas as science, CTS and caretaking without direct involvement of employees from these areas.


Employee Involvement

While the Superintendent, principal or non-school based department head has overall responsibility for the Occupational Health & Safety Program in all facilities, experience has shown that the programs are more successful with employee involvement. Advantages of involving employees include:

• sharing the work load. • engaging employees who have been working on parts of the Occupational Health &

Safety Program to help identify the current status and deficiencies. They can also help in prioritizing activities.

• engaging employees who are responsible for a part of the program to take “ownership”, so the program will be more successful.

• engaging some employees who may have particular expertise or knowledge that you want to draw on, e.g., a science teacher may be a good choice for dealing with chemical hazards.

Strategies for Employee Involvement

There are many different ways to involve employees in an Occupational Health & Safety Program. Here are two different options for involving your employees:

• Delegate responsibility for the program to an Occupational Health & Safety

Committee and encourage employees to be active members of that Safety Committee. Empower the employee to assist in managing their own Occupational Health & Safety Program locally.

• Coordinate the Occupational Health & Safety Program and delegate specific tasks related to health and safety.

Option 1 - Set Up a Local Safety Committee

Delegate the coordination of Occupational Health & Safety Program to the local safety committee with their specific workplace or school. For example, this group could assist by:

• reviewing all areas within the workplace for compliance and due diligence. • assigning detailed safety responsibilities. • conducting surveys, investigations and inspections. • setting up an emergency preparedness program for the work location.

A safety committee may make recommendations to the principal or non-school based department head on key issues and take over day-to-day coordination of the Occupational Health & Safety Program. This approach ensures the widest involvement of employees in the program. However, the principal or non-school based department head remains responsible and accountable for this local program.

Option 2 - Coordinate the Occupational Health & Safety Program

The other option is to take responsibility for the overall program, and delegate specific responsibilities to selected employees. With this approach, the principal or non-school based department head is the program coordinator and acts very much on a “hands-on” basis. This approach will require a greater commitment of time and effort than using an advisory group.


Developing an Action Plan

Here are some suggested steps to begin implementation of an Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Program within an educational environment:

• Read the manual and decide which sections apply. Every school and facility must have an emergency response plan, but not every school will need a confined space program. The principal or non-school based department head does not need to read each section in depth. Familiarity with the main topics, legislated and District requirements and the basic steps needed is a starting point. Read the manual and the legislative requirements from each chapter that relates to your work locations to ensure your facility is sufficiently performing its responsibilities for compliance and due diligence. If you need more guidance or direction, contact the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer for guidance and assistance.

• Evaluate where the school or facility is with respect to meeting all employer and

legislative requirements. A program may have already been established for one or more of the areas requiring attention. If so, do not go back to square one and start all over again. Evaluate the program you have or have started and build on it.

• Determine Employee Roles

Form an employee advisory group or safety committee and delegate some of the tasks, or;

coordinate the whole program yourself and delegate specific tasks to individual staff members.

• Deliver or facilitate a safety orientation program for all employees or for selected

employees. The amount of time to do this depends upon the size and complexity of your operation and potential workplace hazards. The program must cover the following topics: Introduction to occupational health and safety. Responsibilities of the employer and all employees. Note: This area is

addressed in Chapter 3, Safety Roles & Responsibilities Right to refuse an unsafe task. Employees have three basic rights under

Alberta Legislation and when an employee perceives that they are or could be in a dangerous situation, they may choose to refuse. The same legislation that allows for this to occur also sets out guidelines as to how refusal are to will handled, if this occurs.

Overview of key topics: summarize legislative areas, explain how accidents happen, stress importance of hazard identification and evaluation, and ensure competency and training and what to do if an accident occurs.

Training requirements.

• After the safety orientation there should be the development of a first draft of an action plan. Work with employees to develop a detailed plan for each major topic that affects your school or facility. The plan should include: Goals: What is to be achieved by when? Responsibilities: Who will be responsible for achieving each goal? Indicators of success: How will you know if/when the goal has been

achieved? Training required for employees: This should include training for the

employee who will be responsible, as well as training for employees who carry out the activity. For example, the employee in charge of chemical


hazards may need training in WHMIS; the employees who work with hazardous chemicals may be able to use self-directed training to enable them to safely carry out the tasks they perform on a daily basis.

Budget: This should cover all possible costs, including training and other materials that may be necessary to meet the goals.

Monitoring and reporting: How will you know if the legislative and District requirements are being met on an on-going basis?

• Get Started

• Occupational health and safety is just one of your many responsibilities. It is important to recognize, however, that the District may not be fully in compliance with existing regulations. If you are subject to a workplace inspection by Alberta Occupational Health & Safety, you may not have all the pieces in place but if you have a plan that you are working on diligently, the inspector will most likely look favorably on your operation.

• The worst thing you could do at this point is to put this Occupational Health & Safety Manual aside, intending to work on it at a more convenient time. That time may not come as conveniently as you would like it to and delaying the establishment and implementation of your own local safety program at your school or facility could potentially leave you a situation of liability. Legislation has made it mandatory for managers and supervisors to develop and uphold due diligence and the courts leave no room for not having a legitimate safety program.

Example: Developing an Action Plan for First Aid Training

Here are steps that you could follow to develop an action plan for a first aid program:

• Read the legislative requirements, Purpose and Scope areas of Chapter 6: First Aid. • Assign responsibility for first aid to an employee. Ideally, this would be someone

who is interested in this area, e.g., program aide, physical education teacher, laboratory technician.

• Agree what the role of this employee will be, together with a plan of action. Timelines and dates for reporting back should be included in the action plan. At this point, you can pass the responsibility to the employee.

• The employee should review the full chapter on first aid, with particular focus on the guidelines and on training requirements.

The employer should then assess current compliance with respect to availability of certified personnel, emergency conveyance, equipment and supplies, signage; record keeping and other requirements. Questions that should be addressed include:

• Who is trained? To what standard? Is training current? Are all trained persons

certified? Are sufficient trained people available? Is a record kept of first aid personnel?

• Are adequate procedures established for administering first aid? • Is an emergency conveyance readily available? If not, have alternative

arrangements been made? • Are the required number of kits, supplies and other equipment available? Do the kits

have required contents and are they replenished or renewed as required? • Are accurate and complete records of first aid incidents maintained? • Is required signage posted?


Deficiencies should be noted and a plan to bring all deficient areas up to full compliance detailed. This plan should indicate estimated costs. Based on the outcome of this project, the first aid area can be brought into compliance. Remember that documentation is a critical aspect of due diligence. A record of the evaluation together with findings and recommendations and action taken should be kept, even if the evaluation indicates that the first aid program is fully in compliance.

Demonstrating Due Diligence (On-going Activities)

Experience has shown that a successful Occupational Health & Safety Program requires continued focus and commitment. Even though you will make remarkable progress fairly quickly, it takes most organizations many years of hard work before they can truly say that they are doing everything that is reasonable in the circumstances to protect the health and safety of employees. A major reason for this is that due diligence usually requires a change in culture in the way people think about how they do their jobs. Employees must learn to think differently about the way they work. The object is not just to get the job done, but to get it done safely. Employees must learn to stop and think before they start a task. What are the hazards? What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk? How can colleagues and other employees who might be in the vicinity be adequately protected? Eventually, you will find that employees proactively pursue safety. Here is a good test: When someone sees a fellow employee working unsafely, e.g., taking a short cut that might endanger their health and safety or the health and safety of others, do they intervene and suggest a safe work procedure or do they look the other way? When your employees begin to help each other in a positive, constructive manner, you will be well on your way to achieving due diligence. You can start, in your safety orientation, by making employees aware that they are responsible, under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, for their own safety, as well as for the health and safety of others.

Achieving Due Diligence

Major activities that ensure that your program is always improving include:

• Monitoring and Compliance • Contractor Safety • Safety Orientation for New Employees • Ensuring Competency • Documentation • Site Inspections, Audits and Evaluations


Employee Responsibility for Health and Safety

The Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code sets out the basic responsibility of all employees for their own health and safety and for the health and safety of their fellow employees. It states: Section 2(2)

Every worker shall, while engaged in an occupation, (a) take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of himself and of other

workers present while he is working, and (b) co-operate with his employer for the purposes of protecting the health and safety of (i) the worker, (ii) other workers engaged in the work of that employer, and

(iii) other workers not engaged in the work of that employer but present at the work site at which work is being carried out.

This topic should be addressed during the employee safety orientation.

Training Training of employees is one of the most important issues in assuring due diligence. Part 1 of the Occupational Health & Safety Code defines “competent” as “in relation to a person, means adequately qualified, suitably trained and with sufficient experience to safely perform work without supervision or with only a minimal degree of supervision”. Direct supervision is defined as “a competent worker is personally and visually supervising the worker who is not competent and is able to communicate readily and clearly with the worker who is not competent”. The Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, Part 1, Sections 14 and 15 explain competency and training in more detail:

Section 14: Duties of Workers

(1) A worker who is not competent to perform work that may endanger the worker or others must not perform the work, except under the direct supervision of a worker who is competent to perform the work.

Section 15: Safety Training

(1) An employer must ensure that a worker is trained in the safe operation of the equipment the worker is required to operate.

(2) An employer must ensure that the training referred to in subsection (1) includes the

following: (a) the selection of the appropriate equipment; (b) the limitations of the equipment; (c) an operator’s pre-use inspection; (d) the use of the equipment; (e) the operator skill required by the manufacturer’s specifications for the

equipment; (f) the basic mechanical and maintenance requirements of the equipment; (g) loading and unloading the equipment if doing so is a job requirement; (h) the hazards specific to the operation of the equipment at the worksite;


(3) If a worker may be exposed to a harmful substance at a worksite, an employer must

(a) establish procedures that minimize the worker’s exposure to the harmful

substance, and (b) ensure that a worker who may be exposed to the harmful substance

(i) is trained in the procedures, (ii) applies the training, and

(iii) is informed of the health hazards associated with exposure to the harmful substance.

(4) A worker must participate in the training provided by an employer.

A worker must apply the training referred to above as their ongoing contribution towards compliance and due diligence, as well as maintaining a safe work environment at all times. Each chapter of this manual provides guidance on an aspect of safety and training requirements that will need to be established for each one according to the location and potential hazards that may exist in each facility or workplace in the District. In addition to WHMIS and procedure-based training (safe work practices and codes of practice), the following training topics should be considered:

• Safety orientations for new employees. • Employee duties and responsibilities under the Occupational Health & Safety Act,

Regulation and Code. • Safety awareness training. For example, when a near-miss incident reporting

system is instituted, it is usually necessary to train employees on how and what to report and why reporting is so important.

• Safety motivation. • Supervisory staff should be familiar with safe work practices, correction and coaching

techniques. • All members of the local safety committees, as well as employees with responsibility

for investigations, should be oriented in investigation techniques. • Training will be required for employees who are involved in conducting inspections,

audits and assessments. • Training will be required for emergency response staff.

Over time, the focus of training will change from health and safety training to the development of the skills and capabilities to act in a truly “duly diligent” fashion. Remember that due diligence is not a set of techniques, but rather a way of approaching day-to-day activities. Employees who are trained should be tested. Certification for any task should be based on performance testing. Those who fail tests must be required to repeat the program. All training records (instructor name, attendance lists, achievement, etc.) should be carefully documented. Copies of all current records of employees trained in first aid, WHMIS and TDG should be forwarded to the Occupational Health & Safety Officer through Central Office.


Monitoring and Compliance

The Superintendent, principal or non-school based department head is responsible in the final analysis for ensuring that the Occupational Health & Safety Program in their facility is successful. Here are some things you can do to assure compliance on an ongoing basis:

• To help keep the focus on health and safety, put it on the agenda for every staff

meeting. If someone brings up a health and safety concern, e.g., the air quality in a CTS shop, treat it seriously. Make employees feel comfortable about discussing health and safety issues. Make it an expectation that health and safety issues get brought to the forefront and get dealt with promptly.

• Review the plans of all employees who take on responsibility for health and safety at your facility. Go over their plans with them and review progress regularly. In this way, you make sure the program has the right focus and direction.

• Make sure that health and safety is considered for unusual activities. If some building work or maintenance work or grounds work is going on at your school or facility, make sure that relevant health and safety issues are dealt with before the work begins.

• The District will advise principals and non-school based department heads of any changes to the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulation and how the changes affect the District.

• Be sure to communicate regularly with your colleagues. Share information. If you learn an important lesson from a chemical spill that occurs in a lab at your school, make sure that others in the District are aware, so that they can take appropriate precautions.

• Review your Occupational Health & Safety Program regularly to make sure that all on-going elements are working as they should, particularly: Emergency preparedness: Are plans updated as required, to reflect changes,

e.g., are students’ home phone numbers current? Are drills conducted regularly, to keep emergency responders in an adequate state of readiness?

Hazard identification and control: Are all hazards being identified, evaluated and dealt with appropriately? Are inspections conducted regularly and are recommendations dealt with promptly?

Accident/incident reporting and investigation: Are all employee accidents reported to appropriate authorities, as required? Has a near-miss incident reporting system been set up and is it working effectively? Are near-miss incident statistics being evaluated and analyzed and are appropriate actions being taken?

Environmental protection: Are all releases being reported? Is hazardous waste being properly identified, stored and disposed of?

Safe work practices: Are safe operating procedures being developed for hazardous jobs? Are employees trained as required in these procedures?

Training: Are employees trained as required? Are training records kept? Is refresher training conducted as required? Are all new employees given safety orientation training?

• Make sure you are informed of all health and safety incidents and issues. • Make sure that all reports required by Alberta Human Resources and Employment

and other government agencies, e.g., serious accidents, lost-time accidents, noise surveys, releases of substances that are harmful to the environment, are filed as required.


Health and Safety Evaluations

Well conducted audits are a very important part of monitoring performance to see if the Occupational Health & Safety Program is operating effectively. There is an important difference between an evaluation or program audit and an inspection.

• The objective of an inspection is to determine whether the organization is physically

in compliance with legislation and with internal standards. • The objective of an evaluation or program audit, on the other hand, is to determine

whether there are systems in place that will assure compliance.

As a manager or supervisor, when an audit is complete on your local safety program, it is strongly recommended that you go over the findings with relevant employees and initiate any changes required. Assistance and guidance is available for this review from the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer. Once established, an external audit of the employer’s overall Occupational Health & Safety Program will be conducted every three years. This is standard practice within the occupational health and safety field. Due diligence is an attitude of how you operate your school or other facility. To succeed at due diligence, you must achieve a fundamental change in culture.

OHS Due Diligence Checklist Chapter 2, Annex A 1

Yes No

Do you know and understand your safety and health responsibilities?

Do you have definite procedures in place to identify and control hazards?

Have you integrated safety into all aspects of your work?

Do you set objectives for safety and health just as you do for quality of education being delivered, student well-being and learning excellence?

Have you committed appropriate resources to safety and health?

Have you explained safety and health responsibilities to all employees and made sure that they understand them?

Have employees been trained to work safely and use proper protective equipment?

Is there a hazard reporting procedure in place that encourages employees to report all unsafe conditions and unsafe practices to their supervisors?

Are managers, supervisors and workers held accountable for safety and health, just as they are held accountable for delivering quality education?

Is safety a factor when acquiring new equipment or changing a process?

Do you keep records of your program activities and improvements?

Do you keep records of the training each employee has received?

Do your records show that you take disciplinary action when an employee violates safety procedures?

Do you review your Occupational Health & Safety Program at least once a year and make improvements as needed?

Roles & Responsibilities Chapter 3 1/6

CHAPTER 3


Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act states the key responsibilities under the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code.

1.0 Introduction

The Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code combine to set out the legal requirements that employers and workers must meet to protect their own health and safety, and the health and safety of others who could be affected by what they do. These requirements are legal duties, and in common terms, meeting these legal duties are the “minimum” required for an employer or worker to show “due diligence”. If an employer or worker fails to meet the legal requirements that apply to them, they are in violation of that law and may be subject to penalties.

2.0 Legal Duties under Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code

Legal duties under the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code are imposed on: • Employers • Workers • Contractors • Prime Contractors • Suppliers

The most important persons are employers and workers. Under Section 1(k) of the OHS Act, an employer is defined as:

• A person who is self-employed in an occupation; • A person who employs one or more workers; • A person designated by the employer as the employer representative, or • A Director or Officer of a corporation who oversees the occupational health

and safety of the workers employed by the corporation. In general terms, an employer may be a company, a manager or a supervisor. Under Section 1(bb) of the OHS Act, a worker is defined as “a person engaged in an occupation”. Under the Act, the definition of “occupation” essentially covers most Alberta workplaces, except for those specifically exempted as: Under Section 1(s) of the OHS Act, “occupation” means every occupation, employment, business, calling or pursuit over which the Legislature has jurisdiction, except

(i) farming or ranching operations specified in the regulations, and (ii) work in, to or around a private dwelling or any land used in connection with

the dwelling that is performed by an occupant or owner who lives in the private dwelling or a household servant of the occupant or owner.


Objective

The employer is committed to establishing and maintaining a safe and caring, incident and injury free work environment. Our commitment is based on the philosophy that health and safety excellence is a core value expected of the organization, its Board of Trustees, superintendents, department managers, principals, supervisors, employees and volunteers. By supporting and implementing these values with diligence, the employer will strive to create an environment in which injuries and property loss can be prevented. This objective will be achieved by:

• promoting a work environment based on employee involvement, teamwork, education, training and commitment.

• reinforcing the need for team members to actively care about the well-being of their fellow employees and students.

• promoting the philosophy that safety is a value associated with every priority. • recognizing group and individual achievements. • treating everyone with dignity and respect. • ensuring all regulatory requirements are met in all work execution and operations,

specifically the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code as well as fire and electrical codes.

The employer is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of employees, students and workers by actively encouraging the participation of all employees in the Health & Safety Program. Also, the employer will ensure that employees and workers are aware of their responsibilities and duties under the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code. Employees are responsible for protecting the occupational health and safety of themselves, their fellow employees, workers and students by following all policies, They are also responsible for safe work practices and procedures, working safely, and improving occupational health and safety measures where possible, as well as reporting unsafe conditions and unsafe acts (hazards).

Assignment of Responsibilities

Responsibility can be defined as an individual’s obligation to carry out assigned duties. For our Occupational Health & Safety Program to achieve its desired results, everyone in the organization must know their responsibilities. While the Health & Safety Statement contains a general reference to responsibilities, management has set out specific responsibilities for themselves and for everyone in the organization.

Superintendent

The Superintendent is responsible for: • establishing the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Policies. • providing a “Health & Safety Statement” relating to the employer’s safety program.

The statement demonstrates a commitment and philosophy that sets levels of expectation for safety performance throughout the workplace.

• conducting an annual site tour of worksites. • providing immediate direction in an emergency that has the potential for a fatality,

personal injury, health exposure or property damage.


• understanding and implementing the Occupational Health & Safety Program as well as assuring compliance with the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

• providing all supervisory staff with an understanding of this Occupational Health & Safety Program, as well as relevant parts and sections in the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

• providing all employees access to the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.

• ensuring that occupational health and safety issues receive adequate attention during staff meetings.

• providing on-going occupational health and safety education programs and approved first aid training courses as required.

• monitoring employees and holding them accountable for their individual occupational health and safety performance.

• taking all reasonable precautions to protect the safety of the employees and workers in, on or at all of the employer’s worksites.

Administrators, Principals and Supervisors

The administrators, principals and supervisors are each responsible for: • ensuring implementation and compliance of the established safe work practices and

procedures within their respective areas of jurisdiction. • ensuring the maintenance of the highest standards of performance with respect to

the safety program at their respective worksites. • being accountable for the safe performance of personnel and equipment on their

projects. • being knowledgeable of and responsible for complying with applicable parts and

sections of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code that apply to their operations.

• holding safety meetings a minimum of every two months or including health and safety issues in monthly staff meetings with employees (and subcontractors where appropriate) to review safety conditions (identify unsafe acts and unsafe conditions) as well as general safety policies and practices, and emergency response plans.

• ensuring that minutes of safety meetings are recorded and retained for the site records and a copy is forwarded to the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Officer.

• accompanying and cooperating with government occupational health and safety inspectors during inspections of their work areas.

• ensuring that written hazard assessments are conducted to reflect activities and conditions present in areas of facilities within their jurisdiction.

• ensuring that prior to commencement of work or operations within or on the employer’s property, an orientation of occupational health and safety responsibilities of the individuals involved, be conducted relating to the work to be performed. The orientation will apply to all workers including volunteers, contracted service providers, contractors, individuals or organizations. The OHS orientation will be tailored to each specific situation and the needs identified, but should include a review or confirmation of: employer duties under OHS Legislation. worker duties under OHS Legislation. legislative requirements for written hazard assessment and controls. where applicable, a review of safe work practices and codes of practice. reporting of incidents, accidents and injuries. Emergency Response Plans (ERP).


• ensuring that all new employees and workers be assigned to work with other employees who are familiar with the educational industry and are aware of any specific safety rules and regulations that are in force.

• ensuring where applicable (based upon hazards identified) full-time and temporary workers have Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training prior to starting to work on the site where the hazardous materials exists (chemicals).

• ensuring safe working conditions exist for all workers under their area of administration and supervision through the elimination of hazards and the use of engineering and administrative controls as well as personal protective equipment; providing to workers under their direct supervision, where applicable, safe work procedures, safe work practices and codes of practice as well as appropriate training.

• correcting or requesting assistance to correct physical conditions which are liable to cause or have caused accidents.

• undertaking or requesting assistance to undertake the investigations of accidents, incidents or near misses to determine the underlying cause. Investigations are to be reported in detail and in a timely manner to the Occupational Health & Safety Officer, and where applicable the Superintendent, and the required report forms completed on a timely basis. Accident/incident investigation, as well as necessary forms that need to be completed, is covered in Chapter 5 of this manual.

