Guide to Workplace Safety for Construction Sites...Guide to Workplace Safety for Construction Sites...

transcript

Guide to Workplace Safety for

Construction Sites

Information for Workers

14 Weymouth Street, P.O. Box 757Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7l7

Telephone: 902-368-5680Toll Free in Atlantic Canada: 1-800-237-5049

Fax: 902-368-5696Website: www.wcb.pe.ca

The information in this guide is intended to provide construction employers and workers with an overview of the occupational health and safety legislative requirements in Prince Edward Island. The guide refers to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations made under the Act. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor to serve as a legal document. Current legislation and regulations can be accessed through the Workers Compensation Board website at www.wcb.pe.ca.

Revised May 2017

TableofContentsIntroduction.....................................................................................................................................4 OccupationalHealthandSafetyLaw....................................................................................4 HealthandSafetyResponsibilities........................................................................................5 HealthandSafetyPolicy.............................................................................................................8 Competency.....................................................................................................................................8 FirstAid...........................................................................................................................................10 PersonalProtectiveEquipment............................................................................................12 HearingConservation................................................................................................................14 HousekeepingandAccessatSite..........................................................................................16 StairwaysandLadders..............................................................................................................16 ScaffoldsandOtherWorkPlatforms...................................................................................17 FloorandWallOpenings..........................................................................................................20 FallProtection...............................................................................................................................20 ExcavationsandTrenching.....................................................................................................23 Foundations...................................................................................................................................24 ToolsandEquipment.................................................................................................................25 VehiclesandMobileEquipment...........................................................................................26 Electrical..........................................................................................................................................26 FirePrevention.............................................................................................................................27 ToiletFacilities.............................................................................................................................28 WorkplaceHazardousMaterialsInformationSystem(WHMIS)...........................28 Asbestos...........................................................................................................................................30 AdditionalResources.................................................................................................................32

Introduction Theconstructionsectorrepresentsasignificantpercentageof theworkforceintheprovinceofPrinceEdwardIsland.Safeworkpracticesplayanimportantpartinreducinginjuriesanddeaths.Thisguideisforworkers,employers,JointOccupationalSafetyandHealth(JOSH)CommitteesandSafetyRepresentativeswithintheconstructionsector.ItisintendedtobringtogetherthemostcommonpiecesoflegislationthatapplytoconstructionworkplacesonPrinceEdwardIslandtohelpensureemployersintheconstructionindustryareincomplianceandworkersareprotectedfromhazardsonthejob.Occupational Health and Safety Law TheOccupationalHealthandSafetyAct(OHSAct)andRegulationssettheminimumstandardsforoccupationalhealthandsafetyintheworkplaceanddefinethegeneralsafetyprinciplesforprovinciallyregulatedworkplacesinPrinceEdwardIsland.TheOHSActandRegulationsareavailableontheWorkersCompensationBoard(WCB)websiteatwcb.pe.ca.Enforcement

HealthandsafetylawisenforcedbyOccupational HealthandSafety(OHS)OfficersfromtheWorkersCompensationBoard.ThelawsenforcedbytheOHSOfficersinclude:

‐OccupationalHealthandSafetyAct‐OccupationalHealthandSafetyGeneralRegulations‐FallProtectionRegulations‐ScaffoldingRegulations‐WorkplaceHazardousMaterialsInformationSystems(WHMIS)Regulations‐Smoke‐FreePlacesAct‐YouthEmploymentAct

OHSOfficershavethelegalrighttoenteranyworkplace,atanyreasonabletime,withoutgivingnotice.Duringaroutineinspection,anOfficerwilllookattheworkplace,theactivities,andtheoverallmanagementofhealthandsafetytoensuretheworkplaceisincompliancewiththehealthandsafetylaws.TheOfficermaytalktoworkersandsupervisors.TheOfficerwillissueareportforeachsiteinspection, andmayissueorderstocorrectanunsafesituationoranordertostopworkifthereisimmediatedanger.

Education

TheWCB’sOccupationalHealthandSafetyDivisionalsohaseducationstaffthatcanhelpemployersandworkersunderstandtheirresponsibilitiesunderthelawandhowitappliestotheworkplace.Educationservicesincludetelephoneinquiries,accesstoavideo library,on‐sitepresentations,publications,posters,hazardalertsandothereducationalmaterials.Health and Safety Responsibilities ThebasisoftheOHSActistheInternalResponsibilitySystem.Thismeansthateveryindividualinaworkplacehasadirect responsibilityforcreatingahealthyandsafeworkplace.Theresponsibilityissharedbyowners/operators,management,andallworkers.TheOHSActclearlystatesthedutiesofemployers,workers,andotherpersons inSections12through20.BelowisasampleofOHSresponsibilitiesfor quickreference:OHS Responsibilities UndertheOHSAct,employersmusttakeallreasonableprecautionstomakesureworkersarekeptsafeattheworkplace.Employersmust: Provideandmaintainequipment,machines,andmaterialsinasafemanner.

Providethetrainingandsupervisionnecessarytokeeptheworkerssafe. Makesuretheworkers,particularlysupervisors,arefamiliarwithworkplacehazardsandtheprocedurestominimizerisks.

Operatethebusinessinawaythatdoesnotexposeworkerstohealthorsafetyhazards.

CooperatewiththeJOSHCommitteeorHealthandSafetyRepresentative,ifany.

Aconstructorisapersonwhocontractsworktobedoneonaprojectforanownerorwhoundertakesworkonaprojectasanowner.Aconstructormustensurethateveryreasonableprecautionistakentoprotecttheoccupationalhealthandsafetyofeveryoneattheproject.Theconstructormust: Co‐ordinatetheactivitiesofthecontractorsandsub‐contractorsattheproject.

Ensureallnecessaryhealthandsafetyinformation(suchashazardinformationandcontrolprocedures)fortheprojectiscommunicated

betweenallpartiesatthesiteincludingtheJOSHCommitteeorHealthandSafetyRepresentative(s).

