Presented by: Catherine (Cate) Drum, BASc (OHS), CHSC, CRSP

EHS Officer

Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and Security

Due diligence is what we promote, Risk Management is what we support.

Comply with legislation by practicing due diligence

Improve housekeeping

Reduce unsafe conditions and practices

Improve procedures and system effectiveness

Determine opportunities for improvement

Reduce accident frequencies

OHS is a discipline that aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for workers

The goal is to eliminate or control potential workplace hazards such that injury and illness are kept to a minimum

An occupational hazard is a thing or situation with the potential to harm a worker

There are two categories: Safety hazards and Health hazards

Safety concerns unsafe conditions and acts that could cause injury (eg: slips and falls)

Health concerns environmental factors that could impair the soundness of body, mind and spirit of workers causing illness (eg: radiation exposure; noise that impairs hearing)

A hazard posed by some material or situation is its potential to cause harm

Risk is the probability that the hazard actually will harm someone

Risk also includes a consideration of the seriousness of the hazard

Removing occupational hazards is only one way of improving worker protection

What is often more practical is the control or management of risks that hazards pose

Through recognition, assessment and control

Recognition involves identifying a hazard and determining if there is a possibility of workers being affected by it

If there is a possibility of adverse effect, the hazard must be assessed and its level determined

If the hazard is determined to be significant, the hazard must be controlled

We can control hazard at 3 levels: the source, the path, and the receiver

We can use engineering controls (modifying/isolating process), administrative controls (education/training), and control through use of personal protective equipment

At the source: Substitute with a less

harmful material

Change of process

Enclosure or isolation or process

Local exhaust ventilation

At the path: Housekeeping

(immediate cleanup of spills)

Increase distance between source and receiver

General ventilation

At the receiver: Personal protective

equipment

Rotation of workers to reduce exposure duration

Training & Education

Legal requirements governing exposure to various health and safety hazards in universities can be found in Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Industrial Establishments

Health hazards are also in hazard-specific regulations including: 12 designated substance regulations Regulation respecting the Control of Exposure to Biological or

Chemical Agents Regulation respecting X-Ray Safety

An employer has a general duty, under OHSA Section 25 (2)(h) to “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances” to protect workers

This means that PPE should be provided to workers whenever there are health or safety risks that cannot be controlled in other ways

PPE can reduce or prevent a worker’s exposure to a health hazard in the workplace

PPE includes respirators, hearing protectors, protective clothing, footwear, face shields

Health hazards mostly result from inhalation, ingestion, injection or contact of harmful substances, or from excessive noise, vibration and temperature exposure

The effect can be acute, from a single, high exposure

The effect can also be chronic, from repeated low level exposure over a prolonged time period

Occupational exposure limits are established to control worker exposure of a harmful substance or energy to a level that does not result in adverse acute or chronic health effects

Safety hazards Chemical hazards Physical hazards Biological hazards Ergonomic hazards Environmental hazards Violence in the Workplace

Unsafe workplace conditions◦ Hazardous physical conditions or circumstances which could

directly permit the occurrence of an accident

Unsafe work practices or acts◦ Violation of known or accepted safe procedures which could

permit the occurrence of an accident

Unsafe workplace conditions

◦ Unkempt work space◦ Inadequate warning system◦ Defective tools and

equipment◦ Inadequate guards or

barriers◦ Poor walking surface◦ Inadequate ventilation◦ Temperature extreme

exposures

Unsafe work practices or acts

◦ Horseplay◦ Not wearing personal

protective equipment◦ Using defective equipment◦ Substandard work practices◦ Removing safety devices◦ Failure to follow procedures◦ Failure to warn others

Solids, liquids, vapours, gases, dusts, fumes or mists Flammables, corrosives, toxics, compressed gases,

oxidizers Harmful through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact

Noise, vibration, energy, electricity, radiation, pressure, moving mechanical parts, extreme heat and cold

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects, proteins from animals or substances from plants

May cause acute or chronic health effects through inhalation, injection, ingestion or contact with the skin

Hazards that arise from interactions between man and his total working environment

Ergonomic stress factors deal with workstation, equipment, tool design and environmental factors in the workplace

Repetitive motions, awkward postures, improper lifting, manual material handling, excessive forces

Major concern for ergonomic hazards is repetitive strain injuries, or work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Comfort factors (temperature and humidity), poor indoor air quality, inadequate ventilation, inadequate or excessive illumination

Eg: moulds, dirty ceiling vents, dusty floors, heavy perfumes

Everyone should be able to work without fear of violence or harassment, in a safe and healthy workplace. Violence and harassment in the workplace are not tolerated in Ontario.