• providing a good example for employees and students by always directing and performing work in a safe manner.

• conducting or assigning a designate to conduct regular inspections of facilities for unsafe practices and conditions and ensure prompt corrective action to eliminate the cause of incidents.

• ensuring each employee is provided with information about the hazards on the job and how to control them.

• ensuring that when required, disciplinary action is taken to enforce all established safety regulations, safe work practices and safe work procedures.

• ensuring that workers, employees and staff are properly trained for the work that they are responsible to perform, including the completion of all necessary safety courses.

Employee, Volunteer and Worker Responsibilities

The employee, volunteer and worker is responsible for: • complying with the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Program. • being knowledgeable of and responsible for complying with applicable parts and

sections of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code that apply to them. (A copy of the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code will be available on-line at the provincial government web-site.)

• wearing and maintaining the proper safety equipment, personal protective devices and clothing required by regulations and the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Program.

• notifying their supervisor of any identified hazards, unsafe conditions or unsafe acts that may be of danger to other employees, students or themselves.

• refusing any work activity that compromises a person’s occupational health or safety and immediately reporting such situations to their supervisor.

• reporting all property damage, losses and employee injuries to their supervisor as soon as possible.

• taking reasonable precautions to protect the safety of other employees, workers, volunteers, students and themselves in relation to the employer’s worksites.


Contractors, Individuals or Organizations Operating within or on the Employer’s Property

Contractors, individuals or organizations operating within or on the employer’s property or worksites are responsible for:

• ensuring, where applicable, that their employees comply with the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Manual requirements that relate to contractors. This is covered in Chapter 14 of this manual. They are also responsible to comply with all requirements that relate to working and the interaction of the work-site and the school environment.

• cooperating fully with the employer’s representatives with respect to health and safety requirements, audits, incident investigations, hazard assessments and reporting.

• operating according to the requirements of OHS Legislation including OHS Codes. • demonstrating a strong commitment towards occupational health and safety in all of

their work execution and operations. Occupational Health & Safety Committee

The employer has established a joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee for the purpose of developing a sustainable safety culture through a quality Occupational Health & Safety Program ensuring the employer has safe, healthy and caring work and educational environment, while achieving the requirements of the OHS Act, Regulation & Code as well as this Occupational Health & Safety Manual and the established Safe Work Practices (SWPs). The Committee’s focus shall include but not be limited to emergency preparedness, staff awareness and training, hazard identification, reporting and remediation, as well as program development. The Committee recognizes that this is a ‘living’ mandate. It is never completed. The employer understands that the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act is built on the principle that employees and employers must work together to ensure a safe and healthy work place. The employer will support the committee with resources to ensure it is able to meet its obligations.

Composition and Responsibilities of the Occupational Health & Safety Committee are:

To make recommendations to the Superintendent and the Occupational Health & Safety Officer in the development of the occupational health and safety system, consistent with Alberta OHS Legislation, and the employer’s policies and procedures. All recommendations are subject to ratification by the Superintendent. The Committee shall consist of 7 members as follows:

• Associate Superintendent, Human Resources • Secretary-Treasurer • Facilities Manager • A Principal Representative • An ATA Representative • A CUPE Representative • A Representative for Non-Unionized Employees; and

An Ex-Officio – Occupational Health & Safety Officer


Each of the committee members is expected to appoint a designate to represent them at meetings when they are unavailable to attend at any time. Other individuals may be added by the committee as deemed appropriate from time to time and for specific lengths of time.

Superintendent Responsibilities Chapter 3, Annex A 1/2

The Superintendent is responsible for:

• OHS Policies - establishing the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety policies. The basics of these OHS policies are ready to be implemented and the balance

of the OHS program is being developed for implementation as each document is completed.

• OHS Statement - providing a “Health & Safety Statement” relating to the employer’s

safety program. This information is provided and included in the Occupational Health & Safety

Manual. It will be updated and issued to every District location, annually at the start of each school year.

The statement must demonstrate a commitment and philosophy that sets levels of expectation for safety performance throughout the workplace.

• Annual Site Tour - conducting an annual site tour of worksites.

A yearly action to occur, as a method of expressing the upper management’s commitment to the Occupational Health & Safety Program.

• High Level Emergency - providing immediate direction in an emergency that has the

potential for a fatality, personal injury, health exposure or property damage. Action to be taken by the Superintendent, in the event of a high level emergency.

• Knowledge of the Legislation - understanding and implementing the Occupational Health & Safety Program as well as assuring compliance with the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code. It is very important to have knowledge of the legislation that requires the

Superintendent to ensure all areas under his management are compliant. Staff is hired to do their jobs, but the ultimate responsibility and potential liability always goes back to the key individual in charge of an organization. It is pertinent that this individual knows and ensures the Occupational Health & Safety Program is adequately administered by all principals, departmental managers and supervisors and that the program is adhered to by all employees.

• Supervisory Training and Orientation - providing all supervisory staff with an

understanding of the Occupational Health & Safety Program as well as relevant parts and sections in the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code. The Occupational Health & Safety Manual provides information and guidance to

Alberta Legislation. This document is to be utilized to assist supervisors in understanding their responsibilities and how to apply the manual to reach legislated compliance.

• Access to Legislation - providing all employees access to the Alberta Occupational

Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code. A link to the Provincial Occupational Health & Safety website, with access to

these documents will be posted on the employer’s website, so everyone can access it at all times.

Superintendent Responsibilities Chapter 3, Annex A 2/2

• Attending to Concerns - ensuring that occupational health and safety issues receive

adequate attention during staff meetings. Principals and all other department managers are to set aside a timeframe at

each staff meeting where they can include all staff members, to discuss occupational health and safety concerns. This does not have to be extensive, unless necessary. Focus on making this reasonable and practicable.

• On-Going Education/Training - providing ongoing occupational health and safety

education programs and approved first aid training courses as required. Safety training is required to meet legislation. Courses required to meet

compliance will need to be supported, starting at the upper level and continuing throughout the organization.

• Monitoring Employees - monitoring employees and holding them accountable for their

individual occupational health and safety performance. Annual audits, with corresponding reports issued after they have been

completed, will be organized and completed as necessary. Follow-up action to remediate any areas that require changes to meet compliance will need to be implemented and supported by upper management.

• Safe Workplaces - taking all reasonable precautions to protect the safety of the

employees and workers in, on or at all of the employer’s worksites. The Superintendent is to ensure all reasonable actions are taken to provide safe

workplaces for all employees and all users of District facilities.

Administrators & Managers Responsibilities Chapter 3, Annex B 1/2

The Administrators, Principals and Supervisors are each responsible for:

• Implementation and Compliance It is the manager’s responsibility to ensure the workplace works towards

compliance with legislation. This is accomplished by implementing the safety program on a local basis and working towards creating a safe work environment for all.

• Maintenance of the highest standards of performance

Managing Safety related performance of all staff within your area of responsibility is important. Getting their buy-in and cooperation is what establishes and builds a local safety program. You do it already for other aspects of managing employees. The same applies to safety.

• Accountable for the safe performance of personnel and equipment

You can and likely will be held accountable for the safety of personnel and equipment within your area of responsibility. Ensure it is managed accordingly.

• Applying the Alberta Act, Regulation and Code

Gaining knowledge on what the Alberta Act, Regulation and Code cover and how it applies to an educational environment is important. Applying this knowledge is just as important.

• Conducting Safety Meetings

Including health and safety issues in your existing meetings, while including your non-teaching staff, will address this. Include safety topics and offer the opportunity for employees to bring safety concerns to the forefront, if necessary.

• Ensuring safety meetings minutes are recorded and retained

Safety meetings must be documented, in the event you are asked to prove they occurred, by a Provincial OHS Officer.

• Accompanying and cooperating with Government Occupational Health & Safety

Officers It is mandatory under Provincial law to cooperate with OHS Officers.

• Ensuring written hazard assessments are conducted

All hazards in a workplace must be assessed and documented.

• Occupational Health & Safety Orientations are to be conducted. All new employees and employees transferring to your location, as well as those

who have been away for an extended timeframe must receive an orientation to the workplace. It should include:

♦ employer duties under OHS Legislation. ♦ worker duties under OHS Legislation. ♦ legislative requirements for written hazard assessment and controls. ♦ where applicable, a review of Safe Work Practices and Codes of Practice. ♦ reporting of incident, accident and injury procedures. ♦ Emergency Response Plans. ♦ all new employees and workers are aware of any specific safety rules and

regulations.

Administrators & Managers Responsibilities Chapter 3, Annex B 2/2

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Training As the manager, you must ensure that where applicable, all employees working

with Controlled Products, under the Canadian Controlled Products Act, must be sufficiently trained to do so safely.

• Safe working conditions

You must ensure that all workers under their area of administration and supervision have safe working conditions. through the elimination of hazards and the use of safety controls. providing the workers with safe work procedures, safe work practices and

codes of practice. and appropriate training to conduct their job tasks in a safe manner.

• Correcting physical conditions

When a physical hazard becomes known, it shall be reported immediately so it can be remediated. This needs to be done to prevent injuries.

• Investigations of Accidents, Incidents or Near Misses

To determine the underlying cause. Investigations are to be reported in detail and within 24 hours to the Occupational

Health & Safety Office. Accident/incident investigations, as well as necessary forms, need to be

completed accurately and forwarded quickly.

• Being a Good Example Always direct and perform work in a safe manner.

• Regular Safety Inspections of Facilities

Identifying unsafe practices and conditions and ensure prompt corrective action to eliminate the cause of incidents.

• Inform Employees of known Hazards Ensure each employee is provided with information about the hazards on their

job and how to control them.

• Administering Disciplinary Action Enforce all safety regulations, safe work practices and safe work procedures.

• Workers, Employees and Staff Training

It is the manager’s responsibility to ensure employees are properly trained to conduct their duties in a safe manner, including the completion of all necessary safety courses.

Employees, Volunteers & Contractors Responsibilities Chapter 3, Annex C 1

The Employee, Volunteer or Worker is responsible for:

• Occupational Health & Safety Program Compliance All employees are required to conduct their daily tasks in compliance with the

employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, as set out in the OHS Manual.

• Knowledge of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code

To obtain basic knowledge on the Alberta OHS Legislation, consult the link below or on the OHS Webpage or contact the OHS Officer with any questions you might have.

Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Legislation Link: ♦ http://work.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety/307.html

• Wearing and maintaining proper safety equipment

If the task you are conducting requires that you wear safety equipment, personal protective devices and clothing, it is prudent that you use such equipment to protect yourself and others around you, while performing that task.

• Reporting hazards, unsafe conditions or unsafe acts

If you are made aware or you notice any hazard or unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, you must report these conditions to your supervisor so they can be addressed prior to accidents or incidents occurring.

• Refusing any work activity that compromises safety

All employees in Canada have 3 basic Rights: ♦ A right to know ♦ A right to participate ♦ A right to refuse unsafe work

• Reporting all property damage, losses and employee Injuries

Report what you see, if you recognize a hazard or unsafe act or unsafe condition. If you are not sure, report that too.

• Taking reasonable precautions to protect the safety of others

Stop unsafe work Report unsafe conditions Encourage others to work safely Help build a safe and healthy workplace for all

http://work.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety/307.html

OHS Committee Responsibilities Chapter 3, Annex D 1

The Members of the Occupational Health & Safety Committee are responsible for:

• Participating as a Member of the Group You Represent Attend all meetings. Be an active participant in safety at the meetings and in your workplace. Participate in finding solutions for concerns brought forward.

• Communicating with employees in the group of employees you represent

Talking with management, supervisors and co-workers about the OHS program brings it more visibility and awareness. This alone can garner support and build a positive view of safety in the workplace.

Being the advocate that people can come to for assistance and to obtain answers to their concerns, in regards to OHS.

• Bringing unresolved concerns from your group to the committee to be addressed

As a safety committee representative, you will be expected to listen to people’s concerns and if they are not addressed at a local level, then they are brought to the committee for review and action, if necessary.

Be open to others input and be prepared to support them with their concerns.

• Program Development Assist in developing the program by being an advocate. Show you support the

program and work to help build a new safety culture. Review new documents as they are brought to the committee and provide input

to assist with program development.

Employee Safety Orientation Chapter 4 1/4

CHAPTER 4

Legislative Requirements Criminal Code of Canada Section 217.1

“Everyone who undertakes, or has the authority, to direct how another person does work or performs a task is under a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm to that person, or any other person, arising from that work or task”.

Supervisors must ensure that all new, inexperienced and transferred workers receive a site specific safety orientation at the earliest possible opportunity, upon arriving at the new workplace. Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Regulation General Protection of Workers

13 (1) If work is to be done that may endanger a worker, the employer must ensure that the work is done (a) by a worker who is competent to do the work, or (b) by a worker who is working under the direct supervision of a worker who is

competent to do the work. (2) An employer who develops or implements a procedure or other measure respecting the

work at a work site must ensure that all workers who are affected by the procedure or measure are familiar with it before the work is begun.

(3) An employer must ensure that workers who may be required to use safety equipment or protective equipment are competent in the application, care, use, maintenance and limitations of that equipment.

(4) If a regulation or an adopted code imposes a duty on a worker, the worker’s employer must ensure that the worker performs that duty.

Duties of Workers

14 (1) A worker who is not competent to perform work that may endanger the worker or others must not perform the work except under the direct supervision of a worker who is competent to perform the work.

(2) A worker must immediately report to the employer equipment that (a) is in a condition that will compromise the health or safety of workers using or

transporting it, (b) will not perform the function for which it is intended or was designed, (c) is not strong enough for its purpose, or (d) has an obvious defect.

(3) If a regulation or an adopted code imposes a duty on a worker, (a) the duty must be treated as applying to circumstances and things that are within

the worker’s area of occupational responsibility, and (b) the worker must perform that duty.

Purpose

This employee orientation policy is created under the Medicine Hat School District No. 76’s Occupational Health & Safety Program and reflects the commitment to provide for protection of the health and safety of employees and legislative compliance. It shall be utilized to ensure that


all new or transferred employees are familiar with potential hazards that may arise within an employee’s duties, prior to any hazardous work being initiated.

Scope

This policy applies to all newly hired employees and to any current employees (including acting positions) who are assigned new or unfamiliar work and/or equipment. Certain provisions of the policy may also apply to students, volunteers and some contract employees. Occupational health and safety orientation is to be conducted for employees as soon as possible after accepting employment with the District, and before the assignment of work that could potentially place their health or safety at risk. Job-specific health and safety training is to be provided prior to employees commencing specific jobs that they have not previously performed, that may place them in areas that might directly or indirectly affect their health or safety. Employee attendance at health and safety orientation and job-specific health and safety training is to be documented and a copy of the documentation shall be forwarded to the District Occupational Health & Safety Department for record keeping purposes. Access to all documentation related to health and safety in a workplace by a Provincial OHS Officer is required under Section 8(1)(b) of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act and it must be made readily available when requested. Job-specific health and safety training programs include written and/or practical evaluations which employees must successfully complete. A contact list should be included in all training program materials to be distributed to participants. Annex B of this chapter is a sample contact list.

New and Transferred Employee Safety Orientations

All new employees and current employees who have transferred from one work location to another within the employer’s facilities must receive appropriate safety training and orientation in the hazards of their new worksites and the procedures that must be followed to safely perform their work. The employer requires that administrative heads of schools and heads of all other departments must ensure that all persons working within their area of responsibility are trained in and follow all applicable occupational health and safety procedures that relate to their activities.

Management Responsibilities

It is the manager’s responsibility to ensure that all newly hired personnel under their supervision, and any employee assigned to their supervision through promotion or transfer, has completed a health and safety orientation and any required job-specific health and safety training, prior to commencing work that may place their health or safety at risk. Employees reassigned to a previous supervisor or work area may not need to attend orientation training, unless the workplace conditions have been altered and new potential hazards have been introduced to the workplace since that employee departed.

For transferring employees, the manager shall provide orientation regarding policies/procedures/practices that differ from those of the original work area. When the employee has been absent from their position for an extended period of time, the employee’s skills should be reassessed.


Retraining or update training should be mandatory when: • the employee has been away from the workplace for an extended time frame (Maternity

Leave, long term illness, etc.). • the employee is not able to demonstrate the safe operation of the equipment, tool, etc. • new equipment, tools, etc. have been introduced since the absence of the employee.

Suggestions for completing the orientation checklist:

• Provide workers with written contact information for their supervisors. If possible, introduce them immediately to their supervisor.

• Confirm with the worker that they understand each of the orientation topics. • Explain what the Occupational Health & Safety Program is and go over it briefly with the

worker. Tell them where they can find a written and electronic version of the safety program.

• Go over the worker’s responsibilities for workplace safety and ensure the worker knows how to obtain a copy of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations and related Collective Agreement language. This may include how to access this information on the Alberta OHS websites.

• Tell the worker that all workplace hazards should be reported immediately and identify whom they should reporting hazards too.

• Inform workers about any known hazards that apply to them and tell them how to deal safely with these hazards.

Employee Roles & Responsibilities

Alberta Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Legislation is the law that helps protect your health and safety at work. It focuses on keeping the workplace safe and healthy for you, others you work with and your employer. As a worker, the OHS law requires you to work safely and cooperate with your employer by following the occupational health and safety rules for the job. The law also has specific health and safety requirements you must follow. For example, you are required to use a safety harness or similar equipment when doing certain kinds of work, and you must use personal protective equipment, such as safety boots, safety glasses, ear plugs and hard hat, when necessary. All new and inexperienced workers at Medicine Hat School District No. 76 shall:

• understand their rights and responsibilities. • know when and how to refuse unsafe work. • know how and to whom, to report hazards or a workplace injury. • know health and safety rules, and where to find District policies, procedures and

practices. • know how to recognize hazards. • know how to control hazards with:

Engineering controls Administrative controls Personal Protective Equipment

• know where to find the first aid equipment. • know their role in an emergency and where to find the emergency procedures. • know how and when to respond to a fire and use appropriate firefighting equipment, if

circumstances allow. • understand the key elements of a health and safety program/ management system. • know common chemicals, how to use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and how to

read a label on a chemical container and know how to respond if there is a chemical spill.


Joint Health & Safety Committees

When consulted, provide input for the development and updating of both health and safety orientation and job-specific health and safety training programs. Maintain current joint health and safety committee membership lists and post them prominently in their workplaces. Both management and union members of joint health and safety committees should be encouraged and permitted to take part in the health and safety orientation.

Review and make recommendations on the health and safety orientation and job-specific health and safety training programs within their area of responsibility.

Components of Orientation Training

Health and safety orientation training shall include: • health & safety policy • employee responsibilities and rules • standards and procedures for:

reporting injury/illness reporting hazards emergency response early and safe return to work health & safety committee/worker health and safety representative activities refusal to work workplace violence and harassment

Location Specific Orientation Training shall include:

Workplace tours including: • introduction to health & safety committee or the worker health & safety representative for

the work area • emergency equipment, exits, first aid stations, etc. • health & safety notice board and postings

training in the following areas:

• review of assigned job activities • review of operating instructions for equipment/process • review of hazards and controls • review of any safe operating procedures / safe work instructions • time frames for training completion

A qualified person should deliver orientation training. The Division’s Employee Health and Safety Orientation Checklist are available in Annex A of this Chapter. That checklist is to be utilized in all situations of employee occupational health & safety orientations. When completed, this document is to be forwarded to the Division’s Central Office and kept on the individual’s personnel file.

Employee Orientation Checklist Chapter 4, Annex A 1

The following checklist must be completed by all workers, within one week of starting their new job and covers the obligations of the Occupational Health & Safety Act Section 2(1)(b). Each workplace is unique and this checklist does not cover all your workplace specific situations such as hazards, safety rules and emergency procedures. Additional orientation and training may be required. Your direct supervisor will work with you to inform you of any work type or workplace specific hazards. School or Worksite: Employee Name: Position: Date: Orientation Element Completed Initials Health & safety policy (OHS Legislation & District safety forms, etc.) Roles & responsibilities, safe work practices (i.e. working alone, fall protection, general housekeeping, etc.)

General rules, site orientation, worksite safety committee Job Specific Hazards. (Identification, assessment & controls, reporting of unsafe conditions or acts)

Health & safety training (WHMIS, First Aid, etc. – as necessary) Inspections & audits Right to a Refusal of Unsafe Work Right to know about hazards in the workplace Right to participate in OHS activities Incident / accident reporting & investigations Emergency Response Procedures (Fire, Lockdown, First Aid, etc.) Additional Orientation Information Completed Initial Emergency Contact Information Location of first aid kits & all other emergency supplies Location of fire extinguishers and alarms Location of Personal Protective Equipment (as required) Date of Orientation Follow-up: __________ (30 Days after orientation)

Questions / Comments: Notes: Employee Signature:

Date:

Supervisor Name: (Print) Supervisor Signature:

Date:

Emergency Contact Numbers Chapter 4, Annex B 1

EMERGENCY Contacts Call Police / Fire / Ambulance Emergency 911 Poison & Drug Information Service – AB & NWT 1-800-332-1414 CITY OF MEDICINE HAT Contacts Call Gas Utility Emergency 403-529-8191 Electrical Utility Emergency 403-529-8262 GENERAL INQUIRIES – Non-Emergency Call 911 Administration 403-529-8450 Police – General Inquiries 403-529-8400 Fire - General Inquiries 403-529-8282 Ambulance (EMS) - General Inquiries 403-529-8944 Gas Utility – General Inquiries 403-529-8248 City Hall – General Inquiries 403-529-8115 FACILITIES Contacts Call Administrator of Facilities – Andy Christie 403-952-0376 Maintenance & Grounds Supervisor – Brent Sauer 403-952-1276 Manager of Custodial Services – Stuart Olson 403-952-0476

Incident/Accident Investigation & Reporting Chapter 5 1/13

CHAPTER 5

Legislative Requirements Workers’ Compensation Board POLICY: 01-05 PART I Reference:

Workers' Compensation Act, RSA 2000, Section 1(1)(p), 32, 33, 34, 37, 140, 140(1), 145, 151 & 152 and General Regulations, Sections 8, 9 & 10

Policy: Recording and reporting accidents is a joint responsibility of workers, employers and physicians. Workers must report all accidents to their employers and employers must keep a record of the accident. Workers, employers and physicians must report any accident to the WCB if it disables or is likely to disable the worker beyond the day of accident. Employers must also notify WCB if the worker is entitled to medical aid due to the accident. The Act differentiates between first aid which need not be reported to WCB and all other medical aid which must be reported.