Ensureallworkers,self‐employedpersonsandemployersperformingworkfortheprojectareincompliancewiththeOHSActandRegulations.

Acontractorisapersonorcompanythatperformsworkonacontractbasis.Acontractorisoftenreferredtoasasub‐contractor.Acontractormustalsoensurethateveryreasonableprecautionistakentoprotecttheoccupationalhealthandsafetyofpersonsatorneartheworkplace.Thecontractormust: Co‐ordinatetheactivitiesofthecontractorsandsub‐contractorsattheworkplacewheretheworkisbeingperformed.

Ensureallnecessaryhealthandsafetyinformation(suchashazardinformationandcontrolprocedures)fortheworkplaceiscommunicatedbetweenallpartiesatthesiteaswellastheJOSHCommitteeorHealthandSafetyRepresentative(s).

Ensureallworkers,self‐employedpersonsandemployersattheworkplaceareincompliancewiththeOHSActandRegulations.

Theconstructorandcontractorresponsibilitiesareverysimilar,exceptthattheconstructor’sresponsibilitiesreachacrosstheentireprojectsite,andthecontractor’sresponsibilitiesaremorelimitedtotheworkthatiswithintheircontrol.

Forexample,theconstructorisresponsibleforensuringhazardinformationiscommunicatedtoallworkers/employersonsite(suchasasbestosremovalishappeningonacertaindate,andonlyqualifiedworkerscanbepresent.Howevertheasbestos‐removalcontractorisresponsibleforcommunicatingwithandcontrollingtheasbestos‐relatedhazardsforhisownworkersandforcommunicatingwiththeconstructor.

AllworkershaveresponsibilitiesundertheOHSAct.Aworkerisdefinedasapersonemployedinaworkplaceandapersoninaworkplaceforanypurposeinconnectiontherewith(thismayincludevolunteersandfamilymembers).Workersmust:• Complywithcompanyrulesandprocedures.• Wearpersonalprotectiveequipmentasrequired.• Usemachinery,equipment,andmaterialsonlyasauthorized.• Followjobprocedures.• Reporthazards,unsafeconditionsoractionstothesupervisor.• Reportincidents.• Reportallinjuriesforfirstaid,nomatterhowminor.• CooperatewiththeJOSHcommitteeorrepresentative.

Workersalsohavethefollowingrights:• Toknowaboutexistingandpotentialhazards.• ToparticipateinmakingtheworkplacesafeandhealthybybeingaHealthandSafetyRepresentative,amemberoftheJointOccupationalSafetyandHealth(JOSH)Committee,orconsultingwiththeemployer,supervisor,JOSHCommitteeorHealthandSafetyRepresentative.

• Torefuseunsafework.JOSHCommitteesandHealthandSafetyRepresentatives:ThemainfunctionofaJOSHCommitteeorHealthandSafetyRepresentativeistocontributetotheimprovementofhealthandsafetyontheproject.Theydothisthroughconsultationanddiscussionwithfellowworkersandtheemployer.WhetheraprojectsiterequiresafullJOSHCommitteeoraHealthandSafetyRepresentativedependsonthenumberofworkersattheworkplace: Where20ormorepersonsareregularlyemployedbyoneormoreconstructorsataprojectthatisexpectedtolastthreemonthsormore,aJOSHCommitteeisrequired.Wheretherearefewerthan20personsregularlyemployed,aJOSHCommitteeisnotrequired,butmaybeorderedbyanOfficerifdeemednecessary.

Wherethereare5‐19workersataproject,theconstructormusthaveadesignatedHealthandSafetyRepresentative,whoischosenbytheworkersanddoesnotperformmanagerialfunctions.

JOSHCommittees:• Holdmonthlymeetings;recordandpostminutes.• Makerecommendationsonhealthandsafetyissues.• Participateininspections,investigations,andreferworkersafetyconcerns totheappropriateperson(s).

• AssistindevelopingtheOHSprogram,policy,andsafeworkprocedures.HealthandSafetyRepresentative:• Makesrecommendationsonhealthandsafetyissues.• Takesworkerhealthandsafetyconcernstomanagement.

TheOHSresponsibilitiesshouldbeclearlycommunicatedsothattheyareunderstoodbyeveryone,andtheymustbesetoutinawrittenOHSpolicywhereoneisrequired(seenextsection).

Due Diligence Duediligencemeansthatemployersmusttakeallreasonableprecautions,undertheparticularcircumstances,topreventinjuriesoraccidentsintheworkplace.Toexerciseduediligenceonaconstructionsite,anemployer,constructororcontractormustimplementaplantoidentifypossibleworkplacehazardsandcarryouttheappropriateactionstopreventaccidentsorinjuriesarisingfromthesehazards.Writtendocumentationisessentialtoshowduediligence.Records,reportsanddocumentationforthefollowingactivitiescaninclude:

Workerorientation,education,andtraining Regularinspections,includingcorrectiveactionstaken Accident/incidentreports,includingcorrectiveactionstaken Supervisornotes(eg.,supervisorinspections,tailgatecrewtalks,

safetymeetingswithcontractors,etc.) Safetycommitteemeetingminutes Equipmentlogbooksandmaintenancerecords Emergencyresponsedrillsandexercises Instructionsorsafeworkprocedures,includinganychanges Formsandchecklistsusedwhenfollowingsafeworkprocedures

(eg.,confinedspaceentrypermits) Samplingandmonitoringrecordsfromexposuretesting Statisticsaboutthefrequencyandseverityofinjuries,etc. Enforcementofhealthandsafetyrulesanddisciplinarymeetings

Health and Safety Policy AworkplacewithfiveormoreregularlyemployedworkersisrequiredtohaveanOccupationalHealthandSafety(OHS)Policy.TheOHSPolicyisastatementthatdefinestheemployer’scommitmentto ahealthyandsafeworkplace.Itmustbecommunicatedtoallworkersandupdatedeveryyearfortrueimpact.ForassistancewithcreatinganOHSPolicy,refertotheGuidetoWorkplaceHealthandSafetyPolicywhichcanbefoundontheWCBwebsiteatwcb.pe.ca.