Changes to the OHSA – effective June 15, 2010 – strengthen protections for workers from workplace violence and address workplace harassment. They apply to all provincially regulated workplaces.

Defining workplace violence The exercise of physical force by a person against a

worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker.

An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.

A statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.

Some activities increase the risk of workplace violence Handling cash Protecting or securing valuables Transporting people and goods Public or community contact Working alone, or with just a few people Working late at night or very early morning

Workplace harassment Workplace harassment means engaging in a course of

vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.

Workplace harassment may include bullying, intimidating or offensive jokes or innuendos, displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials, or offensive or intimidating phone calls.

Workplace inspection is an integral part of the Occupational Health and Safety program

There are two main types of inspections: Formal Informal

Both are necessary and complement one another

Formal Regularly scheduled

examinations of the workplace

Carried out as a team to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace

A checklist is used to recognize, evaluate and control hazards

Required by law

Informal A practiced awareness

which identifies potential hazards of daily processes, conditions and activities

Part of daily routines such as a supervisor’s walk-through or a worker’s equipment check

Not regularly scheduled Do not use a checklist

To identify existing and potential hazards

To monitor effectiveness of hazard controls

To recommend corrective actions

To determine the underlying causes of hazards

To educate, increase awareness and encourage communication regarding health and safety in the workplace

To listen to concerns of workers and supervisors

To meet legal requirement

1) Planning the inspection

2) Conducting the inspection

3) Completing the inspection report

4) Follow-up and monitoring corrective actions

Planning the inspection

A workplace is “any land, premises, location or thing at, upon, in or near which a worker works”

At the University, workplace can be labs, offices, shops, kitchens, mechanical rooms, and washrooms

Inspection must include areas where no work is done regularly, such as office storage areas

Every inspection planning must examine the where, what, who, when, and how.

Determine WHERE the inspection will take place Obtain a floor plan and a list of relevant areas to

your department Floor plans can be obtained through Campus

Facilities & Sustainability – email cphelp1@gwemail.ryerson.ca

Request a listing of all your areas – email cphelp1@gwemail.ryerson.ca

Location of machinery, equipment, fire exits, hallways, chemical storage etc relevant to your department must be documented and inspected

Determine WHAT will be inspected Look at all workplace elements

Environment – noise, vibration, lighting, temperature Equipment – materials, tools, apparatus Process – how the worker interacts with the environment

and equipment in a series of tasks or operations Review equipment inventory to learn what

equipment/machinery is present and their hazards Check technical safety data sheets or manufacturer’s

safety manuals Review chemical inventory to learn what chemicals are

present and their hazards Check MSDS binder

Determine WHO will be conducting the inspection

Workplace inspection team must consist of at least: One worker representative, and/or Departmental safety officer from the department/area to be

inspected

In addition, workplace inspection team may also consist of: Joint Health and Safety Committee members Supervisors or technical specialists

All members should receive training in workplace inspection in recognition, evaluation and control of hazards

All members should be familiar with the legislation and standards

Determine WHEN inspections would be conducted

Inform EHSS of your inspection schedule which defines the specific area and date to be inspected

Ensure that the entire area within the department, school or centre is inspected at least annually (a portion to be inspected monthly)

Inspections can be themed, for example…

Month 1: Offices and storage/photocopy rooms Month 2: Floor, aisles, stairs and landings Month 3: Labs Month 4: Tools and equipments Month 5: First aid station/box Month 6: Ergonomic factors Month 7: Work practices and behaviour Month 8: Hazardous Materials

Determine HOW inspections should be conducted

Review workplace elements (environment, equipment, and process) to determine if personal protective equipment is required during the inspection