As per the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act:

Section 18: Serious injuries and accidents

(1) If an injury or accident described in Subsection (2) occurs at a work site, the prime contractor or, if there is no prime contractor, the contractor or employer responsible for that work site shall notify a Director of Inspection of the time, place and nature of the injury or accident as soon as possible.

(2) The injuries and accidents to be reported under Subsection (1) are: a) an injury or accident that results in death, b) an injury or accident that results in a worker being admitted to a hospital for more than

2 days, c) an unplanned or uncontrolled explosion, fire or flood that causes a serious injury or

that has the potential of causing a serious injury, d) the collapse or upset of a crane, derrick or hoist, or e) the collapse or failure of any component of a building or structure necessary for the

structural integrity of the building or structure. (3) If an injury or accident referred to in Subsection (2) occurs at a work site or any other

serious injury or any other accident that has the potential of causing serious injury to a person occurs at a work site, the prime contractor or, if there is no prime contractor, the contractor or employer responsible for that work site shall: a) carry out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the serious injury or

accident, b) prepare a report outlining the circumstance of the serious injury or accident and the

corrective action, if any, undertaken to prevent a recurrence of the serious injury or accident, and

c) ensure that a copy of the report is readily available for the inspection by an officer. (4) The prime contractor, contractor or employer who prepared the report referred to in

Subsection (3) shall retain the report for 2 years after the serious injury or accident. (5) Except as otherwise directed by a Director of Inspection, an Occupational Health & Safety

Officer or a Peace Officer, a person shall not disturb the scene of an accident reported under Subsection (1) except insofar as is necessary in: a) attending to persons injured or killed, b) preventing further injuries, and c) protecting property that is endangered as a result of the accident.


Introduction

Accidents are unwanted events usually accompanied by undesirable consequences and often with the potential for personal injury and damage to property. The full consequences of accidents are difficult to measure but are always greater than the immediate direct impacts of personal injury, cost, lost productivity or physical damage. The situations following accidents must be consciously managed to reduce the overall negative impact of the accident. More importantly the accidents themselves must be carefully investigated and analyzed to gain information that will enable the prevention of other undesirable events with one or more similar factors.

Scope

All accidents and incidents involving any employees, students (including all school activity related sports injuries), volunteers, contractors and visitors must be reported as per this procedure, according to the severity levels of the incidents or accidents.

Accident / Incident Reporting Forms

Medicine Hat School District No. 76 is a member of the Urban School Boards Insurance Consortium (USIC). The group includes all urban Boards in the province; therefore, is able to negotiate lower insurance prices due to the volume of insurance coverage purchased. As such, a common process was required between all Boards, so this reporting structure is based on a combined system they use in their computer programs. It allows for continuity. Annexes to this Chapter, relative to Severity Codes include: Annex A Student Accident / Injury / Illness Report Annex B Employee Accident / Injury / Illness Report Annex C Incident Report (with or without injuries) Annex D Property Damage Report (non-vehicle) Annex E Vehicle Accident Report (with or without injuries) Annex F Contractor Accident Report Annex G Hazard Report (non-injury, near miss) The following pages will provide some explanation and clarity to guide you in choosing the appropriate form. If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact the Executive Secretary in Business Administration at Central Office at Extension 6726.

Accident, Injury or Illness Reporting Severity Codes

Required Reporting Criteria: Any event listed under Severity Codes 3, 4, & 5 MUST BE REPORTED to Central Office, as soon as possible, following an incident or accident. Reports listed under Severity Codes 1 & 2 are at the discretion of the Principal or Department Manager.

Severity Code 1 • Minor scrape or bump (requiring band aid or other minimal attention)


Severity Code 2 • Bad Scrape • Sprain • Minor Cut / laceration / incision / puncture / irritation • Minor swelling or bruising • Dizziness, Nausea • Muscle pull or strain

Severity Code 3 • Seizure (temporary/short-term – ambulance not called) • Human Bite – where the employee’s skin has been broken/blood has been exposed or • Blood, Body & Fluid Exposure (BBFE) • Dislocated/separated joint • Fainting, loss of consciousness/temporary disorientation due to injury • Broken or fractured bone(s) • Severe sprain (potential medium to long term recovery) • Tooth/teeth injury (broken or loosened) • Back/spinal injury (considered moderate, short-term, temporary) • Burn (ambulance not called) • Serious/major bleeding/significant bruising/swelling and/or pain • Laceration (categorized as moderate to somewhat serious requiring stitches or medical

attention) • Breathing difficulty (e.g. asthma - ambulance not called) • Allergic reaction (ambulance not called)

Severity Code 4 • Severe wound (that will have obvious scarring or require surgery or long term affects) • Broken bones with long-term affects (surgery required, pins or plates inserted) • Concussion • Back/spinal injury with long term effects • Internal injuries (actual or potential) • Physical assault • Allergic reaction/seizure (ambulance called) • Serious breathing difficulties (ambulance called) • Threat of legal action by parent/guardian – regardless of the injury severity • Media involvement or likely media involvement Injuries requiring: Ambulance transport Surgery Medium or long-term treatment Hospitalization

Severity Code 5 • Permanent Disability • Death


Hazard Classification Levels High Hazard

Definition: A condition or practice likely to cause permanent disability, loss of life or body part and/or extensive loss of structure, equipment and material. Immediate action required to address these situations.

Example 1: A guard missing on a table saw (power should be disconnected, blade removed and saw not used until guard is replaced).

Example 2: Maintenance employees servicing a large sump pump in an unventilated deep pit, with a gasoline motor running (stop work until appropriate confined space procedures are in place).

Medium Hazard

Definition: A condition or practice likely to cause injury or illness resulting in temporary disability and/or property damage that is disruptive but not extensive.

Example 1: A water spill in a hallway (place warning signs and have cleaned up as soon as possible).

Example 2: A broken tread at the bottom of stairs (place warning signs and leave in place until repair work completed).

Low Hazard

Definition: A condition or practice likely to cause minor, non-disabling injury or illness and/or non-disruptive property damage. Example 1: A carpenter handling rough lumber without gloves. Example 2: A custodian using mild cleaning products without adequate ventilation.

Hazard Response

Principals and non-school based department heads should make every effort to address hazards at the earliest possible time and locally. If hazard requires Maintenance Department service, please enter a Service Request into the FAME System as soon as possible.

Some hazards require Maintenance Department action but local action should be taken on a temporary basis to reduce or eliminate the hazard until permanent repairs can be made. Note that the Maintenance Department receives thousands of requests annually for repairs and must set priorities based on urgency, budget and available resources. It is essential that FAME Service Requests provide sufficient information to identify the nature and urgency of the hazard. Please provide as much detail as possible when entering the FAME Service Request, to fully describe the hazard.

It is also essential that local action be taken while waiting for Maintenance Department repairs. Where local actions are not possible and the urgency of the hazard repair is great, the FAME Service Request should be clear that a high hazard situation requiring Maintenance Department immediate action exists. Do not “cry wolf” by identifying all repairs as “urgent” or “high hazard” as this could result in delays in dealing with legitimate high hazard situations. Impact coding (for incident types) is important and should be completed by the Principal or other designated Administrator. The coding is subjective and should be evaluated based on the level of disruption created by the incident, potential media involvement, legal implications or the myriad of other possible influences that affect the operation of the school. Events such as school lockdowns, evacuations, or events involving media involvement or possible legal action


would generally be considered to be Medium or High Impact situations. Personal behavior situations can be Low, Medium or High Impact situations depending on the circumstances.

Hazard Levels

Low hazard A low impact incident would cause minimal interruption to regular school operations. Low impact incidents would not result in police or media involvement and would not affect a large number of students or staff. There would be no indication or threat of legal action resulting from the incident. Generally, there would be little impact outside of the school. Examples could include minor property damage caused by a student, or a physical altercation between two students where no injuries result. It could also include severe acting out by a student with no injuries to anyone involved and where it is dealt with as part of the day to day operation of the school.

Medium hazard

A medium impact incident would cause a short-term interruption of regular school operations. Medium impact incidents could cause some amount of general anxiety and/or discussion among students and staff to an extent that school operations are affected. Examples could include police interviews of students and searches of lockers associated with suspected drug use. It could also be an Event resulting in school evacuation or lockdown. Parental threats of legal action due to disagreement with program placement would also be a Medium Impact situation.

High hazard A high impact incident would cause an interruption of regular school operations and would cause anxiety and/or discussion among students and staff to an extent that school operations are greatly affected. Examples would include intruder lockdown situations or evacuation due to environmental contamination. It could also include allegations of misconduct, harassment, or abuse, human rights complaints, weapons brought to school or dangerous physical altercations of more than two persons where injuries result. Media involvement or a large possibility of legal action would also require coding as High Impact.

Incident Types (with or without injuries)

Alleged Employee Misconduct • 1 – High • 2 – Medium • 3 – Low External Lockdown • Armed Intruder 1 – High • Intruder 2 – Medium • Local Emergency 3 – Low • Other (please specify)

Internal Lockdown • Armed Intruder 1 – High • Intruder 2 – Medium • Local Emergency 3 – Low • Other (please specify)


Other (please specify) • 1 – High • 2 – Medium • 3 – Low Parental Disagreement • 1 – High • 2 – Medium • 3 – Low

Police Incident • 1 – High • 2 – Medium • 3 – Low

School Evacuation • Bomb Threat 1 – High • Fire 2 – Medium • Flood 3 – Low • Hail • Health/Safety Matter • Other (please specify) • Utility Failure • Weather (extreme) Student Behavior • 1 – High • 2 – Medium • 3 – Low Property Damage (non-Vehicle) • Type of Loss • Accidental Breakage • Break-in • Fire • Flood • Other (please specify) • Theft • Vandalism Vehicle Incident (with or without injuries) • Type of Vehicle Incident • Break-in • Collision (multiple) • Collision (single) • Fire • Flood • Miscellaneous • Other (please specify) • Theft • Vandalism


Roles and Responsibilities in the Event of a Workplace Accident

Employee Responsibilities • Report the occurrence of a workplace accident immediately, or as soon as reasonably possible if immediate medical attention is required, to the supervisor or designate. • Report all workplace accidents regardless of severity (i.e. cuts, puncture wounds, needle sticks, sprains, burns, back strains, musculoskeletal disorders, etc.). • Participate in the completion of an Employee Accident / injury / Incident Report (Annex B) as soon as reasonably possible and forward it to their supervisor/principal immediately, for submission to the OHS Office within 24 hours of an accident occurring. • Report to the OHS Office and complete your WCB Worker Report of Injury or Occupational

Disease Form C-060. Hardcopies are available only through Central Office. • Report to your supervisor, any medical aid received for a workplace accident, on the day it is received. • Participate in an early and safe return to work program, as required. • Participate in all accident/incident investigations, if necessary. • If health care is required, be sure to inform the medical professional that it is a work-related injury, for insurance (WCB/ASEBP) purposes. • Report any change to your condition/injury, resulting from a workplace accident, to your supervisor.

Supervisors • Ensure first aid or emergency services are provided to an injured worker, as required. • Notify the Superintendent at Central Office, who will then notify the injured worker’s family,

in the case of serious injury. • Arrange for transportation to the hospital, for an injury that is not considered serious or life

threatening. To transport an individual to hospital, two people must accompany the injured person. One to drive and another, trained in first aid, to assist the injured person, if necessary during transportation. No employee should drive themselves to the medical aid, unless the injury is considered minor and that usually only requires first aid treatment. If uncertain of the condition of the injured person, initiate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) immediately, by calling 911.

• Provide the worker with a copy of the information on how to obtain the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) Form C-060, Worker’s Report of Injury or Occupational Disease Form, to be completed and returned to the employer within 24 hrs of an accident, incident or occupational illness occurring.

• Ensure submission of all accident/incident reports and the original copies of all WCB paperwork is forwarded to the Occupational Health & Safety Office as soon as you are notified of an accident or incident occurring. The OHS Office will conduct all WCB submissions on behalf of the employer.

• Facilitate an early and safe return to work for the injured worker, with assistance of the Occupational Health & Safety Office and the Human Resources Department.

• Participate in any accident investigations, if necessary.

Department Heads • Ensure supervisors know and fulfill the duties and responsibilities outlined in Alberta’s

Occupational Health & Safety Act, Code & Regulations. • Ensure supervisors are competent in the skills and procedures that address accident

response. • Receive and review copies of accident/incident reports that have occurred in areas of

authority. • Ensure accident causation is analyzed to identify hazards and appropriate corrective

action(s) are implemented by the supervisors.


Occupational Health & Safety Office • Determine if an accident is a critical injury, and fulfill notification obligations to Alberta

Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and other parties as required by the OHS Act, Code & Regulation.

• Advise all managers, supervisors, employees and union representatives of their responsibilities and duties for all accident or incident reporting, investigations and injuries or work-related illnesses. Assist and guide these individuals in all aspects of claims management and WCB cases.

• Determine if an accident investigation is required, for non-critical injuries, based on the circumstances of the accident/incident. An accident investigation team should be assembled to conduct the investigation. It should be comprised of those having specific knowledge of the work/workplace, equipment and safe work practices and, if possible, include the OHS Officer.

• Fulfill all Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) reporting obligations for all work-related injuries as per the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Act, as well as be the employer’s primary point of contact for all WCB interactions. WCB case management will be handled by the OHS Officer.

• Ensure that preventative and corrective actions, recorded on the accident/incident report, are appropriate to control the identified hazards.

• Review accident statistics, identify areas of concern and make recommendations as necessary.

Accident / Incident / Hazard Reporting Procedure Employee Workplace Accidents, Incidents or Illnesses

• If immediate medical attention is not required the supervisor or a designate will ensure transportation is arranged, if needed.

• If medical care is received, employees must report the health care to their supervisor on the day it is received.

• If medical care is not required, seek first aid assistance from a certified first aid attendant if required.

• All workplace accidents must be reported, regardless of severity. Examples of workplace accidents include, but are not limited to, cuts, puncture wounds, needle sticks, sprains, burns, back strains, musculoskeletal disorders, etc.

• An employee Accident Report (Annex B) must be completed by the supervisor and the injured worker. If the accident involves health care or lost time, the report must be submitted within 24 hours of the accident. If the accident does not involve health care or lost time, it should be forwarded as soon as reasonably possible. All accident/Incident report forms and WCB forms can be accessed on the Occupational Health & Safety Office page of the employer’s website.

• The information contained in the accident report is personal and confidential and should only be shared with the involved parties.

• The employee Accident Report must be completed conscientiously and thoroughly. All hazards contributing to the accident must be identified on the report, as well as corresponding corrective actions to control any potential hazards.

• The information included on the form must be reviewed by both the supervisor and employee, and then signed to confirm accuracy.

• Complete reports must be forwarded to the Occupational Health & Safety Office as soon as possible following an accident or incident.

• Schools or departments submitting accident reports that involve medical care or lost-time from work, after the initial 24 hour period, will be responsible for the cost of any WCB penalties levied against the employer for failure to report a workplace injury to WCB within 72 hours of being notified of the accident or illness.


• Supervisors should retain a copy of the Accident Report for their records. The original copy must be submitted to Central Office.

• Assistance in completing the paperwork related to all workplace accidents, incidents, injuries and illnesses can be obtained by contacting the employer’s Occupational Health & Safety Officer at any time.

Note: An employee Accident Report must also be completed for injured employees conducting work-related duties off-site. Transportation to Health Care for Workplace Injuries

• If Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response is required, under WCB Legislation the employer is responsible for the costs of an ambulance and the school or department that the injured worker is employed by, will be responsible to cover that cost.

• If EMS is not required, it is the manager’s responsibility to arrange for transportation to medical aide and ensure it is done in a safe and responsible manner.

• In non-emergency situations, the injured worker may be transported to the hospital or doctor’s office by an employer representative or a co-worker. If there is a risk of the injured worker’s condition worsening during transport, a third person must accompany the injured worker and the driver to a hospital or doctor’s office. These people must be trained and hold a valid First Aid Certificate.

Student, Visitor and Volunteer Injuries • Any student, visitor or volunteer accidents involving employer owned property, facility,

equipment, material or vehicle must be reported using a Student Accident Report (Annex A). • A Student Report should be completed by all employees, who witnessed the accident, or

has knowledge of the accident, as soon as reasonably possible after the injury. This form can be used for all student, visitor or volunteer accidents. This annex can be accessed on the OHS Office webpage. The information contained in the accident report is personal and confidential and should only be shared with the involved parties. Information on the form may be provided to employer representatives, health care professionals, the Workers’ Compensation Board or other persons at the request of the injured party.

• The Student Report must be completed conscientiously and thoroughly. • Any employer owned property, facility, equipment, material(s) or vehicle involved in the

accident must be specified in the report. • The information included on the form must be reviewed by both the employee completing

the form and the injured party, and then signed to confirm accuracy. • Complete reports must be forwarded to the OHS Office as soon as reasonably possible

following the accident. Note: The critical injuries section of the procedure must be adhered to for all student, visitor and volunteer injuries falling within the critical injury definition or suspected to be within the definition. Critical Injuries

• Where a person is killed or critically injured from any cause at a workplace, the following procedure must be strictly adhered to. Please refer to the “Definitions” section for information on what constitutes a critical injury. This procedure must be adhered to for all critically injured parties on employer owned property (i.e. students, visitors, contractors, staff and faculty, etc.).

• All injuries falling within the critical injury definition, or suspected to be within the definition, must be reported to Central Office as soon as possible.

• The employer or a representative must secure the scene of the accident and ensure the lockout of any equipment, pertaining to the accident, is done by the appropriate personnel.


• No person can alter the scene where the injury occurred in any way without the permission of an Alberta OHS Officer. This does not apply if it is necessary to disturb the scene in order to: Save a life or relieve human suffering. Maintain an essential public utility service or public transportation system. Prevent unnecessary damage to equipment or other property.

• The scene must remain undisturbed until investigated by an Alberta OHS Officer and the designated employer representative. An employee representative may participate in the investigation, if they so choose.

• Management must notify the OHS Office of the accident immediately by phone. • The OHS Office will contact the appropriate personnel as required and provide notification

as required by the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act. Contractor Workplace Accidents Reports

• A Contractor Accident Report, (Annex F) must be completed by the project administrator and the injured contractor within 24 hours of the accident. The form can be accessed on the employer’s OHS webpage. Note: The information contained in the accident report is personal and confidential and should only be shared with the involved parties.

• The Accident Report must be completed conscientiously and thoroughly. All hazards must be identified on the report as well as corresponding corrective actions to control the hazards.

• The ownership of any equipment, materials or vehicle involved in the accident must be specified in the report (i.e. contractor owned tool, or employer owned tool).

• The information included on the form must be reviewed by both the project administrator and contractor and then signed to confirm accuracy.

• Complete reports must be forwarded to the OHS Office within 24 hours of the accident. • Project administrators who submit an accident report after the initial 24 hour period will be

responsible for the cost of any WCB penalties levied against the employer for failure to report a workplace injury within 72 hours of being informed of the accident or illness.

• Project administrators must forward the original copy to the OHS Office and may retain a copy of the Accident Report for their records.

Property Damage & Vehicle Damage Reporting Forms

Additional types of reports may be required when a situation arises. In this section, the reporting information here is to be utilized for each of the particular situations, as necessary. It is the responsibility of all managers, supervisors, employees, visitors, volunteers and contractors to report all unusual situations, accidents and incidents to the employer as soon as reasonably possible, once identified.

These report forms are to be utilized for: • All incidents that do not involve an accident or injury that occur on the employer’s property

must be reported to the employer within 24 hours of being notified of an incident occurring. Incidents are to be reported by using the Incident Report Form (Annex C).

• All property damage, no matter how minor, is to be reported to the employer using the Property Damage Report Form (Annex D).

• All vehicle damages through accidents or incidents must be reported to the employer using the Vehicle Damage Report form (Annex E).

• Hazard identification is an integral part of the Occupational Health & Safety Program and as such all hazards must be reported as soon as they are discovered so they can be assessed and managed, to reduce accidents or incidents from occurring. The Hazard Report Form (Annex G) is to be utilized for all hazard reporting purposes.


Workers’ Compensation Board - Injury Reporting Information

The Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has very strict reporting procedures and deadlines that must be met or the employee and/or employee can be fined for failure to do so. These reporting deadlines are very closely monitored and premium rate surcharges are levied against the employer when minimum standards are not met. These unnecessary costs are to be avoided by reporting in a timely manner at all times. Managers, supervisors and employees all have equal responsibility to do their share in ensuring their part in meeting these deadlines successfully. To assist all in completing this aspect of reporting quickly and accurately, all WCB Forms are available through the District Occupational Health & Safety Office. Annex H of this chapter is a WCB FlowChart that has been created to assist managers, supervisors and employees in the process of reporting accidents, incidents and Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board forms, as necessary.

Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan Reporting

The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) has introduced an Early Intervention Program (EIP) for ill or injured personnel who fall under their jurisdiction. The ElP is a proactive way for school jurisdictions to help injured/ill employees stay at work or return to productive and safe employment as soon as physically possible. In the past, employees would only be considered for Extended Disability Benefits (EDB) if they were totally and continuously disabled for 90 consecutive days; this policy has been waived for those volunteering to participate in the ElP. Many studies have shown that an injured or ill employee who is allowed to return to productive work as early as possible following an injury/illness, heal faster than those injured/ill employees who remain off work. Those who return to work during their healing period tend to require fewer medical treatments and incur fewer medical expenses related to the injury/illness. Work becomes part of the medical treatment and rehabilitation, and allows the injured/ill employee to take an active role in his or her recovery. Successful return to work is time sensitive. There are specific roles and responsibilities that have been set out by ASEBP for the management and application of the Early Intervention Program and they are as follows:

Employee

• Advise of an injury/illness as soon as possible. • Participate in health recovery and return-to-work plans. • Maintain contact with the District contact and/or ASEBP Claims Facilitator. • Communicate with the Claims Facilitator return-to-work barriers that may impact on a safe

and timely return-to-work. • Take an active role in initiating, developing and participating in progressive work

opportunities. • Obtain medical information when required. • Schedule other activities (e.g., physiotherapy, doctor's appointments) so they do not

interfere with the modified/alternative work experience.

District Contact - Human Resources • Communicate with the employee as soon as reported (three to eight days). • Ensure rules of confidentiality are maintained. • Promote identification of jobs within the organization that would be suitable for

modified/alternative work. • Work with the employee, employer and Claims Facilitator from ASEBP to establish recovery

and rehabilitation goals. • Establish individual return-to-work plans for employees based on functional abilities. • Develop return-to-work plans with the assistance of the Claims Facilitator.


• ldentify and address return-to-work barriers.

Claims Facilitator (ASEBP) • Involve key stakeholders in the development of the Early lntervention Program. • Ensure rules of confidentiality are maintained. • Work with the employee and employer to establish recovery and rehabilitation goals and

objectives. • Work with the employer to determine if modified/alternate work opportunities are available. • Establish individual treatment and/or vocational programs for employees. • Develop return-to-work plans based on functional abilities. • Adjudicate and manage claims. • ldentify and address return-to-work barriers.

Union/Staff Group

• Promote the concept of modified/alternative work. • Assist in identifying and addressing barriers to a successful return-to-work. • Advise employee on benefits. • Represent employees as requested.

Early Intervention Program - Group Definitions

Group 1 Group 1 consists of the employees who, upon initial assessment by their health care provider, are able to safely work during the 90-day elimination period in some capacity (decreased hours, duties that need to be increasing during the 90 calendar days, 90 pro-rated days). Action is required by the school jurisdiction representative to facilitate return to work. These employees are expected to return to regular work duties/hours within 90 calendar days (or 90 pro-rated days) from their last day worked. Work duties may be modified or restructured, or hours may be pro-rated during the 90-day elimination period. This group will be monitored on a regular basis. The decision to move the employee to a Group 2 must be made by day 45. Inclusion in Group 1 does not necessarily mean they will be eligible for Extended Disability Benefits (EDB).

Group 2

Group 2 consists of employees who are working in some capacity and are working towards regular hours but need more time than the 90 pro-rated days. The adjudication process begins by day 45. Group 2 individuals are eligible to make application for Extended Disability Benefits (EDB). Their application will be adjudicated by the Claims Facilitator (CF) at ASEBP. The Human Resources representative and CF will work collaboratively in providing assistance to the employees within this group. Work may be modified or restructured, or hours may be pro-rated during the 90-day elimination period.

Group 3

Group 3 consists of employees who are not expected to return to work within the 90-day elimination period. It is expected they will be making application for Extended Disability Benefits (EDB). Their claims will be adjudicated by the lntake Facilitator and Claims Facilitator (CF) at ASEBP. The primary responsibility for Group 3 resides with the Claims Facilitator at ASEBP.

Annex I is a flowchart, created to assist managers, supervisors and employees in the process of reporting accidents, incidents and illnesses when utilizing Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan coverage.


Annexes to this Chapter of the Occupational Health & Safety Manual

Annex A – Student Accident Illness Report Annex B – Employee Accident Report Annex C – Incident Report Annex D – Property Damage Report Annex E – Vehicle Damage / Accident Report Annex F – Contractor Accident Report Annex G – Hazard Report (Non-Injury / Near Miss) Annex H – WCB Reporting Flowchart Annex I – ASEBP Reporting Flowchart

of 3 Chpt 5, Annex A, Student Accident Report Form

*School: Date: Submitter’s FIRST Name: Submitter’s LAST Name: Phone Number: Email Address: *Date of Accident: *Time of Accident: a.m.

p.m.

*Section ONE: LOCATION

Administration Office Drama / Arts / Theatre Locker Room Science Lab Boot Room / Mud Room Exterior Stairs Off-Site Sidewalk Classroom Gymnasium Playground Parking Lot Cafeteria / Concession Hallway / Stairwell Playing Field Washroom CTS Lab In Transit to or from School Other (specify)

If Off-Site, state FACIILTY Name:

Address:

City: Postal Code:

*Section TWO: ACCIDENT/INCIDENT INFORMATION Description of Accident/Incident (detailed narrative)

*First Reported to: FIRST Name: LAST Name:

Lunch/Playground Supervisor Principal/Vice Principal Secretary/Support Staff Teacher Other (specify)

Supervisor’s FIRST Name: LAST Name:

Supervisor’s Title: (eg: Principal, Teacher, etc.)

*Program: Before / After School Physical Education School Assembly Transition between classes Field Trip Recess / Noon Hour Science Lab Work Study Interscholastic Game/Practice Regular Classroom Spare / Free Time / Study Intramurals School Activity / Event Other (specify)

Equipment Involved: (if applicable) Art Equipment Gymnastics Equipment Science Lab Equipment Track & Field Equipment Athletic Equipment Home Ec Equipment Shop Tools Playground Equipment Chemicals Playground Equipment Other

Provide more details (if applicable)

STUDENT ACCIDENT/INJURY/ILLNESS REPORT

CONFIRMATION # ______________

Note: All Items and Sections noted in BOLD (*) are required fields and MUST be completed



_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2 of 3 Chpt 5, Annex A, Student Accident Report Form

Action(s) taken to prevent this sort of accident from happening in the future:

CHECK if media has been involved or likely to be involved CHECK if legal action has been threatened # of people involved

*Section THREE: INVOLVED PERSON

*FIRST Name: LAST Name:

*Gender of person involved: Male Female *Birthdate: (m/d/y) *Grade:

*Activity

Assembly Free Play/Recess/Noon Hour School Activity Walking/Running Class Change/Transition Intramural Sports Study Period/Free Time Weight Room Training Class or Shop Activities Physical Ed/Active Living Track & Field Work Experience

Sports Activity (specify)

*Accident/Incident Details

*Was this person injured? Yes No *Was first aid administered? Yes No

If first aid was administered, complete name of first aider: FIRST Name: LAST Name:

Description of first aid administered:

Qualified District first aider? Yes No

First aid qualification Advanced Emergency Nurse Standard Wilderness

Was a paramedic or physician called? Yes No If yes, was an ambulance used? Yes No

Name of physician or hospital/phone number:

If no ambulance was used, identify method of transportation:

If pre-existing medical condition exists, give details below, and diagnosis if available:

*Parent’s FIRST Name: Parent’s LAST Name:

*Parent’s Address: *Parent’s Phone Number:

*Postal Code:

Parent’s FIRST Name: Parent’s LAST Name:

Parent’s Address: Parent’s Phone Number:

Postal Code:

*Were parents notified? Yes No Date notified (m/d/y): Time notified: a.m. p.m.

Parent’s Comments:

Did parent pick up child? Yes No


____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 3 of 3 Chpt 5, Annex A, Student Accident Report Form

*Injury / Illness Type (check applicable items)

Allergic reaction Dislocated/separated joint Seizure (ambulance called) Back/Spinal Injury Fainting, loss of consciousness Serious breathing difficulties

(ambulance called) Breathing difficulties/Asthma (no ambulance called)

Fatality Irritation of eye/skin Serious/major bleeding, bruising or

swelling Severe sprain

Broken bone(s) with long term affects (surgery required, pins or plates inserted)

Laceration (required stitches or medical attention)

Broken or fractured bone(s) Permanent disability Severe wound (scarring or surgery) Chemical or other hazardous material contact

Seizure (short term – no ambulance called)

Tooth/teeth injury

Concussion (possible concussion)

Other (specify):

*Cause of Injury (check applicable items)

Accidental collision between participants Body contact in the normal course of activity

No clear apparent cause Aggravation of pre-existing injury Obstruction on playing field Assault Carelessness on the part of the

individual Repetitive strain

Bite (animal/human/insect) Site hazard Blow/hit/trip (caused by another person, accidental or intentional)

Fall/trip not due to observed factor Slip/fall (ice) Fall or loss of balance on apparatus Slip/fall (other)

Blow delivered by an object (eg: ball, bat)

Motor vehicle accident Strain or over exertion

Other (specify):

*Body Part (check applicable items)

Abdomen/Stomach Collarbone Groin Lower arm Side/ribs Ankle Ear(s) Hand Lower leg/calf Teeth Back Elbow Head Mouth Toes Buttocks Eye(s) Hip Neck/throat Upper arm Cheek(s) Finger(s)/Thumb Internal injuries Nose Upper leg/thigh Chest Area Foot Knee Shoulder Wrist Chin

Other (specify):

*Section FOUR: WITNESS *Were there any witnesses? Yes No

Witness FIRST Name: Witness LAST Name:

Address: Postal Code:

Phone Number: Witness Role (eg: teacher/supervisor/student):




*Report prepared by: Position: *Principal’s Signature: Date:

of 3 Chpt 5, Annex B, Employee Accident Report Form

*School: Date: Submitter’s FIRST Name: Submitter’s LAST Name: Phone Number: Email Address: *Date of Accident: *Time of Accident: a.m.

p.m.




Address:

City: Postal Code:



Lunch/Playground Supervisor Principal/Vice Principal Secretary/Support Staff Teacher Other (specify)





EMPLOYEE / ADULT ACCIDENT/INJURY/ILLNESS REPORT


This form must be submitted within 24 hours of the accident / injury / illness



EMPLOYEE / ADULT ACCIDENT/ILLNESS/INJURY REPORT

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2 of 3 Chpt 5, Annex B, Employee Accident Report Form

Provide more details (if applicable) Action(s) taken to prevent this sort of accident from happening in the future:




*Gender of person involved: Male Female *Birthdate: (m/d/y)

Status Caretaking Certificated Staff Support Staff Trades Other

*Activity

Administration Field Trip Leaving/Entering School Supervision Caretaking General Office/SchoolWork Maintenance/Grounds

Work Walking

Classroom Preparation Handling/Moving Equipment Books or Materials

Working with/assisting Special Needs Student Concession Duties Restraint of Student

Delivery/Transportation Instruction

Other (specify)

*Parties Involved Is this a workplace violence issue? Yes No

If this is a workplace violence issue, please check parties involved: Staff to Parent Staff to Student Student to Staff Staff to Staff Parent to Staff Volunteer to Staff Other (specify)

Covered by WCB Yes No

Is there a current hazard assessment for this position? Yes No

Has current assessment been reviewed? Yes No











EMPLOYEE / ADULT ACCIDENT/ILLNESS/INJURY REPORT

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 3 of 3 Chpt 5, Annex B, Employee Accident Report Form

Did this person lose time from work? Yes No First day of lost time (m/d/y)

Duties modified after accident? Yes No








Broken or fractured bone(s) Permanent disability Severe wound (scarring or surgery) Chemical or other hazardous material Contact


Tooth/teeth injury

Concussion (possible concussion) Other (specify):



Obstruction on playing field Aggravation of pre-existing injury Repetitive strain Assault Carelessness on the part of the

individual Site hazard

Bite (animal/human/insect) Slip/fall (ice) Blow/hit/trip (caused by another person, accidental or intentional)

Fall/trip not due to observed factor Slip/fall (other) Fall or loss of balance on apparatus Strain or over exertion


Motor vehicle accident Working with/assisting Special Needs Student No clear apparent cause

Other (specify):


Abdomen/Stomach Collarbone Groin Lower arm Side/ribs Ankle Ear(s) Hand Lower leg/calf Teeth Back Elbow Head Mouth Toes Buttocks Eye(s) Hip Neck/throat Upper arm Cheek(s) Finger(s)/Thumb Internal injuries Nose Upper leg/thigh Chest Area Foot Knee Shoulder Wrist Chin Other (specify):

*Section FOUR: WITNESS

*Were there any witnesses? Yes No






Phone Number: Witness Role (eg: teacher/supervisor/student): *Report prepared by: Position: *Principal’s/Manager’s Signature: Date:

of 2 Chpt 5, Annex C, Incident Report Form

*Facility: Date: Submitter’s FIRST Name: Submitter’s LAST Name: Phone Number: Email Address: *Date of Incident: *Time of Incident: a.m.

p.m.




Address:

City: Postal Code:

*Section TWO: INCIDENT INFORMATION Description of Incident (detailed narrative)


Custodian/Caretaker Lunch/Playground Supervisor Principal/Vice Principal Secretary/Support Staff

Teacher Other (specify)



*Incident Information Details: *Type of Incident

Alleged Employee Misconduct Internal Lockdown Police Incident Student Behavior (no injuries)

External Lockdown Parental Disagreement School Evacuation

Other (specify)

If External or Internal Lockdown, choose one of the following:

Armed Intruder Intruder Local Emergency Other (specify)

INCIDENT REPORT CONFIRMATION # ______________



INCIDENT REPORT ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2 of 2 Chpt 5, Annex C, Incident Report Form

If School Evacuation, please choose one of the following:

Bomb Threat Flood Utility Failure Weather (extreme)

Fire Health/Safety Matter Hail

Other (specify)

*Impact High Medium Low Were police contacted? Yes No

People Contacted

Child Welfare Worker Police Student’s Family/Legal Guardian

Crisis Unit Probation Officer Superintendent

Health Region Security Services Therapist

Other (specify)

District/Board Resources (if reports were sent)

Health and Safety Instructional Services Maintenance Department Secretary Treasurer

Human Resources Labour Relations Risk Management Superintendent

Other (specify)

Recommended Resolution

CHECK if media has been involved or likely to be involved CHECK if legal action has been threatened

*Is there an individual involved in this incident? Yes No Number of people involved

*Section THREE: INVOLVED PERSON (if applicable)


*Phone Number: Email Address:


Involved person is a: Contractor Parent Student Volunteer Employee Pedestrian Visitor

Other (specify)

*Was this person injured? Yes No

• If there are injuries, please complete Section 3 of the Student or Staff/Adult Accident/Injury Report and attach to this form. • If there is a hazard associated with this incident, complete a Hazard Report and attach to this form.





Phone Number: Witness Role (eg: teacher/supervisor/student): *Report prepared by: Position: *Principal’s Signature: Date:

of 2 Chpt 5, Annex D, Property Damage Report Form


p.m.

*Section ONE: LOCATION (if other than school)


Address:

City: Postal Code:

Provide more details, if necessary:

*Section TWO: PROPERTY DAMAGE

*TYPE OF LOSS Accidental Breakage Break-In Fire Flood Theft Vandalism

Other (specify)

*TYPE OF PROPERTY Building Damage Electronic Equipment Furniture Musical Instruments

Other (specify) Description of Item: Date of Acquisition (m/d/y):

Make: Model: Serial No:

Repair or replace? Yes No Estimated replacement cost: $

Owned by: District/School Board Employee Student Third Party

Owner’s First Name: Owner’s Last Name: (If property is not owned by District/Board)

PROPERTY DAMAGE REPORT




PROPERTY DAMAGE REPORT _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2 of 2 Chpt 5, Annex D, Property Damage Report Form

*Description of Property Damage

*Description of Cause of Damage Fire Department Contacted? Yes No Police notified? Yes No Police File #

Is restitution being sought? Yes No If restitution is being sought, please complete the information below:

First Name: Last Name: Address: City: Province: Postal Code: Phone: Email Address: *Report prepared by: Signature: (print clearly) *Report approved by: Signature: (print clearly)

of 3 Chpt 5, Annex E, Vehicle Damage Accident Report

*School: Date: Submitter’s FIRST Name: Submitter’s LAST Name: Phone Number: Email Address: *Date of Incident: *Time of Incident: a.m.

p.m.


*Location of Incident: On-Site Off-Site

If off-site, state facility name and address / specify location of incident:

Facility Name:

Address:

City: Postal Code:

Provide more details, if necessary:

*Section TWO: INCIDENT INFORMATION (Description of Incident)

*Type Of Vehicle Incident Break-In Collision (multiple vehicle) Collision (single vehicle) Fire Flood Theft Vandalism

Other (specify)

Were police notified? Yes No

If Yes, report Officer’s Name: Police Report Number:

Road Conditions: Dry Gravel Icy Mud Wet

Weather: Clear Cloudy Fog/Mist Hail Rain Sleet Snow

*Were there injuries? Yes No How many people were injured?

How many vehicles involved? *Any damage to property other than vehicles? Yes No

Additional Information: CHECK if media has been involved or is likely to be involved

CHECK if legal action has been threatened Record number of people involved

VEHICLE DAMAGE/ACCIDENT REPORT




VEHICLE DAMAGE/ACCIDENT REPORT _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2 of 3 Chpt 5, Annex E, Vehicle Damage Accident Report

*Section THREE: VEHICLE INFORMATION

Is this a District/Board vehicle? 3rd Party District/Board Rental

Purpose of vehicle use at time of accident: Delivery/Transport Goods Maintenance Not in Use

Transporting Students Other (please specify)

*Make of Vehicle : *Vehicle Model:

Year Serial Number: Province:

Mileage: Estimated Damages $

If vehicle is a rental, please identify rental company’s Name: ___________________________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________________

*Number of passengers in vehicle: Number of passengers wearing seatbelts:

*Section FOUR: OPERATOR INFORMATION (Complete third party operator information for multiple vehicle collisions)

*Operator is:

Employee Third Party

FIRST Name: FIRST Name:

LAST Name: LAST Name:

Employee ID #: Third Party Address:

Job Position:

Status: Caretaking Staff

Certificated Staff

Support Staff Phone Number:

Trades Driver’s License #:

Other (specify) Insurance Company:

Policy #:

Agent’s Name:

*Section FIVE: OPERATOR INJURY DETAILS

*If first aid was administered, please complete name of first aider:

FIRST Name: LAST Name:



First aid qualification: Advanced Emergency Nurse Standard Wilderness

Was a paramedic, physician, hospital called? Yes No *Was an ambulance called? Yes No

Name of physician/hospital: Phone Number:

VEHICLE DAMAGE/ACCIDENT REPORT

Page 3 of 3 Chpt 5, Annex E, Vehicle Damage Accident Report

If no ambulance was used, please identify other method of transportation:

Did this person lose time from work? Yes No First day of lost time (m/d/y): *Accident/Incident Details

Back/spinal injury Dizziness/headache/nausea Minor swelling or bruising Bad scrape Fainting, loss of consciousness Muscle pull or strain Broken or fractured bones Laceration (required stitches or

medical attention) Permanent disability

Concussion (possible concussion) Serious/major bleeding, bruising or swelling Death Minor cut/laceration/irritation Severe sprain Dislocated/separated joint Minor scrape or bump Severe wound (scarring or surgery)

*Body Part

Abdomen/stomach Chest area Eye(s) Head Mouth Ankle Chin Fingers/thumb Hip N/A Back Collarbone Foot Knee Neck/throat Buttocks Ear Groin Lower Arm Nose Cheek(s) Elbow Hand Lower leg/calf Possible internal injuries

• If there are injuries to passenger(s) involved in the motor vehicle accident, complete Section 3 of the Student (Annex A) or Employee Accident Report Form (Annex B) for each involved person and attach to this form.

• If there is a hazard associated with this incident, complete a Hazard Report (Annex G) and attach to this form.

*Section SIX: WITNESS



Witness FIRST Name: Witness LAST Name: Witness FIRST Name: Witness LAST Name:

*Report prepared by: Signature: (print clearly) *Report approved by: Signature: (print clearly)

of 3 Chpt 5, Annex F, Contractor Accident Report Form

Facility: Date: Submitter’s FIRST Name: Submitter’s LAST Name: Phone Number: Email Address: *Date of Accident: *Time of Accident: a.m.

p.m.




Address:

City: Postal Code:



Project Manager Principal/Vice Principal Secretary/Support Staff Teacher Other (specify)


Supervisor’s Title:



CONTRACTOR ACCIDENT/INJURY/ILLNESS REPORT


This form must be submitted within 24 hours of the accident / injury / illness



CONTRACTOR’s EMPLOYEE ACCIDENT/ILLNESS/INJURY REPORT

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2 of 3 Chpt 5, Annex F, Contractor Accident Report Form

Provide more details (if applicable) Action(s) taken to prevent this sort of accident from happening in the future:





Status Caretaking Certificated Staff Support Staff Trades Other

*Activity

Administration Field Trip Leaving/Entering School Supervision Caretaking General Office/School Work Maintenance/Grounds

Work Walking

Classroom Preparation Handling/Moving Equipment Books or Materials

Working with/assisting Special Needs Student Concession Duties Restraint of Student

Delivery/Transportation Instruction

Other (specify)

*Parties Involved Is this a workplace violence issue? Yes No

If this is a workplace violence issue, please check parties involved: Staff to Parent Staff to Student Student to Staff Staff to Staff Parent to Staff Volunteer to Staff Other (specify)

Covered by WCB Yes No

Is there a current hazard assessment for this position? Yes No

Has current assessment been reviewed? Yes No











CONTRACTOR’S EMPLOYEE ACCIDENT/ILLNESS/INJURY REPORT

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 3 of 3 Chpt 5, Annex F, Contractor Accident Report Form

Did this person lose time from work? Yes No First day of lost time (m/d/y)

Duties modified after accident? Yes No








Broken or fractured bone(s) Permanent disability Severe wound (scarring or surgery) Chemical or other hazardous material Contact


Tooth/teeth injury

Concussion (possible concussion) Other (specify):



Obstruction on playing field Aggravation of pre-existing injury Repetitive strain Assault Carelessness on the part of the

individual Site hazard

Bite (animal/human/insect) Slip/fall (ice) Blow/hit/trip (caused by another person, accidental or intentional)

Fall/trip not due to observed factor Slip/fall (other) Fall or loss of balance on apparatus Strain or over exertion


Motor vehicle accident Working with/assisting Special Needs Student No clear apparent cause

Other (specify):


Abdomen/Stomach Collarbone Groin Lower arm Side/ribs Ankle Ear(s) Hand Lower leg/calf Teeth Back Elbow Head Mouth Toes Buttocks Eye(s) Hip Neck/throat Upper arm Cheek(s) Finger(s)/Thumb Internal injuries Nose Upper leg/thigh Chest Area Foot Knee Shoulder Wrist Chin Other (specify):








Phone Number: Witness Role (eg: teacher/supervisor/student): *Report prepared by: Position: *Principal’s/Manager’s Signature: Date:

of 2 Chpt 5, Annex G, Hazard Report Form

----


p.m.