Competency TheOHSRegulationsrequiremanytaskstobeperformedbya“competentperson.”Acompetentpersonisdefinedats.1.4(f)oftheOHSRegulationsasapersonwho:(i)isqualifiedbecauseoftheperson’sknowledge,trainingandexperiencetodotheassignedworkinamannerthatwillensurethehealthandsafetyofpersonsintheworkplace,and(ii)isknowledgeableabouttheprovisionsoftheOHSActandRegulationsthatapplytotheassignedwork,

andaboutthepotentialoractualdangertohealthandsafetyassociatedwiththeassignedwork.WhenanOHSOfficerinspectsasitewhereaworkerisperformingataskthatisrequiredtobecompletedbyacompetentperson,theOfficermustmakeadeterminationastowhethertheworker’sactionsdemonstratehis/hercompetence.TheOfficermayasktheemployerorworkerfordocumentationtoconfirmtheworker’scompetency.Ifaworkerisperformingataskthatplaceshim/her/othersinimmediatedanger,isnotincompliancewiththeOHSActandRegulationsandcannotproducevalidtrainingrecords,theOHSOfficerwillissueastopworkorderforthattaskuntiltheworkercanbeproperlytrained.Alternatively,theemployercanhaveanotherworkerwithpropertrainingperformthetaskinstead.Inacircumstancewhereaworkerdemonstratescompetencyandcanproducevalidtrainingrecords,buthe/sheisnotincompliancewiththeOHSActandRegulations,theOHSOfficermayissueanordertocorrecttheissue.OHSRegulationswhichrequireacompetentpersontocompletethetaskare:

thosethataretestingandevaluatingaconfinedspace; operatinghandtoolsandportablepowertools; operatingpoweredmobileequipment; operatingahoistingapparatus; inspectingandtestingahoistingapparatus workingonanyenergizedelectricalconductor; changingorchargingbatteries; asbestosabatement; thosethatareperformingtrafficcontrolandsignalingprocedures; thosethatprovidetraininginfallprotection; thosethatcarryoutaninspectionoffallarrestsystemspriorto

eachworkshift; inspectingscaffoldingpriortouseeachday; supervisingtheerectionanddismantlingofscaffold; operatingafork‐liftplatform; operatingapoweroperatedelevatingworkplatform;and thosewhoprovidetrainingonthesafeoperationofapower

operatedelevatingworkplatform.Althoughcompetencyincludesatrainingcomponent,inthevastmajorityofsituations,theRegulationsdonotspecifyavalidtrainingcertificateisrequired.AnOHSOfficerwilluseacombinationofavalidtrainingcertificateandtheworker’sabilitytodemonstratetheworker’scapabilityofdoingthetaskcorrectlyandsafelyasthebestwaytoshowcompetency.Validtrainingmaybesuppliedbyathirdpartytraineroritmaybesuppliedin‐houseby

theemployer.Eitherway,theemployerhastheresponsibilityofensuringtheworkerscandemonstratecomprehensionofthetrainingandtheprovisionsoftheOHSActandRegulationsthatapply.Foralistofserviceproviderswhoprovidetraininginvariousareaswithrespecttohealthandsafety,pleasevisitwcb.pe.ca.First Aid Tosaveprecioussecondsinaninjuryemergency,adequatefirstaidsuppliesandtrainedworkersmustbereadilyavailable.Section9oftheOHSGeneralRegulationsoutlinesanemployer’srequirements, dependingonthenumberofworkerspresentduringanygivenshift.The tablebelowsummarizestherequirements.RequirementsataGlanceEachemployer(whetheracontractor,sub‐contractor,oraself‐employedperson)isrequiredtohavepeopletrainedinfirstaid.Seetablebelowforworkplace‐specificrequirements:

Numberofworkersonsite(pershift)

Numberoffirstaidprovidersrequired

(pershift)

Leveloftrainingrequired

LoneWorkers* Atleast1 Emergency1‐19 Atleast1 Emergency20‐99 Atleast1 Standard100+ Atleast1 Advanced**

*Workersaredefinedas“workingalone”wherehe/sheistheonlyworkeratasite,incircumstanceswhereassistanceisnotreadilyavailabletotheworkerintheeventofinjury,illhealthoremergency.**Ifthereare100ormoreworkersonanyoneshift,afirstaidroomisrequired.

First Aid Kits: Employersalsoneedtohaveafirstaidkitavailableandmakesureitisregularlycheckedandre‐stockedasneeded.

No.ofWorkers FirstAidKitType 1 Type#1** 2‐19 Type#2 20+ Type#3

**Type1kitsarealsorequiredinallworkvehiclesthatareusedtotransportworkerstoandfromaworkplace.

Oneoftheconstructor’shealthandsafetyresponsibilitiesistocoordinatetheactivitiesoftheemployersandself‐employedpersonsonaprojectsite.Therefore,withrespecttofirstaid,itiscommonpracticetoensureeachemployer/sub‐contractoronsitehassomeonetrainedinfirstaidsothattherewillalwaysbeafirstaidprovideravailableattheprojectsiteifneeded.Keeping Records Recordkeepingmaynotbeforemostinthemindofanemployerorworkerduringanemergencysituation,butitisimportant.Section9.10oftheOHSGeneralRegulationsstatesthatinjuriesmustberecordedbythefirstaidproviderassoonafterthetreatmentaspossible. Herearethedetailstoberecorded:• Dateandtimetheinjury/illnessoccurredandtowhomitwasreported• Nameofinjuredworker• Nameoffirstaidprovider• Descriptionofinjuryandtheincident• Thecauseoftheinjury/illness• Abriefdescriptionofthefirstaidgiven

Communication Itiscriticalthatworkersknowwheretogoforfirstaidincasetheysuffer aninjuryorillness.Section9.5oftheOHSGeneralRegulationsstatesthatthelocationoffirstaidsuppliesandservicesmustbeposted.Workersshouldbemadeawareofthe:• Locationoffirstaidkits(andfirstaidrooms,ifany)• Namesandlocationsofcertifiedfirstaidattendants• Emergencyprocedures• Emergencyphonenumbers

Postthisinformationinavisiblearea,suchasthesitetrailer,andfollowupwithverbalcommunicationasoftenasisnecessary.In Summary 1. Ensurethatanappropriatenumberofworkersholdvalidfirstaidcertificatesfromrecognizedtrainingagencies.