Review and develop an Inspection Checklist

Obtain Workplace Inspection Report Form

Review past accident/incident reports Identify causes of accidents/incidents Check if recommended actions have been implemented

Review Workplace Inspection Policy and Procedure

Review and develop an Inspection Checklist

Review previous inspection reports

Review applicable legislation and standards

Obtain floor plan and list of locations that belong to your department

Obtain workplace inspection report form

Determine what area will be inspected

Determine inspection schedule

Determine who will conduct the inspection

Determine what tools/equipments will be needed

Gather materials such as lab coats, safety boots, and other PPE

Workplace Inspection Information http://www.ryerson.ca/cehsm/programs/workplace_insp.html

Workplace Inspection Guideline Workplace Inspection Report Training Presentation Various checklists

Conducting the inspection

Look up, down, around and inside

Use the Inspection Checklist as a guide

Document all your findings, even if it may not be directly related to health and safety!

Clearly describe hazards and mark location on the floor plan or on your checklist

Record as you go along in case you forget

Involve workers in the inspection, interview them if possible, but never disrupt their work processes

Pay particular attention to equipment with unsafe conditions due to stress, wear, impact, corrosion, or misuse

Report serious hazards immediately to the supervisor

Shut down any hazardous items that cannot be brought to a safe operating standard until repaired

Wear the appropriate PPE

Do not operate machinery – ask for demonstration by a qualified worker

Pay attention to ergonomic risks and worker behaviour

Ask questions!

Ask for demonstrations

Ask someone who is qualified to accompany you

Some areas of the University will have to be inspected by someone who is authorized to be in that space and that might not be you –

Those areas must be identified so as not to slow down the inspection process

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES Is there loose material, debris, worn carpeting on the floor? Are floors slippery, oily or wet? Are stairways and aisles clear and unblocked? Are windows sealed properly? Are wall and ceiling fixtures fastened securely? Are there stains on ceilings that may indicate a leak? Are there moulds, water, rust or excessive dirt on ceilings?

ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS Is there adequate ventilation? Is there adequate lighting? Is there any discomfort in temperature and humidity? Is there excessive noise? Are there harmful dust, mists, fumes, or vapours?

FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT Exits are clear Exit signs are visible Extinguishers – are they easily accessible and have they been

inspected in the last 6 months? Sprinkler systems – are materials are stacked close to

sprinkler heads on ceiling?

STORAGE FACILITIES Cabinets, shelving units, closets, bins, racks

Are they stable? Are they overloaded? Are there sharp edges?

Are materials stored safely? Any heavy boxes placed on top shelves that may fall?

Boxes dangerously stacked on top of a cabinet

Housekeeping is needed

ELECTRICAL POWER COMPONENTS Are extension cords used extensively? Are electrical cords exposed in areas where employees walk? Is electrical wiring properly concealed? Are there cords/wires under the desk that may cause a tripping

hazard?

Wires are tripping hazards

Electrical wires are placed need a sink with a puddle of water on the floor right beside it – potential for electrocution

CHEMICAL STORAGE Are all chemical containers labeled?

Is there a designated storage area for flammable or

combustible or hazardous chemicals?

Are there supplier labels on the containers?

Are the containers in good condition free of loose seals or cracks?

No labeling on containers

Chemicals should be stored away in a designated area and not left in open area

Fire extinguisher should be mounted in wall

Poor Housekeeping

STRUCTURAL OPENINGS Pits, sumps, shafts, floor openings including those usually kept

covered

WARNING AND SIGNALING DEVICES Strobes, crossing lights, horns, warning signs

ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS, DUMB-WAITERS, MAN-LIFTS Cables, controls, safety devices

MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT Conveyors, cranes, hoists, forklifts, carts, trolleys

CONTAINERS Barrels, carboys, gas cylinders, flammable liquid containers,

scrap bins, waste bins, vats, tanks

MOTORIZED VEHICLES Automobiles, trucks, earth moving equipment, backhoes,

mowers, graders, tractors, all-terrain vehicles, forklift trucks

ELECTRICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT Switches, power bars, outlets, ground-fault circuit interrupters