*Section TWO: HAZARD INFORMATION Description of Hazard

*Type of Hazard (Check as many that apply)

Air Quality Electrical Lifting/Carrying Sharp Objects Asbestos Equipment/tools Lighting Slip/trip hazard Biological Ergonomics Mould Violence/harassment Chemicals Extreme temperatures Noise Water quality Confined space Fall Hazard Obstructions Working alone Contractor safety Housekeeping Pressure/vibration

Other (specify)

Hazard Classification: Low Medium High

*Direct/Indirect Causes

HAZARD REPORT (NON-INJURY / NEAR MISS)




HAZARD REPORT ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 2 of 2 Chpt 5, Annex G, Hazard Report Form

Maintenance/Service Request #:

*Corrective Action/Recommendation:

Action taken:

Action taken by whom: Date:

Has this hazard been previously reported? Yes No

Is there a hazard assessment? Yes No

Has the hazard been resolved? Yes No Can not resolve

Explain: First reported to: Position: *Report prepared by: Position: *Principal’s Signature: Date:

Employee Accident & Incident Reporting Flowchart – For those Covered by the Alberta Worker’s

Compensation Board

Employee,

Injured at

WorkYes

No

If Necessary, Seek

Medical Attention

Immediately

NOTIFY your Supervisor.

Then complete an

Employee Accident

Report, Annex B, in

conjunction with your

Supervisor and forward the

original to OHS Office

within immediately.

Complete a WCB

Employee’s Report

(C-040) at the OHS

Office in Central

Office. Immediately

Ensure it is signed &

Dated.

Step 4Supervisors – Contact the

OHS Officer to have the

WCB Employer’s Report

(C-060), completed

immediately.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Supervisor

Remember: This is a Legal Document.

It is illegal for Employees to do Step 4 or

for the Employer to do Step 3

Do not keep any medical

documents. The Employee

Accident Report will provide

you with all the necessary

information. Forward the

Original to the OHS Office.

All WCB paperwork will be

done by the OHS Office.

Step 5Notify Department

Manager and the OHS

Office, (Loc 6743), of

the Accident Occurring.

Complete Annex B,

Employee Accident

Report Form, with the

Employee & forward to

the OHS Office

immediately

While seeking Medical Care,

ensure you inform the

Medical Professional that it is

a WCB Claim & they fill out

a WCB Physician’s Report

(C-050)

If a Serious Incident,

notify the

Superintendent and the

Occupational Health &

Safety Officer at Local

6743, at Central Office

immediately

You will receive a

completed copy of this

paperwork

Illness or

Absences from

the Workplace

Incident/

Near Miss

Report the

Incident to your

Supervisor,

immediately

Complete an

Incident Report –

Annex G &

forward to the

OHS Office

immediately

Report to your

Supervisor or

Principal

Immediately.

Let them know

how long you

expect to be

away from

Work

According to your

Contractual

Stipulations, provide a

Medical

Certificate, to

Payroll stating

days you will be

away from the

workplace

Keep a Copy or your

completed Employee

Accident Report, Annex

B & forward the original to

the OHS Office,

immediately

Prior to leaving

Doctor’s Office or

Clinic, book a

Follow-up

Appointment

Provide your

Supervisor with a

copy of the

Doctor’s Report

OHS Office to Action

Paperwork & File all

Documents

OHS Office to Action Paperwork

& File all Documents

OHS Office to Action Paperwork & File all

Documents

Employees Responsibility

Supervisors Responsibility

OHS Office Responsibility

Color Legend ->>>

Note, if the OHS Office is not available, pass

all information to Payroll

Chpt 5, Annex H, Accident/Incident FlowChart

Supervisor contacts HR Dept immediately upon

Absence notification. HR notifies PR of Absence.

The Supervisor must forward the original copy

of the “Employee Medical Information” Letter to

HR immediately

ASEBP Reporting FlowChart

Legend:

HCP = Health Care Providers

HR = Human Resources

EE = Employee

PR - Payroll

PA = Physician's Assessment

CF = Claims Facilitator (ASEBP)

EE goes onto EDB, totally disabled

for 90 days. Deals directly with

ASEBP. Case Managed by ASEBP

Payment for

PA Form, by

EE

Submit sick leave transaction

To ASEBP via “My ASEBP” no later

than 15 days of absence. EE

Provides PA Form to HR

CF at ASEBP maintains regular contact

with all appropriate parties (as agreed

to) in order to monitor progress. ASEBP

monitors Dr Notes and RTW.

Claim Resolution - EE RTW Fulltime

within 90 Pro-rated calendar day

elimination period or RTW greater than 0.7

of pre-disability FTE, or EE goes on LTD

If new

information

indicates RTW

beyond 90

days, ASEBP

consulted

Supervisor

Employee

HR / Payroll

ASEBP / CF

ASEBP Reporting FlowChart Chapter 5, Annex I

Employee goes on Sick Leave

After 5 days of EE being off work, PR sends Sick Leave notice to ASEBP, online. 90 Day

Clock starts

EE Goes onto EIP and works with

ASEBP to work towards a graduated

return to work. Case Managed by

ASEBP

First Aid & Emergency Eyewash Chapter 6 1/7

CHAPTER 6


Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Code 2009 (Revised Dec 2010), Part 11, First Aid states:

Section 178(1)

An employer must provide first aid services, supplies and equipment and provide a first aid room in accordance with the applicable requirements of Schedule 2, Tables 3 to 7.

Section 179 An employer and prime contractor must

(a) ensure that first aid services, first aid equipment, supplies and the first aid room required by this Code are (i) located at or near the work site they are intended to serve, and (ii) available and accessible during all working hours;

(b) ensure that first aid equipment and supplies are (i) maintained in a clean, dry and serviceable condition, (ii) contained in a material that protects the contents from the environment, and (iii) clearly identified as first aid equipment and supplies;

(c) post, at conspicuous places at the work site, signs indicating the location of first aid services, equipment and supplies or, if posting of signs is not practicable, ensure that each worker knows the location of first aid services, equipment and supplies; and

(d) ensure that an emergency communication system is in place for workers to summon first aid services.

Section 180(4)

An employer must provide a means of communication at the work site to summon an ambulance service licensed in accordance with the Ambulance Service Act or transportation described in subsection (3).

Section 181(1) An employer must ensure that the number of first aiders at a work site and their qualifications and training comply with Schedule 2, Tables 5, 6 or 7.

Section 181(6) An employer must keep a record of workers at a work site who are first aiders

Section 183(1) An employer must record every acute illness or injury that occurs at the work site in a record kept for the purpose as soon as practicable after the illness of injury is reported to the employer.


Purpose

The purpose of this document is to outline the prescribed requirements for first aid qualifications, equipment and stations. It also includes the requirements for emergency eyewash stations.

Scope

All the employer’s buildings and work sites, including traditional office and school environments, field locations and vehicles, shall maintain sufficient first aid equipment. Every location should have an appropriate number of people trained in First Aid, as set out in Alberta Legislation.

Responsibility

The responsibility to provide first aid services, supplies and equipment as defined by Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Legislation does not apply to students, however the employer has resolved that student enrollment will be considered in determining the first aid services that we consider essential to ensure the health and safety of the entire populace in each of our locations. Therefore the minimum standards defined in this document are based on the current average sum of all regular site occupants. Management as far as is reasonably practicable, is responsible for ensuring that: • there are sufficient employees in all workplace areas and on all shifts that hold current

training and certification meeting the minimum Standard First Aid & CPR Level “C” or equivalent.

• a qualified first aid attendant is assigned responsibility for every first aid station. • the names and locations of qualified first aid attendants and local number for emergency

services are posted at first aid stations. • First Aid Kits are clearly identified and accessible at all times. • all injuries are reported as required.

Assigned First Aid Attendants are responsible for: • providing emergency care or treatment to an injured person until medical aid is obtained. • maintaining a current level of first aid training that meets minimum requirements. • inspecting quarterly and maintaining first aid kit supplies as required. An inspection

card shall be maintained for each kit and shall record the date of the most recent inspection and the name and signature of the person making the inspection.

• completing or assisting in the completion of a first aid report form for every acute illness or injury and submit the form to the location supervisor/manager.

• performing cleanup of blood and/or bodily fluids in compliance with the Blood Borne Pathogen Safety Program.

Occupational Health & Safety Officer is responsible to: • provide assistance, direction and clarification as necessary. • periodically examine all locations to ensure that minimum standards for first aid

requirements are adhered to.


Procedure & Requirements

First Aid Kits – Types & Contents. The following is the list of First Aid Kits and the list of contents that are considered minimum standards with Alberta Legislation for the corresponding first aid kit type. The lists are contained in the following Annexes to this chapter. • Type 1 First Aid Kit – Annex B to Chapter 6 • Type 2 First Aid Kit – Annex C to Chapter 6 • Type 3 First Aid Kit – Annex D to Chapter 6 • Type P First Aid Kit – Annex E to Chapter 6

Note 1: All completed first aid treatment records must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years in a secure and confidential manner. Note 2: First aid kits are to be universal; all items contained in a kit must be able to be used on any person, therefore alcohol swabs, mercury thermometers, ammonia inhalants, medications, prescription drugs, medicated creams and non-prescription drugs (such as ASA or allergy medications) are not permitted in first aid.

Human Bite Protocols

Human bites present a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the mouth. Besides infection, there is risk of injury to tendons and joints when the wound extends below the skin. Biting incidents in which the skin is broken also carry the risk of blood borne pathogens exposure for the victim and the aggressor. For example, Hepatitis B Virus can be transmitted in the saliva of infected persons. Biting incidents must be treated as a blood exposure incident if the skin has been broken. Treatment Protocol 1. “Stay Calm” 2. If the skin is not broken, clean the wound with soap and water and apply a cold

compress then follow Steps 4, 8 & 9. If the skin is broken: Encourage bleeding of the injury site (gently squeeze) and wash

thoroughly with soap and running water. 3. Apply an antiseptic and bandage to the site. 4. Report the exposure incident to your supervisor as soon as possible. 5. Treat all exposures as potentially infectious and seek medical attention by a health care

professional as soon as possible, the same day as the incident. 6. A health care professional will determine if further post exposure treatment is necessary

such as antibiotics, blood testing and/or immunization or further counseling. 7. In the case of bites where skin has been broken, the biter’s parent/guardian should

also be notified and advised to have their child assessed by a health care professional the same day. This is because the biter can also be at risk of contracting a blood borne disease from the person they have bitten. For example, if the biter is not immunized for Hepatitis B (HBV) and bites a person whose HBV status is unknown, then the biter and


person bitten may both require HBV immunoglobulin, the HBV vaccine and blood testing as treatment. Parents should be directed to Health Link Alberta at 780 408-5465 for further advice/information.

8. Document the incident on the District incident/accident record and send the original copy

to Occupational Health & Safety Office within 24 hours of the incident. 9. If the person is covered by Workers’ Compensation (WCB) complete the Employer and

Workers Report of Injury and fax to Occupational Health & Safety Office within 24 hours of the incident (Note: all certified staff and teachers that work in CTS settings or in administrative positions are covered by Alberta WCB).

First Aid Records Under Alberta’s Occupational Health & Safety Code, workers are required to report to their employer any work-related physical injury or sudden occurrence of illness experienced while at work. The accident reports are to be forwarded to the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer following the incident investigation and for future follow-up to actions occurring from this investigation. Prompt reporting ensures complete and accurate information and allows the injury or illness to be assessed and treated as necessary. The employer is required to create and maintain accurate written record of all work-related physical injuries or sudden occurrences of illness that workers experience while at work. Although the cause of the injury or illness may be unknown at the time it is being treated, every effort should be made to determine the cause within a reasonable period of time. The cause of work injuries should be added to the record and if an illness is the result of occupational causes, this information should also be added. Even if no first aid is administered, an injury or illness reported by a worker must be recorded. Completed forms should be sent to the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer for first aid records.

Each injury or illness record must be retained for a minimum of 3 years from the date on which the injury or illness was reported. All first aid records should be kept as this helps demonstrate due diligence with respect to the record keeping requirement. Completed records must not be kept in the first aid kit. In respecting worker privacy, the current requirements limit access to first aid records and the information is kept confidential. As designated by the employer, the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer will keep the first aid record files to ensure that no person, other than the worker, has access to the first aid records unless Alberta or Canada Legislation grants disclosure of the information; the record is in a form that does not identify the worker; or the worker has given written permission. For the purpose of timely reporting of all work-related injuries and illnesses, all First Aid Kits will have blank First Aid Record Forms (Annex F of this chapter) in them, to be utilized in the event of a work-related injury or illness. This form is to be completed and sent to the Occupational Health & Safety Office as soon as possible following the incident. The Occupational Health & Safety Act, Section 8, allows the Occupational Health & Safety Officers and the Director of Medical Services, Occupational Health and Safety Policy, Alberta Employment and Immigration access to the records. Other Legislation such as the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Health Information Act (HIA), the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act may also have provisions authorizing access, use and disclosure of personal information.


A worker can allow his or her first aid record to be made available to other persons but permission must be in writing indicating the information that can be released, the name of the person to whom the information is to be released, the date and the worker’s signature. Upon request, an employer must provide the worker with a copy of their first aid record. The OHS Code defines minimum standards in first aid services, equipment and supplies. The OHS Code also stipulates the number of first aiders, the level of first aid training required, the type and number of first aid kits required and the type and quantity of supplies and equipment required. These requirements are based on the hazard level of the work performed at the workplace, the number of workers per shift, and the distance of the work site to the nearest health care facility. The annexes of this chapter of the Occupational Health & Safety Manual are based on these legislated stipulations.

First Aid Course Descriptions

The following 2 courses have been approved by Alberta Occupational Health & Safety and are the standards that need to be met by all First Aiders for compliance with Alberta Legislation for First Aid: Emergency First Aid including CPR/AED Certification is an 8 hour first aid training program includes CPR level C skills and AED certification. It covers simple First Aid and CPR techniques are taught in an interactive environment, for individuals who want an overview of First Aid & CPR for the workplace or home. The course covers skills needed to recognize, prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergencies for adults, CPR Level C, AED and other topics such as choking, airway and breathing emergencies, and prevention of disease transmission. Depending on the provider, this training is usually valid for 3 years and the First Aider can be recertified in an 8 hour update course. Standard First Aid including CPR/AED Certification is a 16 hour course, spread out over two consecutive days and includes CPR Level C skills and AED certification. It covers comprehensive First Aid and CPR techniques for those who need training for work requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies in the workplace or home. The course covers a variety of topics from basic (such as cardiovascular and breathing emergencies, CPR Level C, AED, prevention of disease transmission) to in-depth topics, such as sudden medical conditions and injuries to the head and spine. Depending on the provider, this training is usually valid for 3 years and the First Aider can be recertified in an 8 hour, recertification course, if their current training has not expired. If their certification has lapsed, they are required to take the full 16 hour course to requalify. Alberta Occupational Health & Safety has established minimum criteria for all levels of First Aid Courses and providers are subjected to applying for and being authorized to present First Aid training within Alberta workplaces. There is a list of the qualified First Aid providers on the Alberta OHS Website. For more information on this topic, contact the District OHS Office.

Emergency Eyewash Requirements

Eyewash stations (portable or fixed) should be located in areas where corrosive chemicals are used (e.g., boiler rooms, science labs and CTS shops). Eyewash stations should be: • unobstructed and located away from electrical sources. • located on the same floor near the work area that creates the hazard. • located within ten seconds traveling distance from the work area. • marked with clear signage to flag their location.


Portable eyewash stations (squeeze bottles) can be used while in transit to a fixed eyewash station. A fixed eyewash station should be located in science and CTS laboratories. Schools looking for additional information about emergency eyewash equipment should contact the Occupational Health & Safety Officer. Eyewash stations must be maintained and serviced on a regular basis. The District will provide the appropriate eyewash stations. Employees, students, visitors or volunteers are to be shown the eyewash equipment appropriate for their work area and shall be shown how to use it. Types • Portable station - one to two liter portable eyewash bottles filled with plain tap water,

labeled, closed with rubber stoppers and fitted with open hoses without nozzles. • Fixed station - eye flushing fountains or eyewash bubblers adapted to taps.

In all types, eyewash water or solution is to be kept at a temperature range of 15ºC to 35ºC and changed on a monthly basis. Fountain and bubbler systems shall have water flow control to reduce water pressure. Locations Emergency eyewash equipment (portable or fixed) shall be located near work areas where chemicals or corrosive chemicals or flying particles can cause eye injuries. A fixed eyewash station must be located within ten seconds travelling time and less than one hundred feet from the hazardous work. Where two separate work areas are in close proximity, one fixed eyewash station can service both areas. Every Industrial Arts classroom, Cosmetology classroom, Home Economics (Lab) classroom and Science (Lab) classroom must contain an approved emergency eyewash station. Additional eyewash stations may be added to custodial rooms etc. as deemed necessary.

Eyewash Accessibility

The location of eyewash equipment shall be well marked with signs and have unobstructed access at all times. Areas around the eye wash equipment must be kept free of other equipment, containers, materials or obstructions of any kind.

Eyewash Maintenance

To prevent contamination of the water used on the eyes and thus prevent infections or additional injury:

• keep equipment clean and free from dirt and chemicals. • portable eyewash containers should have the water changed monthly and the

container should be cleaned with soap and water at least every six months. • check container, water tubing, fountains and bubblers often to make sure they are

working. • with fixed eyewash stations water should be run through the lines weekly to help

keep the water fresh and clean.

Emergency Showers

Emergency showers should be located in areas where there is a high risk of significant spills of corrosive chemicals. Emergency showers should be:

• located within ten seconds travelling time and less than thirty meters from the hazardous work area.


• located away from electrical apparatus and power outlets. • tested on a weekly basis. • clearly identified with appropriate signage.

Communication

All supervisors should be aware of and adhere to the minimum standards defined in this document. Additionally, any major changes in enrollment, structure or course offerings that would necessitate revisions to first aid service requirements must be communicated to Central Office as soon as they are recognized.

Evaluation

The Occupational Health & Safety Officer will review and update this document as necessary to meet Legislative requirements, identified deficiencies and varying location needs.

First Aid Service Requirements

Annex A, of Chapter 6 is a list of minimum standards for First Aid Services that have been designed to meet with applicable requirements, taking into consideration average total occupancy, type of work (hazards) and distance between the work site and emergency services. Alberta Occupational Health & Safety considers “Low Hazard Work” to be “administrative sites where the work performed is clerical or administrative in nature only”. Therefore, all workplaces, except the District’s Maintenance Facilities and CTS Shops are considered “Medium Hazard Work”. The Maintenance Department and CTS areas are rated as a “High Hazard Work” environment and Annex A has been established based on those ratings within Schedule 2, Tables 5, 6 & 7 of the Alberta OHS Code. All facilities that have a total occupancy greater than 20 personnel are required to have a “Designated Area” for First Aid Services. Once First Aid is completed and the employee cared for, it is now time to complete the accident / incident reports and any Workers’ Compensation Board paperwork related to the incident and injuries. See Chapter 5 of this manual for all related information on this topic.

First Aid Attendant Chart – 2015-16 Chapter 6, Annex A 1

School Year – 2015-16

Note: Alberta Occupational Health & Safety considers “Low Hazard Work” to be “administrative sites where the work performed is clerical or administrative in nature only”. Therefore, all workplaces, except the Division’s Maintenance Facilities and CTS Shops are considered “Medium Hazard Work”. The Maintenance Dept and CTS areas are rated as a “High Hazard Work” environment and this chart has been established based on a rating of Medium Hazard and Schedule 2, Tables 5, 6 & 7 of the Alberta OHS Code.