2. Keeparecordofallfirstaidcaregiven.3. Ensurethatfirstaidserviceisaccessibletoallworkersduringallworkinghours.

4. Ensurethattransportationisavailableatalltimestotransportaninjuredworker.

5. Ensurethattheappropriatetypeandnumberoffirstaidkitsisonsiteandintheworkvehicles.

6. Ensurethefirstaidkitscontainthecorrecttypeandnumberofsupplies(seeSchedules“A”through“C”intheOHSGeneralRegulations)andthattheyarere‐stockedoften.

Personal Protective Equipment PersonalApparelTheemployerwillensurethatthepersonalwearingapparelofaworkershallbeofatypeandconditionthatwillnotexposetheworker toanyunnecessaryandavoidablehazards.Potentialhazardstoexposedskinofemployeesworkingoutdoorsonconstructionprojectsincludeabrasions,cuts,exposuretochemicalirritants,hottar,andexcessiveexposuretothesunandothersourcesofultravioletradiation.Insomecircumstances,adequatebodycoveringforworkoutdoors includesaloosefitting,long‐sleeve,light‐colouredshirtandlongpants. Thisrequirementwouldnotonlyapplytoworkbeingcarriedoutonconstructionsitesbuttoothertypesofworkaswell. Wheretheonlypotentialhazardtoemployeesisoverexposuretothesun,short‐sleeveor sleevelessshirtsandshortpantsmaybeallowedprovidedthat:1. Theemployercarriesoutasitehazardassessmenttoidentifypossiblehazardswhichcouldlimittheuseoftheabovementionedclothing.

2. Employerdevelopsawrittenpolicytodealwiththisissue(ieidentifytherequiredclothingandsunscreenrequirementforthedifferenttasks).

3. Theemployerensuresthatsunscreeniswornbytheemployeesandthattheyusethesunscreenasdirectedbythemanufacturer.Itisrecommended thatthesunscreenhasaSunProtectionFactor(SPF)ofatleast15which providesprotectionfrombothUVAandUVBultravioletradiation.

Examplesofcommontasksonconstructionsitesrequiringlongsleeve shirtsandlongpantscouldinclude:• Applyingfoundationwater‐proofingmaterials.• Concreteformwork.

Pleaserefertoourwebsite,wcb.pe.ca,forcurrentFirstAidlegislationandregulations.VisittheOHSAct&RegulationspageintheSafeWorkplacessection.

• Taskswhereprotrudingnailsandsplintersarepresent.• Weldingoperations(thewelderisrequiredtowearadequatefireretardantworkclothing).

Head Protection • WorkersmustwearType1CSA‐approvedhardhatswhenoverhead,falling,orsideimpacthazardsexistorwhentheriskofelectricalshockispresent.

• Inspecthardhatsroutinelyfordents,cracks,ordeterioration.• Ifahardhathastakenaheavybloworelectricalshock,itmustbereplacedevenwhenthereisnovisibledamage.

• Maintainhardhatsingoodcondition.Donot:drill,cleanwithstrongdetergentsorsolvents,paint,orstoretheminextremetemperatures.

• Thereplacementofheadgeareveryfiveyears,andheadgearsuspensionannually,isarecommendedsafepractice.

Eye and Face Protection • WorkersmustwearCSAapprovedsafetyglasses,gogglesorfaceshieldsforwelding,cutting,nailing(includingpneumatic),orwhenworkingwithconcreteand/orharmfulchemicals.

• Eyeandfaceprotectorsaredesignedforcertainhazardssobesure toselectthetypetomatchthehazard.

• Replacepoorlyfittingordamagedsafetyglasses.

Hand Protection • High‐qualityglovescanpreventinjury.• Glovesshouldfitsnugly.• Workersshouldalwaysweartherightglovesforthejob(forexample,heavy‐dutyrubberforconcretework,weldingglovesforwelding).

CSA‐approvedfootwearsymbolsandmeanings

Foot Protection ConstructionworkersmustwearCSA‐approved footwearonaconstructionsite.Thetypeofprotectionprovidedbythefootwearmustmatchthehazards.Forexample: Toeprotectionisrequiredtopreventcrushingwounds.

Puncture‐resistantsolesarerequiredtopreventpuncturewounds.

Electricshock‐resistantsolesarerequiredtopreventelectricshock.

Anklesupportprotectsfromrollingovertheanklewhilewalkingonunevensurfacesorroughterrain.

Hearing Conservation AccordingtotheWorldHealthOrganization,noise‐inducedhearingloss isthemostcommonirreversible(andpreventable)occupationalhazardworldwide.Additionally,noisecreatesothersafetyconcerns.Itinterfereswithcommunication,canmaskthesoundofalarms(e.g.,back‐upalarms,smokealarms),andcanincreasefatigueanddecreasementalalertnessespeciallyduringprolongedexposure.TheOHSGeneralRegulationsforPrinceEdward Islandrequireemployerstodothefollowing:• Determineifworkersareexposedtoexcesslevelsofnoise,asdescribedintheregulations.

• Iftheemployerfindsworkersareexposedtoexcessivelevelsofnoise, theemployermust:

Adviseexposedworkersofthehealthrisksoftheexposure. Exploreoptionstoreducenoiselevelstosafelimitsthroughengineeringcontrols,eliminatingthesourcealtogetherifpossible.