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT Spill kits, first aid kits, emergency telephones, emergency

alarms

PERSONNEL SUPPORTING EQUIPMENT Ladders

Are rungs stable? Are ladders secured? Are they free of water or mud? Is the floor where the ladder is raised free of debris? Are users maintaining a 3-point contact at all times? (3 limbs out of 4 are in contact with the ladder)

Scaffolds, scissor lifts, catwalks, platforms, life-lines, sling-chairs

Ladder has broken and missing rungs

Ladder is unstable - the debris on the floor

Chemicals should always be stored in easily accessible places, not on top of stacks of boxes

MACHINERIES Protective guards

Are there loose bolts/nuts on fixed guards? Are there cracks on guards? Gear covers, pulley belt covers, pinch point guards,

railings, blade guards

The guard is not properly guarding the moving parts of the equipment

Point of operation hazard is accessible

The guard offers no protection

LABORATORIES Eyewash stations

Proper signage, adequate water supply, readily accessible, clean and clear, clear drains

Chemicals Are MSDS current (within 3 years of the issue date) and

readily available? Are all containers labeled? Are chemical storage and use areas designated?

General Do fume hoods have adequate air flow? Are PPE being worn? Are sharps properly disposed into sharps container?

MSDS are not properly stored in an organized manner

The chemical container does not have a legible label

OFFICES Are computer workstations arranged in an ergonomic way? Is adjustable seating available? Is working space adequate? Are desks and file cabinets organized such that drawers do not open

into aisles or walkways? Does office arrangement allow easy egress under emergency

conditions? Is there cardboard, paper, or other combustible materials on the floor?

Web of wires under the desk that can act as a tripping hazard

Wires should be tied together neatly and be close to the wall

CLASSROOM/MEETING ROOM/BOARDROOM Is furniture and equipment in good condition? Are room occupancy limits and safe seating arrangements

posted?

KITCHEN FACILITIES Are all appliances in good condition and CSA/UL-approved? Are floors and counters clean and dry?

WASHROOMS Are mirrors in good condition and firmly secured? Are locks on stalls in good condition and operational? Are hinges on doors in good condition and correctly fixed? Inspect water taps and sinks to check for leaking Are soap containers present? Are toilets flushable?

BUILDING Are electrical rooms free of materials, particularly combustible

materials?

Are there moulds or dirt on ceiling that may be a health hazard?

Are hallways free of blockage?

Are emergency exits blocked or barred?

Corridor is full of waste materials; may impede evacuation in an emergency

Room needs housekeeping, also represents a fire hazard as papers and boxes are combustible materials

Exits are barred and blocked because of poor housekeeping

Tiles are missing from the ceiling

Broken, chipped, leaked, dirty, disconnected, slipping, wobbling, worn, frayed, corroded, littered, removed, sagging, spalled, unstable, deteriorated, cracked, dented, blocked, unlabelled, defaced, inadequate, overloaded, missing, hazardous, messy, spilled, unanchored, protruding, bent, inoperative, smelly, cluttered, slippery, unlocked, splintered, malfunctioning, excessive, deficient, inappropriate, uneven, obscured

Completing the inspection report

A detailed inspection report should be completed as soon as possible after the inspection

It should give a summary of findings and make clear and concise recommendations for corrective actions

At Ryerson, the inspection report is called the Workplace Inspection Report

A detailed inspection report should be completed as soon as possible after the inspection

It should give a summary of findings and make clear and concise recommendations for corrective actions

At Ryerson, the inspection report is called the Workplace Inspection Report

Time, date and area inspected The names of persons conducting inspection Affiliated union of the worker’s

representative Location and clear description of hazard Recommendations for action Names of individuals for completion of

corrective actions

The completed report should be reviewed by the Supervisor of the department within 5 calendar days of the inspection date

An electronic copy of the report should be sent to cdrum@ryerson.ca and cehsmadm@ryerson.ca

Maintenance issues should have a separate email sent to fixit@ryerson.ca

Once hazards are identified, they should be assessed to determine whether they are significant enough to warrant changes – this is called Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment is a measure of the severity of potential harm to the likelihood of that harm occurring

Severity of the consequences of an accident How serious would the injury or illness

be? How many people are at risk?

Likelihood of the accident occurring Has it happened before? How often might it happen? When is it most likely to happen?