Locations Occupancy Staff/Students

F.A. Attendants F. A. Kit(s)

Haz Lev

Additional Requirements

All Vehicles N/A N/A P M Central Office 44 1-Emergency

1-Standard No. 3 L 1 – Eyewash Station

Maintenance Shop 16 1-Emergency 1-Standard

No. 3 H 3 – Eyewash Stations

Print Shop / Docutech 2 Incl w/Maint Shops

No. 2 M 1 – Eyewash Station

Alexandra Middle School

32/360 2-Emergency 5-Standard

No. 3 M 5 – Eyewash Stations

Connaught School 43/470 2-Emergency 5-Standard


Crescent Heights High School



Crestwood School 47/487 2-Emergency 5-Standard


Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Centre



Elm Street School 27/171 2-Emergency 2-Standard


George Davison School 49/349 2-Emergency 4-Standard


Herald School 57/242 2-Emergency 3-Standard


Medicine Hat Christian School



Medicine Hat High School



River Heights School 37/318 2-Emergency 3-Standard


Riverside School 21/102 2-Emergency 2-Standard


Ross Glen School 43/514 2-Emergency 6-Standard


Southview School 38/229 2-Emergency 3-Standard


Vincent Massey School 36/311 2-Emergency 3-Standard


Webster Niblock School 38/315 2-Emergency 4-Standard


McMan Real Program 2/5 1-Standard No. 2 M PAS Program 2/2 1-Standard No. 2 M Saamis Real Program 2/7 1-Standard No. 2 M Stay-in-School Program 6/26 2-Emergency

1-Standard No. 3 M

Central High 2/61 2-Emergency 1-Standard


Young Moms’ School 1/8 1-Standard No. 2 L

Type 1, FA Kit Checklist Chapter 6, Annex B 1

Building: Kit Location: Date of Inspection: Inspected By: Contents Required in Kit # Required Available Needed Items Replaced Date Antiseptic cleansing towelettes, individually packaged 10 Sterile adhesive dressings, assorted sizes, individually packaged 25 10 cm X 10 cm sterile gauze pads, individually packaged 10 10 cm X 10 cm sterile compress dressing, with ties, individually packaged 2 15 cm X 15 cm sterile compress dressings, with ties, individually packaged 2 Conform gauze bandages – 75 mm wide 2 Cotton triangular bandage – 75 mm wide 3 Safety Pins – assorted sizes 5 Pair of scissors 1 Pair of tweezers 1 25 mm X 4.5 m of adhesive tape 1 Crepe tension bandage – 75 mm 1 Pairs disposable non-latex gloves 4 Resuscitation barrier device with a one-way valve 1 First Aid Instruction Manual (condensed) 1 Waterproof “biohazard” waste bag 1 First Aid Inspection Card – Number “1” 1 First Aid Record Book 1

Type 2, FA Kit Checklist Chapter 6, Annex C 1

Building: Kit Location: Date of Inspection: Inspected By: Contents Required in Kit # Required Available Needed Items Replaced Date Antiseptic cleansing towelettes, individually packaged 10 Sterile adhesive dressings, assorted sizes, individually packaged 50 10 cm X 10 cm sterile gauze pads, individually packaged 20 10 cm X 10 cm sterile compress dressing, with ties, individually packaged 3 15 cm X 15 cm sterile compress dressings, with ties, individually packaged 3 Conform gauze bandages – 75 mm wide 2 Cotton triangular bandage – 75 mm wide 4 Safety Pins – assorted sizes 8 Pair of scissors 1 Pair of tweezers 1 25 mm X 4.5 m of adhesive tape 1 Crepe tension bandage – 75 mm 2 Pairs disposable non-latex gloves 6 Sterile, dry eye dressing 1 Resuscitation barrier device with a one-way valve 1 First Aid Instruction Manual (condensed) 1 Waterproof “biohazard” waste bag 1 First Aid Inspection Card – Number “2” 1 First Aid Record Book 1

Type 3, FA Kit Checklist Chapter 6, Annex D 1

Building: Kit Location: Date of Inspection: Inspected By: Contents Required in Kit # Required Available Needed Items Replaced Date Antiseptic cleansing towelettes, individually packaged 25 Sterile adhesive dressings, assorted sizes, individually packaged 100 10 cm X 10 cm sterile gauze pads, individually packaged 50 10 cm X 10 cm sterile compress dressing, with ties, individually packaged 6 15 cm X 15 cm sterile compress dressings, with ties, individually packaged 6 20 cm X 25 cm sterile abdominal dressings, individually packaged 4 Conform gauze bandages – 75 mm wide 6 Cotton triangular bandages 12 Safety Pins – assorted sizes 12 Pair of scissors 1 Pair of tweezers 1 25 mm X 4.5 m of adhesive tape 2 Crepe tension bandage – 75 mm 4 Pairs disposable non-latex gloves 12 Sterile, dry eye dressing 2 Resuscitation barrier device with a one-way valve 1 First Aid Instruction Manual (condensed) 1 Waterproof “biohazard” waste bag 2 First Aid Inspection Card – Number “3” 1 First Aid Record Book 1

Type P, FA Kit Checklist Chapter 6, Annex E 1

Building: Kit Location: Date of Inspection: Inspected By: Contents Required in Kit # Required Available Needed Items Replaced Date Sterile adhesive dressings, assorted sizes, individually packaged 10 10 cm x 10 cm sterile gauze pads, individually packaged 5 10 cm x 10 cm sterile compress dressing, with ties 1 Antiseptic cleansing towelettes, individually packaged 5 Cotton triangular bandage 1 Waterproof waste bag 1 Pair disposable non-latex gloves 1

First Aid Record Form Chapter 6, Annex F 1

Date of injury or illness: ___________________________________ Time: ________________ AM Day Month Year PM Date injury or illness REPORTED: ___________________________________ Time: ________________ AM Day Month Year PM Full name of injured/ill worker: Description of the injury/illness:

Description of where the injury/illness occurred:

Cause of the injury/illness:

First Aid provided? � Yes � No Name of First Aider: First Aid provided:

When completed, mail this form to Central Office in the envelopes provided. The injured employee may keep a photocopy, if they wish. In the event that medical attention is required, the correct WCB forms must be completed within 24 hours. For assistance in completing the forms, contact the Occupational Health & Safety Office, as soon as possible.

Personal Protective Equipment Chapter 7 1/10

CHAPTER 7

Legislative Requirements Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Regulations

Under Alberta Provincial legislation, the District is expected to ensure that employees use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The provider of the PPE can be either the employee or the employer as long as the minimum standards set out within Legislation are met. Personal Protective Equipment is regulated under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code

• Part 18 Personal Protective Equipment • Part 16 Noise Exposure, Section 222 - Hearing Protection • Part 23 Scaffolds & Temporary Structures

Wherever there are hazards that may require the use of personal protective equipment, by Law, the employer is required to first take reasonable measures to reduce the hazard by implementing various Controls. When applying controls, the hierarchy to follow is:

• A means of elimination, • Engineering controls, • Administrative controls or • Alternate work practices.

If these measures do not eliminate or reduce the hazard to where there is no danger to the occupational health and safety of employees, then PPE can be used.

Part 18 Personal Protective Equipment states:

If the hazard assessment indicates the need for personal protective equipment, an employer must ensure that:

• Employees wear personal protective equipment that is correct for the hazard and protects employees.

• Employees properly use and wear the personal protective equipment. • The personal protective equipment is in a condition to perform the function for which

it was designed, and workers are trained in the correct use, care, limitations and assigned maintenance of the personal protective equipment.

An employee must:

• Use and wear properly the appropriate personal protective equipment specified in the Operational Health and Safety code in accordance with the training and instruction received.

• Inspect the personal protective equipment before using it. • Not use personal protective equipment that is unable to perform the function for

which it is designed.

An employer must ensure that the use of personal protective equipment does not itself endanger the employee.


The District employee has the obligation to ensure that they purchase the PPE that is required for their job as per the guide in Annex B of this Chapter. The employee shall, if needed, receive clarification from their supervisor on PPE purchase responsibilities prior to purchasing the footwear.

Overview

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to protect employees from health or safety hazards associated with working conditions at a work site, and includes a falling arrest device. The best way to prevent injuries is to eliminate the hazard. For instance, to protect eyes, safety glass or plastic shields can be installed on machines to prevent exposure to flying particles or liquids; enclosures can be used to control dusts, mists and vapours; and proper ventilation can be provided to remove harmful substances before they become airborne and reach the working area. Good housekeeping at the workplace can reduce the risk of slips due to spilled or leaking fluids, and falls due to tripping over objects on the floor or in the aisle. Storing heavier objects on low shelves or pallets can reduce the risk of them falling on the foot. Noise can be controlled in the workplace by reducing the noise at its source or changing the path of the sound through engineering controls. PPE should not be used as a substitute for other health and safety control measures. If hazards cannot be eliminated, personal protective equipment shall be worn for protection of the employee. PPE is supplied by either the employer or the employee as outlined in this document. As well, all PPE shall meet regulatory and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements as set out by Alberta Occupational Health & Safety. Examples of types of personal protective equipment and when and where they should be used are outlined in the balance of Chapter 7 of the District Safety Manual and its associated Annexes.

Personal Protective Equipment Compliance

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is judged from an adequate protection standard for all actual or potential work hazards to which employees, students, visitors and volunteers could be exposed. The questions an Occupational Health & Safety Officer would ask are:

• Do all employees have PPE designed or constructed to provide adequate

protection from work hazards that could cause them bodily injury and do they know how to use it?

• Has a written hazard assessment been completed? • Where needed, is there a code of practice for respiratory protective equipment?

If the answers are YES to all these, then there is compliance. If not, then additional measures must be taken to protect the worker. Principals, non-school based department heads and employees are responsible for ensuring that:

• Work hazards have been identified. • Where possible, a written hazard assessment has been completed and all methods

of controlling hazards at the source have been implemented. • Appropriate PPE is available for employees, students, visitors and volunteers when

needed. • Employees, students, visitors and volunteers wear the required PPE. • Meetings are held to promote proper use of equipment and specific values to be

received from wearing it. • Employees have been competently trained and know when to wear the appropriate


PPE and how to wear it correctly. • Violations of failing to wear required PPE are investigated to determine their

causes.

Employees are competently trained if they know: • Their responsibility in following related codes of practice. • When to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). • How to select PPE appropriate to the hazard. • How to fit, clean and maintain their PPE. • The necessity to remove sub-standard or damaged PPE from service and notify

their Manager that this has occurred and that it needs to be replaced as soon as reasonably possible.

• Their responsibility to replace any PPE loaned to them if they lose it.

PPE Hazard Assessments

Hazard assessments are a mandatory for all workplaces in Alberta under Part 2, Section 7 of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Code. The Code requires that the employer conduct a written hazard assessment of the worksite and prepare a report of the findings and methods used to eliminate or control the hazards identified. Chapter 8 of this Occupational Health & Safety Manual provides information, guidance, forms, charts to be utilized when conducting Hazard Assessments for Personal Protective Equipment and other purposes. It also contains a number of samples of hazard assessments that may be helpful to assist you in conducting assessments for your workplace.

Various Personal Protective Equipment Head Protection

Head protection shall be worn in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from impact, flying or falling objects (e.g., working below other workers who are using tools and materials which could fall through grates), or electrical shock and burns. Specific areas where head protection may be necessary include, but are not limited to:

• Construction projects; • Areas where any crane, hoist, or other overhead lifting device is in operation; • Areas where there is a possibility of falling objects; • Work around energized electrical lines; • Tasks involving climbing or working in aerial lifts; • Areas on or adjacent to roads or highways where construction or maintenance

activity is being performed; and • Inspecting condemned or unsafe facilities.

Wearing head protection properly is essential. Hardhats should be worn square on the head, not tipped forward, backward, or to either side. If the head protection is not worn as designed, it may not offer the level of protection for which it was designed. Items are not to be placed or carried between the suspension and shell, or between the suspension and the head. This space is needed when the shell/suspension absorbs the force of an impact. (Refer to CSA Standard Z94.1-92 (R1998), Industrial Protection Headwear, for more information.) Hard hats will not be required inside an automobile, truck cab, or enclosed operator compartment. If a supervisor believes an enclosure will not provide adequate head protection in certain circumstances, a hardhat may be required. A hazard assessment of the situation is to be conducted and the results implemented, as necessary


Care & Maintenance of Head Protection Devices

It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain their safety equipment. To ensure this, head protection should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained at regular intervals or as directed by the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. Hard hats should be comfortably fitted and not dropped, painted on, marked or have non-approved accessories added to it or holes put into the shell. Drilling holes in the shell of a hard hat for ventilation is forbidden. Doing so eliminates the electrical insulation protection and the degree of impact resistance. Examine the shell for cracks, brittleness, discoloration or chalky appearance. The suspension should be examined for cracks, breaks, deep gouges or scrapes or frayed straps on the suspension system. Covering hardhats with stickers, emblems, decals or paint is prohibited. The adhesives on stickers damage the hard hat by interfering with it’s chemical composition and reduce it’s integrity and ability to protect the User sufficiently. Name identification stickers (small) are allowed on hard hats. These small stickers must be located on the front or back of the hard hat only. Approved accessories to protective headwear or hardhats such as earmuffs, chin straps and winter liners should be used when needed. These accessories are custom-made to be added to the hardhats ability to protect the worker and should be used only as they were designed for by the manufacturer.

Eye Protection

• Approved CSA eye protection, e.g., goggles, safety glasses, side shields, full face shields, welders’ lens or prescription non-glare tinted eyewear, shall be worn when there is or may exist danger at the workplace of injury or irritation to an employee, student, visitor or volunteer’s eyes from: Exposure to radiant energy, e.g., sun, welding flash. Flying particles, e.g., slag from welding, chipping or grinding. Splashing or spilling of liquids when working with potentially harmful chemicals,

e.g., caustics, acids, cleaning products. Harmful airborne chemicals, e.g., gases, vapours and particulates. (Refer to CSA Standard Z94.3-99, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors and CSA

Standard Z94.3-02, Eye and Face Protectors, for more information). Eye Protectors shall be comfortably fitted to the employee, student, visitor or volunteer

so as not to interfere with movement or hinder performance of task. Any eye protection should be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. Faceshields alone are not an acceptable substitute for eye protection equipment.

Suitable eye protectors shall be worn underneath a faceshield at all times. The District will provide the appropriate safety eye protection where applicable. Contact lenses are not a substitute for safety eyewear. Protective equipment shall be

worn over them. For more information regarding contact lens safety and when they should be worn, refer to guidelines for “Use of Contact Lenses in Industry” available from Alberta Occupational Health & Safety.

Ordinary prescription eyewear is not considered safety eyewear and does not protect the eyes from most hazards. Prescription safety eyewear must meet the requirements of the CSA Standard for both safety lenses and safety frames. Employees can choose the option of having and using prescription safety eyewear, at their own cost.


Use of Sideshields on Safety Eyewear

CSA Z94.3-07 requires safety eyewear to be fitted with sideshields when necessary for safety of a worker. This 2007 Standard requires side protection, such as sideshields, to be integrated or permanently affixed to the eyewear frame. Safety Glasses must have sideshields permanently attached at all times. In the event of an emergency or temporary measure of providing alternative safety eyewear, where sideshields are necessary for the safety of a worker, safety eyewear may be fitted with removable sideshields. This is not to become the norm and should only be utilized when absolutely necessary and only until permanent protective eyewear, with permanently affixed sideshields can be obtained and implemented in the workplace.

Eyewash Station

Please refer to First Aid & Emergency Eyewash, Chapter 6 of this Occupational Health & Safety Manual for information and details.

Foot Protection

Approved CSA - Grade 1 Green Triangle, Grade 2 Yellow Triangle and Grade 3 Red Triangle protective footwear shall be worn when there is danger in the workplace of injury to the employee’s feet. Annex C of this Chapter of the safety manual provides a Chart that employees and the employer can utilize to guide them in the selection of suitable safety footwear that compiles with legislation. It is the employee’s responsibility to provide the appropriate footwear. All safety footwear must comply with CSA Standard Z195-02 or Z195-M92, Protective Footwear in order to meet Legislated requirements. All protective footwear should be inspected regularly by the employee for excessive wear, e.g., footwear with shock resistant soles will lose its effectiveness if it gets wet or contaminated by common chemicals like road salt. If the toe cap is exposed through worn leather or has been knocked loose it probably can’t protect against a crushing injury. Also, boots can’t protect ankles against impact injuries or sprains nearly as well if they aren’t laced and tied correctly.

Prohibited Footwear

Any type or style of footwear that does not conform to the potential hazards, to which the employee will be exposed on the job, is prohibited. Appropriate workplace footwear is expected of all employees.

Exceptions

Rubber boots with steel toes and steel shanks will be acceptable when working in wet conditions.

Hand Protection General

Glove selection must include an initial workplace assessment to identify the specific hazards relating to the types of chemicals or other hazardous materials to be used, the specific tasks to be performed, and the conditions and duration of such work. Appropriate


glove protection must protect against the specific hazards presented and provide a comfortable and secure fit. The performance characteristics of a particular glove and its ability to protect against the specific hazards encountered are based on a number of factors, including the type of glove material, the manufacturing process, and its thickness, design, and size. Glove manufacturer performance data should always be consulted for physical and chemical resistance properties of their particular glove products. There are hundreds of types and styles of gloves available, for every imaginable application. Selecting the correct gloves for your workplace may be challenging and you decision could have adverse effects, if you select a glove that does not protect you sufficiently. In Annex B of this Chapter, PPE Selection Guide, there is a list of a variety of glove types, with a description of what they are designed to protect against, Use this Guide when selecting your workplace gloves. The District Occupational Health & Safety Office is available to assist in guiding you with the right selection for your workplace needs.

Limb And Body Protection

As per Alberta Legislation, if there is a danger that a worker’s hand, arm, leg or torso may be injured, an employer must ensure that the worker wears properly fitting hand, arm, leg or body protective equipment that is appropriate to the work, the work site and the hazards identified. Approved limb and body protection, e.g., gloves, aprons, leggings, arm coverings, waist supports, uniforms / coveralls and wrist supports shall be worn when there is danger in the work place of injury to the employee, student, visitor or volunteer’s hands, arms, body trunk or legs from:

• Temperature. • Motion, e.g., scrapes, abrasions, punctures, or repetitive strain. • Chemicals, e.g., caustics, acids, substances that are skin absorbed. • Biological, e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi. • Electrical. • Occupational cleanliness, e.g., food service.

Limb and body protection shall be appropriate to the work being done and properly fitted to the employee, student, visitor or volunteer. Employees, students, visitors or volunteers shall ensure their clothing, hair accessories, rings or other jewelry is so tied, fitted, covered or secured as to prevent entanglement or contact. Suitable attire, including appropriate shoes, normally worn by prudent individuals to avoid unnecessary risk, is the responsibility of the employee and is considered a condition of employment. More specific information on types of PPE suitable for limb and body protection is available in Annex C, of this Chapter of the Occupational Health and Safety Manual.

High-Visibility Apparel

High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) is clothing (e.g. vests, bibs or coveralls) that workers wear to improve how well other people "see" them (their visibility). Most often, high-visibility clothing is worn to alert drivers and other vehicle operators of a worker's presence, especially in low light and dark conditions. High-visibility headwear can also be worn to increase the visibility of the wearer in situations where part or all of the wearer's body could be obscured (e.g., leaves/trees, traffic barriers, construction materials, etc.).


Requirements for high-visibility safety clothing for Canadian workers are found in CSA Standard Z96-09 "High-Visibility Safety Apparel" and in the related guideline "CSA Z96.1, Guideline on selection, use, and care of high-visibility safety apparel."

High-visibility safety apparel is needed if you work when there is low light and poor visibility, especially if you are working around moving vehicles (cars, trucks or other machinery traveling under their own power - e.g. forklifts, backhoes, etc). High-visibility items allow you to be seen by the drivers of those vehicles sooner and more readily. This fact increases your safety at work. The human eye responds best to large, contrasting, bright or moving objects. Worker visibility is enhanced by high colour contrast between clothing and the work environment against which it is seen. As with any personal protective equipment, workers should be given appropriate training in the use and care of the equipment. The following minimum information should be provided to workers wearing high-visibility apparel:

• when to use the high-visibility apparel • fitting instructions, including how to put on and take off the apparel, if relevant, • the importance of using the apparel only in the specified way, • limitations of use, • how to store and maintain the apparel correctly, • how to check for wear and tear, and • how to clean or decontaminate the apparel correctly, with complete washing and/or

dry cleaning instructions.

For more information on the various types of HVSA available and guidance on the proper selection to suit the application you desire, see Annex B of this Chapter of the Occupational Health & Safety Manual or contact the District Occupational Health & Safety Office for assistance.

Fall Protection

A fall protection system such as an approved CSA safety belt, lanyard or lifeline must be used at all temporary or permanent work area above three metres. Employees must be trained and comply with Part 23 of the Occupational Health and Safety Code. Training must comply with section 15(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and all fall protection systems must comply with CSA standards for fall protection. Fall Protection is addressed in Chapter 13, of this Occupational Health & Safety Manual. Please refer to that area or contact the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer for all necessary information.

Hearing Protection

Medicine Hat School District will establish a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) to prevent occupational hearing loss and to ensure compliance with Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Code. Only approved CSA Class hearing protection shall be worn, when there is or may exist danger of noise levels greater than the legislated limits for unprotected exposure in the workplace resulting in injury or loss of hearing to the employee, student, visitor or volunteer. (Refer to CSA Standard Z94.2-02, “Hearing Protection Devices - Performance, Selection, Care and Use” for more information).


What are Sound Pressure Levels and how can it be dangerous?

Sound is described as vibration or pressure oscillation that is detectable by the ear drum. Sound pressure levels are measured in decibels. The level of decibels, of a sound is 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of this sound to the reference pressure, which must be explicitly stated. Alberta Legislation sets out what levels of sound must be protect against in the Schedule 3, Table 1 of the Occupational Health & Safety Code. Any person working in an environment with 85 dBA or higher for 8 hours within a 24 hour period, is considered to be exposed to a hazardous level of noise and controls must be applied at this level or higher.

Noise Controls

Engineering controls (any mechanism/design that limits exposure at the source) should be the first line of defense in reducing high noise levels, as this approach provides a long-term or permanent solution. Specialists in the field of sound physics and with appropriate equipment should be consulted for an assessment before any controls are implemented. Equipment should be properly maintained and when scheduled for replacement, quieter alternatives should be sought for purchase. All assessments and actions taken should be documented and copied to the District Occupational Health & Safety Office for recordkeeping.