Provideannualhearingtestsforworkersfoundtobeexposedtonoiselevelsthatexceedsafelimits.

Providehearingprotection.Iftheemployerhasdeterminedworkersareexposedtoexcessivenoiselevelsthatcannotbeeliminatedorreducedtosafelimits,theemployermust:• Postsignstowarnworkersofthenoiserisks.

• Haveahearingconservationprogram.

• Determineandprovidetheappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipment (PPE)forworkers.

• TrainworkersonproperuseandcareofPPEandappropriatelysuperviseworkerstoensurePPEisbeingproperlyused.

Thehearingconservationprogrammustconsider:• Hownoiselevelswillbemeasured• Howworkerswillbeeducatedandtrainedintheprogramandsafeworkprocedures

• Whattypesofengineeringcontrolsareconsideredand/orused• Whatareasintheworkplaceareatriskandrequirewarningsigns• Annualhearingtestsforworkersatrisk;howtheywillbeadministeredandby whom

• Anannualreviewoftheprogramforchanges/updatesWhat Workers Can Expect • Workershavetherighttoknowaboutthehazardsintheirworkplace. Ifthey may be exposed to excess noise levels at work, they need to beinformed.

• Whentheemployerdeterminesaworkerisrequiredtowear hearingprotection,theworkerislegallyrequiredtowearit.

• Also,workerswhoareexposedtoexcessivenoisearerequiredtohavetheirhearingtestedannually.

TheGuidetoAudiometricTestingisavailableontheWorkersCompensationBoardwebsiteatwcb.pe.ca.

Housekeeping and Access at Site • Keepallwalkwaysandstairwaysclearoftrash/debrisandothermaterials,suchastoolsandsupplies,topreventtripping.

• Keepboxes,scraplumberandothermaterialspickedup.Puttheminadumpsterortrash/debrisareatopreventfireandtrippinghazards.

• Ifworkingonamulti‐levelworksite,trashanddebrisshallbeloweredtothegroundlevelinsuitablecontainersorchutes

• Chutesmustbewellconstructed,securelyfastenedtothebuilding,enclosedonallsidesifthechuteangleismorethan45degrees,andtheopeningwellmarkedwithwarningsigns.

• Objectslargerthanrubbishordebrisshallbeloweredbycranes,hoistsorothermechanicalmeans.

• Provideenoughlightforworkerstoseeandtopreventaccidents.

Stairways and Ladders • Installpermanentortemporaryguardrailsonstairsandlandingsbeforestairsare constructedbetweenlevelstopreventsomeonefromfallingorsteppingoffedges.

• Donotstorematerialsonstairwaysthatareusedforgeneralaccessbetweenlevels.

• Keephazardousprojectionssuchasprotrudingnails,largesplinters,etc.outofthestairs,treadsorhandrails.

Thedrawingaboveshowstwowaystosecurethebaseofaladder toensureproperfooting.

• Correctanyslipperyconditionsonstairways,suchasapplyinganti‐slipstairnosing.

• Keepladdersingoodconditionandfreeofdefects.

• Inspectladdersbeforeuseforbrokenrungsorotherdefects.Discardor repairdefectiveladders.

• Placeladdersattheproperangle(1ftoutfromthebaseforevery4 ftofverticalrise).

• Secureladdersnearthetoporatthebottomtopreventthemfromslippingandcausingfalls.

• Extendladdersatleast3ftabovethelandingtoprovideahandhold orforbalancewhengettingonandofftheladderfromothersurfaces.

• Donotsetupaladdernearpassagewaysorhightrafficareaswhereitcouldbeknockedover.

• Useladdersonlyforwhattheyweremadeandnotasaworkplatform,runway,orasscaffoldplanks.

• Alwaysfacetheladderandmaintain3pointsofcontactwhenclimbinganddescending aladder.

Scaffolds and Other Work Platforms Scaffoldsarecommononconstructionssitesbecausetheygiveworkerssafeaccesstoelevatedareas.Scaffoldscan,however,poseahazardtoworkersespeciallywhenerectedimproperly,orwhenmissingkeysafetymeasuresorworkersarenotusingitcorrectly.Itisimportanttohaveacompetentpersonerecting,inspecting,anddismantlingthescaffolds.A“competentperson”issomeonewhois(1)qualifiedbecauseofthatperson’sknowledge,training,andexperiencetodotheassignedworkinamannerthatwillensurethehealthandsafetyofpersonsintheworkplace,and(2)isknowledgeableabouttheprovisionsoftheOccupationalHealthandSafetyActandtheRegulationsthatapplytotheassignedwork,andaboutpotentialoractualdangertohealthorsafetyassociatedwiththeassignedwork.

Scaffoldingstabilizedwithmudsills

General • Erectanddismantlescaffoldsaspermanufacturer’sspecificationsonlyunderthesupervisionofacompetentperson.

• Erectscaffoldsonfirmandlevelfoundations.• Ensurefinishedfloorsarecapableofsupportingtheloadforascaffoldorworkplatformandthattheyprovideastablebase.

• Placescaffoldlegsonfirmfootingandsecurefrommovementor tipping,especiallysurfacesondirtorsimilarsurfaces.

• Usemanufacturedbaseplates,screwjacksandmudsillsmadeof#1 spruceorequivalenttolevelorstabilizethefootings.Don’tuseblocks, bricks,orpiecesoflumber.

• Ensureacompetentpersoninspectsscaffoldsbeforeeachuse(seeearliersectionon“Competency”).

• Ensurescaffolddesignspecificationsareavailableonsiteatalltimes

• Ensurecompletedscaffoldshaveallrequiredlateralandhorizontal bracinginplace.

• Providesafeaccesstogetonandoffscaffoldsandworkplatforms.• Ensureworkersworkwithintheframeworkofthescaffolds.Neversteponplanksoutsideoftheworkarea.

• Keepscaffoldsandworkplatformsfreeofdebris.Keeptoolsandmaterialsasneataspossibletohelppreventmaterialsfromfallingandworkersfrom tripping.