To assist risk assessment, each identified hazard needs to be categorized according to its Hazard Category and Hazard Class on the Hazard Recording Form

CHM – Chemical Hazards: includes any form of chemical such as compressed gases and solvents

BIO – Biological Hazards: includes organisms or toxic substances produced by living things that can cause illnesses or diseases in humans (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, insects)

PHS – Physical Hazards: includes noise, vibration, heat, cold and radiation

ERG – Ergonomic Hazards: includes design of the workplace and jobs that involve repetition, force and posture

ENY – Energy Hazards: includes pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, steam, heat, electricity

ENV – Environmental Hazards: includes comfort factors such as temperature and relative humidity, exposure to particulates, dust, moulds and spores

MAC – Machine Hazards: includes hazards from moving parts like rotating shafts, belts, pulleys, blades and saws

WKP – Work Practice Hazards: includes failures to have or follow safe work practices

Class “A” Hazard: A condition or practice with the potential for permanent disability, loss of life or body part, and/or extensive loss of structure, equipment or material

Class “B” Hazard: A condition or practice with the potential for serious injury or illness (resulting in serious or temporary disability) or property damage that is disruptive but less so than Class “A”

Class “C” Hazard: A condition or practice with the potential for injury and illness, or disruptive (non-disabling) property damage

Example 1: Hazard: Wires in room as potential tripping hazard Category: WKP Class: C

Example 2: Hazard: Pouring toxic highly volatile chemical on work

bench instead of under fume hood Category: CHM Class: B

Example 3: Hazard: Untrained personnel operating a saw blade

without machine guarding or steel mesh gloves Category: MAC Class: A

If risk assessment shows the hazard is significant, recommend controls

Consider what might be done to decrease the likelihood of an accident occurring or the severity of the consequences

Provide as many possible solutions as you can

For assistance in identifying solutions, contact Cate Drum, EHS Officer, EHSS at 7086

Eliminate the hazard or substitute it Isolate the hazard from people Change the way the job is done Personal protective equipment

Use a different less dangerous piece of equipment

Fix faulty machinery Redesign the workplace Use safer materials or chemicals Reduce energy, speed, voltage, sound level,

force Automate material handling

Redesign the equipment Remove dust or fumes with exhaust system Use lifting equipment or trolleys Machine guarding Sound enclosures Platforms and guard railing

Provide training, information and signs to increase awareness

Implement safe work procedures and control programs

Implement rotation of workers Increase equipment inspections and

preventative maintenance programs

Should be used as a last resort and always in conjunction with other controls

There are specific PPE requirements for each job

Examples are ear plugs, safety boots, safety glasses, dust masks

Specific PPE training and information may be necessary

Monitoring corrective actions

Follow up actions are important to ensuring that corrective measures are put in place

Follow up actions are also important in demonstrating to workers that health and safety is taken seriously

Determine who will be responsible for conducting follow up actions

Document the progress of corrective actions

Ensure that EHSS is kept updated

Monitor the impact of corrective actions

The area supervisor (or their designate) must provide an electronic copy of the inspection report responding to all of the observed hazards to the EHSS within 21 Calendar days after the inspection

1. Plan the time and location of inspection

2. Gather the inspection team with appropriate materials

3. Conduct the inspection with the use of checklists

4. From the inspection findings complete the Workplace Inspection Report Form

5. Send completed reports to the supervisor including Cate Drum and cehsmadm@ryerson.ca within 5 days of the inspection

6. Area supervisor or their designate responds to all the observed hazards to EHSS within 21 days of the inspection

7. Implement corrective actions

8. Ensure follow up actions are taken

Everyone has the responsibility to find and report hazards!

Report identified hazards to area supervisor or lecturer

Report hazards immediately if they can cause death or serious injury/illness OR harm a number of people

A supervisor, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, means a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker

Supervisors must take action to fix hazards when a hazard is found or reported

If fixing a hazard is not possible, action must be taken to minimize the immediate risk to health and safety

Everyone should… Look out for hazards Report hazards to the supervisor of the

work area Help fix hazards by providing

recommendations Take action to avoid, eliminate or

minimize risks Follow safe work methods and use PPE

as required

Safety first, because accidents last!