Hearing Protection Devices

A hearing protection device is a personal safety product that is worn to reduce the harmful auditory and/or annoying effects of noise. Hearing protection devices should be viewed as a last resort, when other means such as engineering and administrative controls are not practical or economical. Personnel who work in high noise areas shall have several hearing protection device options available to them at no cost by their supervisor. Issued hearing protection devices should not be shared with anyone and be periodically replaced as necessary. Annex B of this Chapter of the Occupational Health & Safety Manual provides guidelines on types of hearing protection, care and maintenance of hearing protection and noise reduction ratings of hearing protection. Employees shall be instructed in the proper use, care and maintenance of their hearing protection devices by their supervisor or the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer. Audio devices are not a substitute form of hearing protection and are not allowed within the workplace for protection purposes. They give a false sense of defense to noise hazards and in many cases are more of hazard than the surrounding sound levels. They can create a distracted situation and their use within the workplace is strongly discouraged.

Respirators General

Whenever possible, suitable engineering or administrative controls will be used to prevent an exposure of an employee to harmful chemicals, dust or reduced oxygen in the air. When applying these methods does not provide sufficient protection to the employee or others working in the area, MHSD No. 76 will provide the appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure that it is properly fitted for each individual employee and student. It is the User’s responsibility to utilize the equipment as it is designed for, as well as to keep it clean, sufficiently maintained and safely stored from possible contamination or damage while in their possession.


Procedures for Utilizing Respirators Hazard Identification

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for identifying the specific hazards in their departments, which would require respiratory protection. These include: an airborne contaminant, a biological contaminant, a process that gives off a dust, fume, gas, mist, aerosol, smoke, or vapour of any kind or quantity that can be hazardous to workers, or an atmosphere containing less than 19.5% or more than 23 % by volume of oxygen.

Methods of Control

• Engineering methods such as local exhaust ventilation, addition of clean air to oxygen-deficient spaces, enclosure of a process producing the airborne contaminant and/or substitution of a less hazardous material should be considered.

• Administrative procedures such as safe work procedures may be used when air contaminants are present.

Selecting the Respiratory Protective Equipment

Annex B of this Chapter provides Guidelines in the proper selection of the correct respiratory equipment, when required. It shall be based upon a hazard assessment that has to be conducted to select the correct equipment and prior to conducting the task that is about to be performed. Additional assistance can be obtained from the District Occupational Health & Safety Office In Alberta, respiratory protective equipment must be approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or by another standards setting and equipment testing organization or combination of organizations acceptable to Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Workplace Health and Safety. The Canadian Standards Association Standard (CSA) Z94.4-02, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators is the standard for comprehensive qualitative and quantitative fit testing. Approved CSA respirators shall be worn, but not limited to these situations, when there is danger of injury to the employee from:

• Toxic gases. • Oxygen-deficient atmosphere. • Chemicals that produce vapours or mists. • Working with materials that present a serious inhalation hazard, e.g., asbestos.

Training for Respiratory Protective Equipment

Training will be arranged by the manager/supervisor and must include: • Information about the airborne contaminants, including potential health effects,

warning properties, etc.; • Why the particular respiratory protective equipment was chosen, its capabilities and

its limitations; • How to properly put on and take off the respirator; • How to test for a satisfactory fit; and • Familiarization with the Code of Practice. • Training should be reviewed at least every two years and/or whenever there are

changes in the products used or the processes involved.

The District will provide the appropriate respirators, where applicable.


PPE Training Requirements

All new employees, all transferred personnel and present employees who are expected to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of their job shall be trained in proper fitting, use, cleaning, maintenance and storage of the personal protective equipment they need to perform their work tasks safely. Initial and on-going safety training shall occur:

• At regular intervals, particularly when employees use the equipment on an infrequent basis.

• When a transferred employee is new to a workplace. • When new equipment is introduced into the workplace. • When there are changes in the legislation.

In order to implement a local personal protective equipment program, all Principals and non-school based department heads shall:

• Identify the hazards in the workplace where personal protective equipment (PPE) will be necessary.

• Select and purchase the appropriate PPE for the hazard(s) according to District guidelines and standards.

• Ensure employees have the PPE necessary for their job or emergency situations they might encounter.

• Post signs in areas where there are hazards warning any employee, student, visitor or volunteer coming into the area about the hazard, calling attention to what PPE is required before entry.

To maintain a locally implemented personal protective equipment program, Principals and non-school based department heads shall:

• Ensure that required PPE is present, and in sufficient quantities, in the areas where it is required.

• Conduct periodic inspections to ensure that PPE is being maintained and used proper where required.

• Documentation of these inspections are kept and be maintained on an ongoing basis.

• Ensure that appropriate on-going cleaning and maintenance is in compliance with Legislated Standards for all types of PPE.

EMPLOYEE OWNED EQUIPMENT

When an employee chooses to provide their own personal protective equipment the supervisor must be informed. Equipment must then be assessed to assure its adequacy and complies with Alberta Legislated Standards, including proper usage, maintenance, care and sanitation of such equipment.

PPE Example Applications Chapter 7, Annex A 1/3

Potential Sources of Hazards in a Workplace

Affected Body Part

Recommended PPE

Chemical and Splashing Liquid (e.g. Acid and chemical handling, hazardous drug preparation and administration, biological substances, food processing, painting, cleaning products, pesticide and herbicide use, etc.)

Eyes Goggles, safety glasses with side shields (not for chemical protection)

Head, Neck, Face

Chem-resistant Tyvek hood, face shield, chemical/liquid resistant hood/cap, fluid-resistant surgical masks or surgical mask/face shield combinations (generally not for chemical protection)

Feet and Toes Slip-resistant shoes, chemical/liquid resistant overshoes

Hands Chosen based on specific hazard: Nitrile, butyl rubber, neoprene, Silver Shield or other chemical resistant gloves or mittens

Body: torso, arms, legs

Chemical/liquid resistant clothing

High Heat (dry) (e.g. Burns from hot surfaces, sparks, Bunsen burners, welding, kitchen equipment, furnace operations, etc.)

Eyes Goggles, safety glasses with side shields, insulated helmet

Head, Neck, Face

Face shield, flame retardant / insulated helmet, cap or hood

Feet and Toes Leather shoes, foundry shoes Hands Hand protection made from

insulated or flame resistant materials such as Nomex, Kevlar, leather, terry, cotton, etc.


Clothing made from flame resistant or insulated material such as Nomex or leather

High Heat (liquid) (e.g. Burns from hot liquids, molten metal, steam, food preparation, etc.)

Eyes Goggles, safety glasses with side shields Head, Neck, Face

Face shield, protective hood/helmet

Feet and Toes Leather shoes, foundry shoes Hands Insulated gloves with added liquid resistant

properties when necessary


Clothing made from treated wool or cotton, leather or specialty fabrics, such as Nomex


Cryogens/Extreme Cold (e.g. cryo-burns, frostbite, permanent eye damage from liquid nitrogen, CO2, non- insulated equipment, etc.)

Eyes Goggles Head, Neck, Face

Face shield

Feet and Toes Appropriate safety shoes Hands Cryo-gloves Body: torso, arms, legs

Lab coat, long pants, aprons, insulated cotton or synthetic fabrics

Dust/Flying Debris (e.g. Chipping, grinding, sanding, chiseling, woodworking, grounds keeping, coal handling, buffing, general dusty conditions, etc.)

Eyes Goggles, safety glasses with sideshields

Head, Neck, Face

Face shield, hard hat, helmet, hood

Feet and Toes Safety shoes if appropriate Hands Appropriate protective gloves Body: torso, arms, legs

Protective clothing made from synthetic or natural fabrics such as Kevlar or treated cotton/wool or cotton duck

Impact/Compression (e.g. Crushing or penetration from machinery, rotating equipment, materials handling, carpentry, construction, etc.)

Eyes Safety glasses with side shields Head, Neck, Face

Class G, E or C helmet

Feet and Toes Safety toes and metatarsal guards Hands Leather, Kevlar or other specialty

material Body: torso, arms, legs

Leather, Kevlar or cotton duck clothing

UV/IR Radiation (e.g. Optical radiation from welding, cutting, torch brazing or soldering, glare, laser, working outdoors, etc.)

Eyes Spectacles, welding face shield, goggles or helmet with appropriate shaded or special purpose lenses

Head, Neck, Face

Spectacles, welding face shield, goggles or helmet with appropriate shaded or special

Feet and Toes Closed-toe shoes Hands Sunscreen Body: torso, arms, legs

Sunscreen, clothing with SPF rating

Electrical Hazards (e.g. Open circuits, energized electrical equipment or utilities, electrical arcs, etc.)

Eyes Safety glasses Head, Neck, Face

Hard hat, Class E

Feet and Toes Electrical hazard footwear Hands Rubber gloves and insulating sleeves,

Class 00-4 based on maximum voltage exposure


Garments made from Protera synthetic material, flame retardant clothing


Puncture/Cuts/Abrasions (e.g. Sharp edges from tools and machines, food preparation, surgical equipment, syringes, etc.)

Eyes Safety glasses with side shields Head, Neck, Face

Face shield

Feet and Toes Safety toe and puncture resistant soles

Hands Material depends on specific hazard and severity, but can include leather, rubber, cotton, Kevlar, metal mesh, etc.


Clothing made from Kevlar, treated wool or cotton, duck or leather

Slippery/Wet Surfaces (e.g. Oil, water, soaps, wax, chemicals, food handling areas, etc.)

Feet and Toes Slip resistant safety shoes

Fall Hazards (e.g. Unprotected elevated working surfaces)

Body Personal fall protection and/or arrest systems

Noise (e.g. Mechanical rooms, machining, grinding, sanding, cage washing, dish washing, pneumatic equipment, grounds equipment, generators, chillers, motors, saws, jackhammers, etc.)

Head, Neck, Face

Aural inserts (ear plugs): fit directly into the ear canal, both formable and pre-molded versions available in various sizes Circumaural protectors (ear muffs): Plastic domes that cover the ears and are connected with a spring band that fits on top of the head or attached to a hard hat

Respiratory (e.g. Emergency response, hazardous chemicals, powders mists, vapors, smoke or gases, painting, welding, cutting, brazing, disturbing asbestos, lead, silica, or other particulate hazards, working with animals, entering fume hood plenums, grounds equipment, etc.)

Respiratory Appropriate respirator can be a filtering face piece (such as an N-95), PAPR, half-mask air- purifying, full-face air-purifying, or supplied air (including SCBA) depending on the hazard. A hazard assessment is required to decide which type of PPE is required, prior to selection and usage of the respirators.

PPE Selection Guidelines Chapter 7, Annex B 1/19

CHAPTER 7

Purpose

This Annex has been developed to guide and assist in the appropriate selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for protection of employees from those hazards determined from conducting a PPE hazard assessment of a work area or process, prior to conducting the work task. The protective device should be selected to fit the job, and the employee should become acquainted with the limitations of the PPE device selected.

PPE Hazard Assessments

Hazard assessments are a mandatory part of an Occupational Health & Safety Program under Part 2, Section 7 of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Code. The Code requires that the employer conduct a written hazard assessment of the worksite and prepare a report of the findings and methods used to eliminate or control the hazards identified. Hazard assessments are addressed in Chapter 8 of this manual.

Head and Neck Protection

Head and neck protection must be worn when employees are exposed to working environments where they might be struck on the head, strike their head against an overhead hazard, entangle their hair or be exposed to flying debris (e.g. chips, particles, sand, molten metal, etc.), or to chemical splashing, high voltage, electric shock or a combination of these hazards. • Hard Hats

Hard hats shall be constructed, selected, used and maintained in accordance with CSA Z94.1-2005, Industrial Protective Headwear - Performance, Selection, Care and Use. Be certain that hard hats provided are not bump caps and make the selection based on the CSA Standard, and ensure that the hard hat is marked with certification (manufacturer’s name, the legend “CSA Z94.1” or “ANSI Z89.1” and the class designation of G, E, or C). Class G (General) helmets are designed to decrease the impact of falling objects

and to lessen the risk of being exposed to low-voltage electrical conductors. Helmets are tested at 2200 volts of electrical charge in order to be certified.

Class E (Electrical) helmets are also intended to decrease the impact of falling objects, but these helmets reduce the risk of coming into contact with high-voltage electrical conductors. They are tested at 20,000 volts of electrical charge in order to receive certification.

Class C (Conductive) helmets also reduce the force of impact of falling objects, but do not protect against electrical contact.

• Hair Protection

Long hair, including long facial hair, which is susceptible to becoming entangled in moving machinery or drawn into such machinery by the generation of static electricity, shall be controlled by caps or hair nets at minimum.


Eye Protection

Suitable safety eyewear shall be provided and used where machinery, equipment or operations present the hazards of flying objects, impact, liquids, chemicals, injurious energies (laser, glare, radiation, etc.), intense heat/cold or a combination of these hazards. Care should be taken to recognize the possibility of multiple and simultaneous exposure to a variety of hazards. Certain operations require face protection in addition to eye protection and unless specifically designed for such uses, face shields are not to be worn in lieu of safety eyewear. The selection, use, and maintenance of safety eyewear shall be in accordance with the CSA Standard, Z94.3-07, Eye and Face Protectors and CSA Standard, Z94.3-99, Industrial Eye and Face Protectors. It is essential that eye and face protectors be kept clean. They shall be cleaned and inspected daily. Pitted or scratched lenses or faceshields reduce vision and seriously reduce protection as well as increase the hazard level of performing the task. Accordingly, lenses and faceshields shall be replaced when they are pitted or scratched to such a degree that your vision is obscured or hindered. • Safety Glasses

Safety glasses shall meet the impact requirements of CSA Standard, Z94.3-07, Eye and Face Protectors. Lenses and frames shall be marked with the manufacturer's symbol to indicate compliance with this Standard. The use of approved lenses in unapproved frames is not acceptable. Tinted lenses in safety glasses for minimizing solar glare are permissible only when used outdoors during daylight hours. Prescription safety glasses can be worn by personnel whose vision requires the use of corrective lenses.

• Side Shields

Side shields are required on safety glasses worn in eye-hazard areas and operations, unless it has been specifically determined for a particular operation that it is not possible for injurious objects or energies to enter the wearer's eyes from the side or that the reduced peripheral vision would pose a greater hazard to the employee. Side shields shall not be easily detachable from the frames; snap-on or slip-on types of side shields are not acceptable unless secure.

• Goggles

Goggles shall be worn to protect against dust particles, liquids, splashes, mists, spray and injurious radiation. They shall be designed to protect the eye sockets and the facial area around the eyes, thus protecting the wearer from side exposure. They can be worn over corrective eye glasses if they do not disturb the adjustment of the glasses, or corrective lenses can be incorporated into the goggle by mounting behind the protective lens.

• Laser Protection

Eye protection for laser operations must be in compliance with ANSI Z136.1-2000, the American National Standard Institutes’ Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers. Section 4.6.2 of this Standard requires that protective eyewear for use with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers are to be “permanently labeled with the optical density and wavelength for which protection is afforded” and that “periodic cleaning and inspection shall be made of protective eyewear to ensure the maintenance of satisfactory condition”.

• Welding Shades Shades in the form of spectacles, goggles, hand-held shields, or helmets are necessary when you are welding, brazing or torch-cutting, or when such work is being performed near you. Hazard assessment for the operation will determine the appropriate shade value. Filter lenses must meet the requirements for shade


designations in CAN/CSA-W117.2-06 (R2011), Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes and be identified as such. Additional information on welding shades, their selection and additional PPE for welding can be obtained through the District Occupational Health & Safety Office.

Foot Protection

Unless otherwise noted, the term shoe as used herein includes boots. Protective footwear should be worn in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling, rolling or puncture from objects; slips, trips and falls from slippery or wet surfaces; and exposure to electrical or chemical hazards. Protective footwear (other than slip-resistant footwear and overshoes) must comply with the CSA Standard, Z195-09, Protective Footwear and CSA Standard, Z195.1-02, Guideline on Selection, Care and Use of Protective Footwear. Closed-toe shoes shall be the minimum standard for foot protection wherever there is a potential for foot injury in the workplace.

Protective Footwear

• CSA Grade 1

Boots displaying the green triangle protective marking for CSA Grade 1 boots are designed for wear in instances of possible injury to the ankle, shin or sole. These types of boots are manufactured for protective footwear for construction labs, heating and cooling shops, automotive, buildings and grounds and sheet metal shops. Rubber boots identified with the CSA Grade 1 green triangle protects the ankles, shins or soles from injury. These boots are worn in wet work environments such as fire protection labs or food and beverage wash areas. CSA Grade 1 rubber boots should also be worn for buildings and grounds work. CSA Grade 1 chemical-resistive boots distinguished by the green triangle are worn in work environments where there might be a chemical splash resulting in worker injuries.

• Dielectric Insulation (DI)

DI footwear provides additional insulation if accidental contact is made with energized electrical conductors, apparatus or circuits and must meet the minimum insulation performance requirements of ASTM F1117-03 (2008) Standard Specification for Dielectric Footwear and tested with the ASTM F1116-03 (2008) Standard Test Method for Determining Dielectric Strength of Dielectric Footwear.

• Electrical Shock Resistant (ESR)

Footwear designed to reduce the hazards due to the contact of the sole with electrically energized parts and to provide secondary electrical hazard protection on substantially insulated surfaces. The soles of electrical hazard footwear are non-conductive and must be capable of withstanding the application of 14,000 volts at 60 hertz for 1 minute with no current flow or leakage current in excess of 3 milliamperes, under dry conditions. This type of protection is identified by a white rectangular label, with an orange Greek “Omega” inside it.

• Static Dissipative (SD) This type of footwear is designed to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity by conducting body charge to ground, while maintaining a high enough level of electrical resistance to reduce the possibility of electric shock. The footwear must have electrical resistance between 106 ohms and 108 ohms. This type of protection is identified by a yellow rectangle, with green “SD” letters inside it.


• Chain Saw Cut Resistant (CS) This footwear is designed to protect the foot area between the toe and lower leg when operating a chain saw and must meet the ASTM F1818-04 Standard Specification for Foot Protection for Chainsaw Users. This type of protection is identified by a white label, with a green tree inside it.

• Puncture Resistant (PR)

A puncture resistant device located in the shoe sole reduces the possibility of puncture wounds to the soles of the feet by objects that could penetrate the outsoles of the footwear. This type of protection is indicated by a yellow triangle, with a black “R” inside it.

Additional Safety Footwear • Slip Resistant

Shoes with tread composition and tread pattern designed to give better traction than standard shoes on slippery surfaces shall be worn to prevent slips and falls in wet environments.

• Overshoes

Rubber or neoprene overshoes are designed to protect against splashing liquids or chemicals.

NOTE: The CSA Safety Footwear Selection Chart is accessible as Annex C to this chapter. See it for more detailed guidance on proper selection of CSA approved safety footwear appropriate for your work situation.

Hand Protection

Suitable hand and lower arm protection shall be provided and used where machinery, equipment or operations present the hazards of mechanical injury, extreme heat or cold exposure, chemical exposure, blood and body fluids (BBF), hazardous drugs, radiation, electrical shock, vibration or any combination of these hazards.

Glove Types

• Thermal Gloves

A variety of gloves are designed to protect workers’ hands and arms from the extremes of hot or cold when working with autoclaves, cryogenics, kitchen equipment, food, welding or laboratory equipment. Gloves should be chosen based on the extreme of temperatures expected along with conditions of wet, dry and abrasive.

• Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are used most commonly in food processing or assembly, laboratories, industrial and healthcare applications. They are available in latex rubber, nitrile, polyethylene, PVC, neoprene, vinyl and other synthetic materials. Latex is being replaced by other suitable alternatives because of the latex allergy concern.

• Cut-Resistant Gloves

Kevlar or Dyneema fiber knit gloves, gloves containing metal fibers, or metal mesh gloves are used when workers are at risk of being cut by equipment or the products they are handling.


• Chemical Resistant Gloves These gloves can be disposable or reusable and generally do not protect against all chemical hazards. The appropriate glove material must be selected that provides resistance to the specific chemical hazard that will be encountered, such as acids, alcohols, oils, corrosives and solvents.

• Electrical Gloves

Rubber and leather insulating gloves, mittens, and sleeves are designed to protect the worker from electrical hazards such as fire ignition, electric shock, arc flash and blast. The proper gloves shall be chosen in accordance with the NFPA 70E (2009) Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace and tested to appropriate voltage meeting ASTM D120-09 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves.

• Anti-Vibration Gloves

Padded gloves are used to prevent Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) that often occurs from repeat exposure to vibration. Highly specialized tasks such as operating chain saws, grinders, nail guns, sanders and any machinery that produces high levels of vibration would put employees at risk for HAVS.

• General Purpose Gloves

These gloves are available in jersey, canvas or string knits, leather or as leather palm work gloves. They protect against abrasion and can be unlined or lined for cold weather.

• Finger Cots

Made of latex, nitrile rubber, vinyl, cotton or leather, these individual finger covers can be used in, but not limited to, the healthcare industry, food processing and when handling rough, sharp and hot surfaces.

Limb and Body Protection

Protective clothing includes coveralls, gloves, aprons, sleeves, leggings and garments that cover the body. These items are intended to protect the wearer against heat, cold, moisture, toxic chemicals, acids, corrosives, electricity, biological and physical hazards such as sharp objects, flying objects, excessive dust, grease, etc. When specific items of personal attire are judged to be hazardous to an operation or work environment, their use shall be prohibited. Some examples: the wearing of long sleeves, jewelry, and loose-fitting or dangling clothing shall not be permitted around rotating machinery; silk, wool, rayon, nylon, and other synthetic fiber garments shall not be worn in any operation in which the generation of static electricity would create a hazard. Suitable attire, including appropriate shoes, normally worn by prudent individuals to avoid unnecessary risk, is the responsibility of the employee and is considered a condition of employment.