Planking • Fullyplankthescaffoldtoprovideafullworkplatformorusemanufactureddecking.Theplatformdeckingand/orscaffoldplanksmustbescaffoldgradeandmustnothaveanyvisibledefects.

• Extendplanksordeckingmaterialatleast6inchesovertheedgesandcleatthemtopreventmovement.Theworkplatformorplanksmustnotextendmorethan12inchesbeyondtheendsupportstopreventtipping.

• Besurethatmanufacturedscaffolddeckingisthepropersizeandthattheendhooksareattachedtothescaffoldframe.

Safe Scaffold Use • DONOTuseon‐site‐constructedcarpenter’sscaffold.• DONOTusedamagedpartsthataffectthestrengthofthescaffold.• DONOTallowemployeestoworkonscaffoldswhentheyarefeelingweak,sick,ordizzy.

• DONOTworkfromanypartofthescaffoldotherthantheplatform.• DONOTalterthescaffoldfromthemanufacturer’sspecifications.• DONOTmoveascaffoldhorizontallywhileworkersareonit,unlessitisapowerelevatedworkplatform.

• DONOTallowemployeestoworkonscaffoldscoveredwithsnow,ice,orotherslipperymaterials.

• DONOTerect,use,alter,ormovescaffoldswithin12feetofoverheadpowerlines.

• DONOTworkonscaffoldsinbadweatherorhighwinds.• DONOTuseladders,boxes,barrels,orothermakeshiftmaterialstoraiseyourworkheightwhileonaplatform.

• DONOTletextramaterialbuildupontheplatforms.• DONOTputmoreweightonascaffoldthanitisdesignedtohold.

Scaffold Guardrails • Guardscaffoldplatformsthataremorethan9.84ft(3m)abovetheground orfloorsurfacewithastandardguardrail.

• Placethetoprailapproximately39to42inchesabovetheworkplatformorplankingwithamidrailabouthalfthathighat19to21inches.

• Installtoeboardsatworkplatform/plankleveltoensuretoolsormaterialsdonotfallfromscaffolding.

Power Operated Elevating Work Platforms (Man Lifts) • Ensuretheliftisinspectedasrequiredbythemanufacturer’sspecifications.

• Ensuretheoperatorsaretrainedinthesafeoperationoftheliftbyacompetentperson.

• Ensuretheoperatorusesfallarrestequipmentatalltimesusingtheanchorpointswithinthelift(notbyusingtherailingsasananchorpoint).

Floor and Wall Openings • Installguardrailsaroundopeningsinfloorsandacrossopeningsinwalls.• Besurethetoprailscanwithstanda200‐lbload(seediagrambelow,left).

• Constructguardrailswithatoprailapproximately39to42incheshighwithamidrailabouthalfthathighat19to21inches(seediagrambelow,right).

• Installtoeboardswhenotherworkersaretobebelowtheworkarea.

Fall Protection AccordingtoSection2ofPEI’sFallProtectionRegulations,anemployermustprovideatypeoffallprotectionforworkerswhoareexposedtoahazardoffallingfromaworkareathatis:

a) 9.84ft(3m)ormoreabovethenearestsafesurfaceorwater;b) aboveasurfaceorthingthatcouldcauseinjurytotheworker ifthe

workerfellonthesurfaceorthing;orc) aboveanopentank,pitorvatcontaininghazardousmaterial.

Thisguideprovidesabriefsummaryoftherequirementsforfallprotection.Forgreaterdetailontherequirements,pleaserefertotheGuidetoFallProtectionRegulationsontheWCBwebsiteatwcb.pe.ca.

Thiswindowopeninghasaguard railbecausethebottomsillheightislessthan39in.

Thisdiagramshowsthecorrect heightforflooropeningguardrailsandmidrails:top rail39to42in.andmidrail19to21in. highrespectively.

Types of Fall Protection Required

Thetypeoffallprotectionrequiredbytheemployerwillvarydepending onthetask.Oneormoreofthefollowingsystemsmaybeused:1. Afallarrestsystemisasystemofphysicalcomponentsattachedto aworkertostopaworkerduringafall.Thesystemincludesafullbodyharness, lanyard,lifeline(forfreedomofmovement),andanchorpoint(seediagrambelow).Theruleof thumbisonelifeline,onelanyard,oneworker.Donotallowmorethanone workertousethesamelifelineorlanyard.• Afallarrestsystemmust beadequatelysecuredto ananchorpoint.Alifeline,ropegraborstaticlinemaybeusedaswell,aslongas theymeetrequirements.

• Alanyardmustpreventafreefallgreaterthan4ft(1.22m) ifitisnotequippedwithashockabsorber.

• Thelanyard,orlifelineifoneisused,mustbeattachedtoafullbodyharnessontheworker.

• AllcomponentsmustcomplywithCSAstandards.

PleaseseetheFallProtectionRegulationsandtheGuidetoFallProtectionRegulationsatwcb.pe.ca todeterminethefullrequirementsforfallprotection.

Thisworkeriswearingafallarrest system,completewithbodyharness,lanyard withashockabsorber,attachedtoalifelineusingaropegrab.

**Pleasenote:Theuseofafallprotectionsystemisnotdeterminedbytheslopeofaroof,butratherbythedistanceoftheworkerfromthenearestsafesurface.

2. Atravelrestraintsystemmayalsobeused.Inthissystem,aworker’smovementislimitedsohe/sheisunabletoreachtheedgeoftherooforotherlocationwherethereisariskoffalling.Thesystemmaycontainabodybeltorfullharness,lifelineand/orlanyardofafixedlength,andananchorpoint.Beltsareneveranacceptablepartofafallarrestsystem.

3. Aguardrailarounddoorways,windows,androofsmaysuffice.Section4oftheFallProtectionRegulationsdefinestherequirementsforguardraildimensions.

4. Apersonnelsafetynetmaybeinstalled.Section6oftheFallProtectionRegulationsdefinestherequirementsforinstallation,maintenanceandinspection.

5. Whenworkersareworkingaroundrooforflooropenings,theemployermustinstalltemporaryflooringtoremovethefallhazardassociatedwiththoseopenings.SeeSection9oftheFallProtectionRegulationsforinstallationandloadbearingrequirements.

Thisfigureillustratesthefalldistancesandclearancestotakeintoconsiderationwhenusingafallarrestsystem.Inthiscase,theworker’slanyardisdirectlyattachedtotheanchorpoint.Thesystemshouldbedesignedsothatthefreefallisnotgreaterthan4ft.(1.22m).

Fall Protection Plan and Rescue Plan

Anemployerisrequiredtohaveawrittenfallprotectionplanbeforeconstructionbegins.Theplanmustbeonsite,availabletoworkers,anditmustbefollowed.SeeSection3(11)oftheFallProtectionRegulationsforspecifications.Itisnotsufficienttohavethewrittenfallprotectionplanstandalone.Theemployermustalsoincludearescueplanintheeventaworkerfallsandissuspendedbyafallarrestsystem.Itisimportanttonotethatrelyingsolelyon911EmergencyServicesorFireDepartmentisinsufficientforarescueplan!Training Required

Aworkermustneveruseafallprotectionsystemunlesshe/shemeetsthedefinitionof“competentperson”intheFallProtectionRegulations.Competency meanstheworkerisqualifiedtousethefallprotectionsystembecauseof his/herknowledge,training,andexperiencetodotheassignedworkina mannerthatwillensurethehealthandsafetyofpersonsintheworkplace. Competencyalsoconsiderstheworker’sknowledgeinregularinspection andmaintenanceofequipment(seeearliersectiononCompetency).When Working on Roofs

• Inspectforandremovefrostandotherslippinghazardsbeforegettingontoroofsurfaces.

• Stoproofingoperationswhenstorms,highwinds,orotheradverseconditionscreateanunsafeworkingenvironment.

• Removeorproperlyguardanyimpalementhazards.• Wearfootwearwithslip‐resistantsoles.

Excavations and Trenching General • Findthelocationofallundergroundutilitiesbycontactingthelocalutilityservicebeforedigging.

• Maintaina10footdistancebetweenutilitypolesandexcavation• Keepworkersawayfromdiggingequipmentandneverallowworkersinanexcavationortrenchwhenequipmentisinuse.

• Keepworkersfromgettingbetweenequipmentinuseandotherobstaclesandmachinerythatcancausecrushinghazards.

• Keepequipmentandtheexcavateddirt(spoilspile)back(2ft)fromtheedgeoftheexcavation.

• Haveacompetentpersonconductdailyinspectionsandcorrectanyhazardsbeforeworkersenteratrenchorexcavation.

• Provideworkersawaytogetintoandoutofatrenchorexcavationsuchasladdersandramps.

• Forexcavationsandutilitytrenchesover4ftdeep,useshoring, trenchboxes,orslopebackthesides. Theearth’sslopemuststartabovethe4ftdepthandmustbemaintainedthereafterata45‐degreeangle.Thismeansthatforevery1ftofverticaltrench(above4ft),theslopemustbeclearedbackbyatleast 1fthorizontal(seeabovediagram).

• Keepwateroutoftrencheswithapumpordrainagesystem,andinspecttheareaforsoilmovementandpotentialcave‐ins.

• Keepdriversinthecabandworkersawayfromdumptruckswhendirtandotherdebrisarebeingloadedintothem.

• Don’tallowworkersunderanyloadandensuretheyaretrainedtostayclearofthe backsofvehicles.

Foundations Afterthefoundationwallsareconstructed,takespecialprecautions topreventinjuryfromcave‐insbetweentheexcavationwallandthefoundationwall.

Thedottedlineshowstheprofileofthisexcavation,asitwasslopedat1to1.Thespoilspileisatleast2ftbackfromtheedgeoftheexcavation.

• Thedepthofthefoundation/basementtrenchcannotexceedthe4ftdepthunlessyouhavetherequiredtrenchsloping1fthorizontalto1 ftverticalinplace.

• Makesurenoworkactivityvibratesthesoilwhileworkersareinthetrench.

• Planthefoundationtrenchworktominimizethenumberofworkersinthetrenchandthelengthoftimetheyspendthere.

• Inspectthetrenchregularlyforchangesinthestabilityoftheearth(water,cracks,vibrations,spoilspile).

• Stopworkifanypotentialforcave‐indevelopsandfixtheproblem beforeworkstartsagain.

Tools and Equipment • Maintainallhandtoolsandequipmentinsafeconditionandcheckthemregularlyfordefects.Removebrokenordamagedtoolsandequipmentfromthejobsite.

• Followthemanufacturer’srequirementsforsafeuseofalltools.• Usedoubleinsulatedtools,orensurethetoolsaregrounded.• Equipallpowersaws(circular,skill,table,etc.)withbladeguards.• Makesureguardsareinplacebeforeusingpowersaws.Don’tusepowersawswiththeguardtiedorwedgedopen.

• Turnoffsawsbeforeleavingthemunattended.• Raiseorlowertoolsbytheirhandles,notbytheircords.• Don’tusewrencheswhenthejawsaresprungtothepointofslippage.Replacethem.

• Don’tuseimpacttoolswithmushroomedheads.Replacethem.• Keepwoodenhandlesfreeofsplintersorcracksandbesurethehandlesstaytightinthetool.

• Workersusingpowder‐actuatedtoolsmustreceivepropertrainingpriortousingthetools.

• Alwaysbesurethathoseconnectionsaresecurewhenusingpneumatictools.

• Neverleavecartridgesforpneumaticorpowder‐actuatedtoolsunattended.

• Keepequipmentinasafeplace,accordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions.

• Requirepropereyeprotectionforworkers.

Vehicles and Mobile Equipment • Ensureworkersaretrainedtostayclearofbackingandturningvehiclesand equipmentwithrotatingcabs.