Specialty Clothing Where employees are required to wear special protective clothing that necessitates changing from street clothes, a designated location for changing clothes and suitable clothing lockers will be provided. Special protective clothing worn on the job shall not be worn or taken away from the premises by employees, since this may expose other persons to unnecessary risk caused by contaminated clothing. The employee’s department will be responsible for cleaning and drying special clothing contaminated with or exposed to hazardous materials or for the proper disposal in the event contaminated clothing needs to be discarded.


The table below lists the names of some commercial products that are used in producing certain kinds of personal protective clothing (e.g., gloves, aprons, vests, suits). This list gives the name of the manufacturer and a brief description of the material and examples of what kinds of personal protective clothing are made from these materials. The list is not intended to be comprehensive; you may know of other products that meet your needs. The mention of trade name products is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of any product but is provided for the convenience of users since the trade mark names are used commonly in the workplace.

Trade Name Manufacturer Description

4H® Safety 4, Inc. Multi-layer laminate of polyethylene (PE) and ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH [ISO 1043-1 abbrev.] or EVAL) - offers protection against exposure to many chemicals and mixtures.

Chemrel® Chemron UK Multi-layered film barrier composites, laminated onto a soft polypropylene substrate; encapsulated suits made from different Chemrel™ fabrics are available providing protection against different chemicals and gases.

Kevlar® DuPont Aramid (aromatic polyamide) fibre - tough textile fiber used in protective clothing where resistance to cuts, heat, bullets or flying fragments is needed.

Nomex® DuPont High-temperature-resistant aramid (aromatic polyamide) fibre; resistant to a wide range of industrial chemicals and solvents.

Responder® Life-Guard Multi-film material designed to offer a high degree of permeation resistance to a broad range of chemicals; also used in level A vapour protective suits (totally encapsulated chemical [TECP] suits).

Saranex™ Dow Chemical Company

Multi-layer coextruded film made from polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA or EVAC [ISO 1043-1 abbrev.]). Used as a coating for protective clothing.

Silver Shield®

Siebe North Inc. A laminate material that offers excellent protection against a wide range of chemicals and solvents but does not have good cut-resistance. Can be used as an inner glove to enhance protection where cuts / mechanical damage are likely.

Teflon® DuPont Fluorocarbon polymers made from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) or from a mixture of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene. Has excellent chemical and thermal resistance but poor physical strength properties; is combined with other materials in protective clothing.

Trellchem® Trelleborg Protective Products AB

Trade name of a range of chemical protective suits. All are made with a polyamide fabric coated with different materials for the outside and inside layers offering protection against exposure to wide range of chemicals; some suits (HPS,VPS,TLU-A) meet NFPA flammability test criteria. Trellchem® HPS (High Performance Suit) - Viton® and butyl rubber outside and a polymer barrier laminate inside.


Trellchem® VPS (Vapour Barrier Suit) - chloroprene rubber outside and a polymer barrier laminate inside. Trellchem® Super - Viton® and butyl rubber outside and butyl rubber inside. Trellchem Butyl® - butyl rubber outside and inside. Trellchem® Light - polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outside and inside. Trellchem® TLU (Limited Use) - polymer barrier laminate outside and inside.

Tychem® DuPont Offers protection against exposure to wide range of chemicals and is tear and puncture resistant.

Viton® DuPont Dow Elastomers

Series of synthetic fluororubbers, elastomers based on polymers made from hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride or vinyl fluoride; other fluorocarbons may be used in some Viton® products.

Zetex® Newtex Clothing products are woven from highly texturized silica yarns - an alternative to asbestos for gloves, etc. for protection against heat, flames and sparks.

High-Visibility Apparel What to look for in High-Visibility Safety Apparel

Size/Coverage • Large, bright garments are more visible than small ones. Coverage all around the body

(360° full body coverage) provides better visibility in all viewing directions. • Stripes of colours that contrast (have a distinct colour difference) with the background

material to provide good visibility. Stripes on the arms and legs can provide visual clues about the motion of the person wearing the garment.

• When background material is bright coloured or fluorescent material, it is intended to be highly visible, but is not intended to provide retroreflective performance.

• Other requirements such as flame resistance, thermal performance, water resistance, durability, comfort, tear-away features, material breathability and flexibility that are applicable to the job.

Employers should select the colour and stripe combination that provides the preferred contrast and visual indication of movement. Fit • For safety and best performance, garments should be fitted to the person. Don't forget

to consider the bulk of clothing that might be worn underneath the garments and how the garment should be worn (i.e. done up properly around the body with no loose or dangling components). The garments should sit correctly on your body and stay in place while performing work duties.

• The apparel should be comfortable to wear - the parts of the apparel that come into direct contact with the worker should not be rough, have sharp edges or projections that could cause excessive irritation or injuries. The apparel should also be lightweight.


• Garments should be selected and worn so that no other clothing or equipment covers the high-visibility materials (e.g. glove gauntlets, equipment belts and high-cut boots).

Brightness • Daylight - Bright colours are more visible than dull colours under daylight conditions

(e.g. fluorescent materials are suitable for daylight). • Low light conditions - Fluorescent colours are more effective than bright colours under

low light (e.g. dawn and dusk). Under these conditions, reflective materials are also strongly encouraged.

• Dark conditions/worksites - Greater retroreflectivity provides greater visibility under low light conditions. Retroreflective materials provide high-visibility conditions and are preferred over bright colours. Fluorescent materials are ineffective at night and less visible than white fabrics.

Design To comply with the CSA Standard, the High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA) should meet the following criteria: • Stripes/bands are to be in a distinctive, standardized pattern: a symmetric "X" on the back extending from the shoulders to the waist, two vertical stripes on the front passing over the shoulders and down to the waist,

and a waist-level horizontal stripe extending entirely around the back to the bottom of the

vertical stripes on the front. This horizontal stripe may continue between the front vertical stripes (optional). For Class 3 apparel, stripes/bands encircling both arms and both legs are added.

• The stripes/bands are to be displayed in a way to ensure that some part of them is visible from all angles around the body (i.e. 360° visibility).

• For all classes, the total width of stripes/bands must be at least 50 mm (1.96") throughout. Stripes/bands near the bottom edge of a garment, sleeve or pant leg must be at least 50 mm (1.96") away from the edge.

• Stripes/bands may be made up entirely of combined-performance or retroreflective material.

Colour The CSA Z96-09 High-Visibility Safety Apparel Standard specifies three colours for background materials and contrasting-colour stripes to provide options that are intended to create visibility against most work environments. The stripes should be either retroreflective or combined performance. • Background material: should be fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red or

fluorescent red or bright yellow-green, bright orange-red or bright red. • Combined performance retroreflective material (i.e. the stripes should be fluorescent yellow-

green, fluorescent orange-red or fluorescent red - and must be in contrast (that is, have a distinct colour difference) to the background material.

• High-Visibility Headwear • Should include both retroreflective materials and fluorescent or bright colour background

materials and should be attached to the headwear to provide full (360°) visibility. • Ensure that materials attached to a hard hat, for example, does not affect the hat's ability

to protect the head. Care/Maintenance • Keep your high-visibility apparel clean and well-maintained. Contaminated or dirty

retroreflective materials provide lower visibility.


• Replace garments that show signs of wear and tear, soiling, or contamination as it will no longer be able to provide acceptable levels of visibility.

• Purchasers of HVSA should get proof that the materials used and the design of the garment meet the requirements of the CSA Z96-09 Standard.

Classes of High-Visibility Safety Apparel The CSA Standard Z96-09 High-Visibility Safety Apparel sets out levels of retroreflective performance (i.e. the effectiveness of material in returning light to its source), the colours and luminosity of background material and how much of the body that should be covered by the high-visibility components. There are also special requirements for garments that provide electrical flash and flame protection. Note that although specifications for apparel classes are similar to that in ANSI/ISEA 107, these CSA classes differ in that they specify body coverage rather than minimum areas. CSA lists three classes of garments based on body coverage provided. Each class covers the torso (waist to neck) and/or limbs according to the minimum body coverage areas specified for each class. • Class 1 provides the lowest recognized coverage and good visibility. • Class 2 provides moderate body coverage and superior visibility. • Class 3 provides the greatest body coverage and visibility under poor light conditions

and at great distance. Details for each of the classes are listed below. For more details on the exact specifications, please refer to the CSA Standard (Note: While the CSA Standard does not provide specifications for the application of high-visibility apparel to specific job types, this Guide does provide some examples of jobs where the different classes may be appropriate.)

In-depth Description of the Classes of High-Visibility Safety Apparel Class 1 Apparel consists of a basic harness or stripes/bands over the shoulder(s) and encircling the waist. The center portion of the front torso band between the two vertical bands is optional. See Figure 1 below, for examples of Class 1 apparel. Examples of situations where you may use Class 1: • Workers in activities that permit full and undivided attention to approaching traffic. • When work backgrounds are not complex, allowing for optimal visibility. • When workers on foot are separated from traffic (e.g. by barriers). • When vehicles are moving slowly (e.g. less than 40 km/h [25 mph]). Examples of jobs include: • Workers directing vehicle operators to parking or service locations. • Workers retrieving shopping carts in parking areas. • Workers in warehouse operations. • "Right-of-Way" or sidewalk maintenance workers. • Workers in shipping or receiving operations.


Figure 1

Examples of Class 1 Apparel Harness or Colour/Retroreflective Stripes on Other Clothing

Class 2

Provides wearer with more visibility than Class 1. Apparel has full coverage of the upper torso (front, back, sides, and over the shoulders) and includes bib-style overalls. Stripes/bands are composed of retroreflective or combined performance materials. See Figure 2 for examples of Class 2 apparel. Examples of situations where you may use Class 2: • When vehicles or equipment are moving between 40-80 km/h (25-50 mph). • Workers who require greater visibility under inclement weather conditions or low light. • When work backgrounds are complex. • When workers are performing tasks that divert attention from approaching vehicle traffic. • When work activities are in closer proximity to vehicles (in or near flowing vehicle traffic). Examples of jobs include: • Roadway construction, utility, forestry or railway workers. • Survey crews. • School crossing guard. • High-volume parking and/or toll gate workers. • Airport baggage handlers and ground crews. • Emergency responders in flagging operations. • Members of law enforcement. • Accident site investigators. • Tow truck operators. • Roadside vehicle maintenance workers.

(See the next 3 Pages for Visual Examples of Class 2 HVSA)


Figure 2 Examples of Class 2 Apparel Vests, Jackets, Coat and Bib overalls


Class 3

Provides the greatest visibility for the wearer under poor light conditions and at great distances. Apparel meets the same requirements as Class 2 with the addition of bands around both arms and legs. These bands are made up of combined performance stripes/bands or a combination of retroreflective and background material. Background material can cover the whole garment or a portion of the garment. See Figure 3 for examples of Class 3 apparel. Examples of situations where you may use Class 3: • Vehicle speeds exceeding 80 km/h. • High volume traffic and unmonitored equipment movement. • Workers on foot and vehicle operators with multi-task loads that divert attention and

increase risk. • Complex backgrounds. • Work activities taking place in or near to flowing vehicle traffic. • When the wearer must be conspicuous through the full range of body motions at a

minimum of 390 m (1,280 ft). • Work activities taking place under icy or snowy conditions. • Work activities taking place in low light or at nighttime.


Examples of jobs include: • Roadway construction workers in inclement weather, road closures, complex lane shifts,

etc. • Utility workers. • Survey crews. • High-volume parking and toll-gate workers. • Airport baggage handlers and ground crews. • Emergency responders in flagging operations. • Law enforcement officers. • Flaggers in night operations and/or high congestion areas.

Figure 3

Examples of Class 3 Apparel Jackets and Overalls


Fall Protection

Fall Protection is addressed in Chapter 11, of this Occupational Health & Safety Manual. Please refer to that area of this manual or contact the District Occupational Health & Safety Officer for additional assistance and any necessary information.

Hearing Protection

Hearing protection is required for employees working in areas where they are exposed to noise at or above 85 dBA, or while working with equipment that generates noise at or above 85 dBA. Types of Hearing Protection • Aural inserts (ear plugs): fit directly into the ear canal, both formable and pre-molded

versions are available in various sizes. Aural inserts are best for employees, students, visitors or volunteers who work in noise but must also wear other safety gear such as helmets, respirators or goggles.

• Circumaural protectors (ear muffs): Plastic domes that cover the ears and are connected with a spring band that fits on top of the head or attached to a hard hat. Circumaural protectors are best for employees who work all day in noise, as they provide greater


protection or for those staff intermittently exposed as they are easier to put on and take off.

Hearing Protection shall: • Be inspected and cleaned daily if non-disposable plugs, kept dry and stored

appropriately. • Fit appropriately and be the correct type for specific noise conditions, substitutions or

alteration shall not be made. • Work well with other Personal Protective Equipment used. • Be suitable for temperature and humidity conditions at the workplace.

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) NRR stands for Noise Reduction Rating and is the greatest amount of sound reduction that a hearing protection device can provide. A higher NRR decibel (dBA) rating means a greater amount of noise reduction. For example, an earplug with a noise reduction rating of 29 dBA provides more protection than an NRR 25 earplug. The manager is responsible to provide the appropriate hearing protection for employees, where applicable. Hearing Protection Signage Standard hazard recognition signs shall be used to identify all high noise areas and to inform employees that hearing PPE is required to be worn in the immediate area. All supervisors of these areas are responsible to ensure all personnel in the area, use hearing protection devices sufficient to protect themselves from these hazards at all times.

Respiratory Protection

Respirators can only be effective if they are maintained regularly and used for only the applications in which they are specifically assembled to be utilized for. Every situation is different. The manager and/or supervisor needs to consider the following in order to purchase the most appropriate respiratory protective equipment. Most safety supply companies have access to qualified Occupational Hygienists to guide employers in selecting the correct equipment.

Selection of a Respirator There are two main categories of respiratory protection. One type is for conditions that may be Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH). The other category is for non-IDLH. • IDLH

The following need to be identified and reassessed whenever changes in the products or the process are made: Identification of airborne contaminant(s). The chemical name needs to be known - so

the most appropriate filter is selected. Concentration of airborne contaminant(s). The average workday concentration and

the highest short-term concentrations should be determined. Concentration of oxygen. Workers working in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere

require atmosphere-supplying respiratory protective equipment.

• Non-IDLH The following factors determine the choice of respiratory protective equipment for non-IDLH situations. These factors need to be reassessed every time products or processes change. Oxygen deficiency: This situation is where the air has reduced oxygen content and is

not IDLH - but is hazardous to health. An atmosphere supplying respirator must be used.


Physical form: Identify all the physical forms that may be present; dust, mist, fume, fibre, gas, vapour, etc.

Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs): These determine how great a protection factor is required.

Length of time during which the respirator will be needed. Certain types are effective for longer periods of time than others.

Toxic properties: By recognizing the full hazard, a full facepiece rather than a half mask respirator should be chosen for protection against eye irritants.

Warning properties: If workers are aware of a substance because they detect a smell or their nose, eyes or throat become irritated, they will be aware that there is a poor fit of the mask or that the cartridges are exhausted.

Need for emergency escape. Fit Critically important for sufficient protection of the employee is the correct selection of the respirator. There is more than one size of face pieces in most models. If a satisfactory fit cannot be achieved, a different type of respirator must be used. However, it must have a protection factor equal to or greater than the original respiratory protective equipment. Worker comfort should be accommodated wherever possible to ensure compliance with the Code. Hot, cold or confined working conditions are uncomfortable and the use of respirators will intensify the discomfort. Respiratory protection is provided only if the facepiece provides a proper seal. The worker must be clean where the facepiece contacts the face skin. Unusual facial contours, scars, skin conditions, eyeglasses and missing dentures will interfere with the seal. The seal should be tested and a “user seal check” should be obtained prior to each and every use. Manufacturers should provide instructions on how to complete the “user seal test”, relative to the design of their equipment. General Maintenance and Care of Respirators • Inspect the respirator before and after each use and during cleaning. • Inspect equipment designated for "emergency use" at least monthly and after each use. • Replace all parts that are cracked, torn, broken, missing or worn. • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult CSA Standard Z94.4-11, Selection,

Care and Use of Respirators for information on the proper care, maintenance, and storage of respirators.

• Permit only trained manufacturer-certified personnel to maintain SCBA. • Do not mix parts from different manufacturers. • Maintain a complete record for each SCBA facepiece and cylinder.

Specific Maintenance and Care of Respirators

Facepieces • Ensure that no holes or tears are present. • Inspect for cracked, scratched or loose-fitting lenses. For a full facepiece respirator,

check for missing mounting clips. • Ensure that the metal nose clip forms easily over the bridge of the nose on disposable

respirators. • Make sure the facepiece edges are not rippled or distorted. • Disconnect the facepiece from the breathing apparatus. Wash alone in warm (49-60 ºC

or 120-140 ºF) soapy water using a mild dish detergent. • Rinse the water through the facepiece by placing the palm of the hand over the

breathing tube connector on the exhalation-valve body.


• Remove excess water with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. • Allow to air dry. • Sanitize according to the manufacturer's instructions. • Check for tears in the rubber. • Check head strap for deterioration. • Examine lenses for cracks, excessive scratching or other deformities. • Check rings and clamps securing the lens for bends or bulges in the metal. • Check the exhalation valve to ensure that it is properly located and that the valve cover

is in place. • Test the exhalation valve. Block the air intake opening and exhale gently. If the

exhalation valve is not working properly, a heavy blow-by will be felt at the temples. Inhale and a partial vacuum will be formed. Do not mix demand and pressure-demand facepieces and regulators.

Head strap/harness • Check webbing for breaks. • Look for deterioration of elasticity or fraying edges. • Test excessively worn head harness.

Inhalation and exhalation valves • Ensure the valve and valve seat are free of dust particles or dirt that may cause a poor

seal or reduce efficiency. • Replace any missing or defective valve covers.

Filter elements • Ensure that the filter and mask are certified for use together. • Check the filter to see that they are approved for the hazard. • Inspect both the filter threads and facepiece threads for wear, make sure they are

screwed together properly and there is no cross threading. • Check the filter housing for cracks or dents. • Check the end of service life indicator for gas masks. Check the expiration date.

Regulators • Check the regulator, breathing-tube threads, pressure gauge, and bypass and mainline

valves for impact damage. • Store with the cylinder valve completely closed. • Bleed off air remaining in the regulator after each use, following manufacturer's

instructions.

Breathing tubes • Stretch the breathing tube and check for cracks, tears and punctures. • Check gaskets. • Check clamps and rings to ensure that they are tight, properly located, not dented and

not excessively corroded. • Wash the breathing tube separately and allow to air dry. If it is permanently attached to

the facepiece, allow the breathing tube to dry for several days before using.

High-pressure hoses • Check the hose for cuts, bubbles and abrasions. • Check the fitting between the high-pressure hose and the regulator for damage.


Audible alarms • Check the audible alarm for damage. • Clean bells or whistles. • Ensure that the alarm is working. If the alarm does not go off when the pressure reaches

20-25% of service time, the unit is defective. Remove the unit from service.

Backpacks • Inspect the straps of the backpack for excessive wear, broken stitching, and damaged or

missing hardware.

Cylinders • Ensure cylinders are hydrostatically tested as set out in CSA Standard Z94.4-11.

Repairing, cleaning and storing • Do not clean with solvents. • Follow the manufacturer's instructions. • Wash with a mild dish detergent or a combination of detergent and disinfectant. Use a

brush and warm water (49-60ºC or 120-140ºF). • Rinse with clean water or rinse once with a disinfectant and once with clean water. The

clean water rinse removes excess detergent or disinfectant that can cause skin irritation or dermatitis.

• Dry on a rack or clean surface or hang from a clothes line. Position the respirator so that the facepiece rubber will not "set" crookedly as it dries.

• Store the respirator at the end of each shift to protect it from dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture and chemicals.

• Clean and disinfect respirators after each use, where appropriate. • Permit only trained and qualified personnel to repair respirators. • Do not mix parts from different manufacturers. • Record all repairs and inspections. • Remove dirt. • Check for distortion caused by improper storage.

CSA Safety Footwear Chart Chapter 7, Annex C 1

CSA Safety Footwear Selection Chart The following symbols and markings will help you determine which footwear is appropriate for your job, based on a pre-purchase hazard assessment of your work situation and locations.

Selection of Safety Footwear

Marking Criteria Use

Green triangle footwear has sole puncture protection with a Grade 1 protective toe (withstand impact up to 125 joules).

Any industrial or heavy work environment, including construction, where sharp objects are present (such as nails).

Yellow triangle footwear has sole puncture protection and Grade 2 protective toe (withstand impact up to 90 joules)

Light industrial work environments that need both puncture and toe protection.

White rectangle with orange Greek letter "omega" footwear has soles that provide electric shock resistance.

Any industrial environment where accidental contact with live electrical conductors can occur. REMEMBER: Electric shock resistance is greatly reduced by wet conditions and with wear. Also know that conductive footwear as listed in CSA Z195-09 relates to an electrical discharge that might ignite volatile, flammable materials that are close to the wearer. Live electrical work should follow recommendations for an electrically conductive clothing ensemble (as specified under CAN/ULC-60895).

Yellow Rectangle with green letters "SD" and grounding symbol footwear has soles that are static dissipative.

Any industrial environment where a static discharge can be a hazard for workers or equipment.

Red rectangle with black letter "C" and grounding symbol footwear has soles that are electrically conductive.

For any industrial environment where low-power electrical charges can be a hazard for workers or equipment.

White label with green fir tree symbol footwear provides protection when using chainsaws.

For forestry workers and others who work with or around hand-held chainsaws and other cutting tools.

Blue rectangle footwear provides Grade 1 protective toe with no protective sole

For industrial work that does not require puncture protection.

Grey rectangle footwear provides Grade 2 protective toe with no protective sole

For institutional and non-industrial work that does not require puncture protection.