• Besurethatalloff‐roadequipmentusedonsiteisequippedwithrolloverprotectivestructures(ROPS).

• Maintainback‐upalarmsforequipment.• Besurethatallvehicleshavefullyoperationalbrakingsystemsandbrakelights.

• Useseatbeltswhentransportingworkersinmotorandconstructionvehicles.

• Maintainasafedistancefromoverheadpowerlineswhen operatingequipment.Thefollowingminimumapproachdistancesapply:

VoltageofLivePowerLine MinimumDistance• Upto750volts 3ft• Upto100,000volts 12ft• Upto250,000volts 17ft• Upto345,000volts 20ft

• Contacttheelectricalutilityforassistanceiftheminimumapproachdistancesarenotpossiblefortheworkbeingcarriedout

• Blockuptheraisedbedwheninspectingorrepairingdumptrucks.• Knowtheratedcapacityofthecraneanduseaccordingly.• Ensurethestabilityofthecrane.• Useataglinetocontrolmaterialsmovedbyacrane.• Verifyexperienceorprovidetrainingtocraneandheavyequipmentoperators.

Electrical • Prohibit work on new and existing energized (hot) electrical circuitsuntil all power is shutoff andapositive Lockout/Tagout system is inplace.

• Don’tusefrayedorwornelectricalcordsorcables.

• Useonly3‐wiretypeextensioncordsdesignedforhardservice. Lookforanyofthefollowinglettersimprintedonthecasing: SJTO,SJTW,andSJTWO.

• Maintainallelectricaltoolsandequipmentinsafeconditionandcheckregularlyfordefects.

• Removebrokenordamagedtoolsandequipmentfromthejobsite.• Protectalltemporarypower(includingextensioncords)withgroundfaultcircuitinterrupters(GFCIs).PlugintoaGFCI‐protectedtemporarypowerpole,aGFCIprotectedgenerator,oruseaGFCIextensioncordtoprotectagainstshocks.

• Don’tbypassanyprotectivesystemordevicedesignedtoprotectemployeesfromcontactwithelectricalcurrent.

• Locateandidentifyoverheadelectricalpowerlines.Makesurethatladders,scaffolds,equipmentormaterialsnevercomewithintheminimumapproachdistance(seeabovesection)of electricalpowerlinesasnotedintheprevioussection.

Fire Prevention • Providefireextinguishersnearallwelding,soldering,orothersourcesofignition.

• Keepfireextinguishersvisibleandaccessibleincaseofanemergency.• Keepfireextinguishersinspected,maintainedandrechargedonaregularbasistoensuretheywillbeoperationalinanemergency.

• Fireextinguishersmustbeprovidedoneachconstructionorrenovationsite,locatedoneachlevel.

• Donotstoreflammableorcombustiblematerialsinareasusedforstairwaysorexits.

• Avoidsprayingpaint,solvents,orotherflammablematerialsinroomswithpoorventilation.Build‐upoffumesandvaporscancauseexplosionsorfires.

• EmployeesshouldbetrainedtousethePASSmethodtoextinguishafire:

• Pullthepin.• Aimthenozzle.• Squeezethelever.• Sweepthenozzle.

• Storegasolineandotherflammableliquidsinanapprovedcontaineroutdoorsorinanapprovedstoragefacility.

• Donotstoreliquidpropanegascylindersinsidebuildings.• Keeptemporaryheatersatleast6feetawayfromanyliquidpropanecylinders.

• Ensurethatleaksorspillsofflammableorcombustiblematerialsarecleaneduppromptly.

Toilet Facilities • Propertoiletfacilitiesmustbeprovidedandmustbemaintained,keptclean,andhaveadequateprovisionforprivacy,heat,lightandventilation.

• Inworkplaceswhere runningwater isnotavailable, theemployerwillprovideprivies, chemical toilets, or other types of toilets and facilitiesforhandwashingtothesatisfactionofanofficer.

• Everyemployerwillensurethatallchemicaltoiletsorpriviesare: Providedfromthestartoftheproject; Constructedsothatanyuserisshelteredfromviewandprotectedfromweatherandflyingobjects;

Adequatelyheatedincoldweather; Providedwithadequatesuppliesofhandsanitizer; Maintainedinacleanandsanitarycondition.

Portabletoiletfacilitieswillbeprovidedoneachworksiteandmaintaineduntilsuchtimeasplumbedfacilitieshavebeeninstalledonsite.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) WHMISisanationalhazardclassificationsystemdesignedtoensurethesafetyofemployersandemployeeswhileattheworkplace.Inparticular,thesystemisdesignedtokeepworkersandemployersinformedofthedangersandhazardsassociatedwiththechemicalsandsubstancesthattheymaycomeintocontactwithwhileonthejob.Anemployerthatusesorstoreshazardousproductsattheconstructionsitemust:• EnsureworkerswhoareworkingwithhazardousproductsaretrainedinWHMIS.

• EnsurethemostcurrentversionoftheSafetyDataSheets(SDSs)areonsite.

• EnsureworkersweartheproperPersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)asrequiredbytheSDSs.

• Ensureallhazardousproductsareproperlylabelledandstored.• Ensureanyhazardousproductswhichhavebeendecantedintoamake‐shiftcontainerareproperlylabelled.

Asbestos Asbestosisastrong,fire‐resistantmineralfibre.Itwasusedasinsulationagainstheatornoise,andforfireprotectioninhomesandcommercialbuildings.Whenaddedtomaterialssuchascementandplaster,theasbestosfibresprovidedmorestructuralstrength.Morethan3,000productscontainingasbestoswereusedinhouseconstructionupuntilthelate1980s.Whenrenovatingordemolishingolderhomes,thereisahighprobabilityofencounteringasbestos‐containingmaterials.Demolishingorrenovatingstructurescontainingasbestosproductscanreleaseasbestosfibres,whichareextremelyfineandcanstayintheairforhours.Unprotectedworkersexposedtoasbestos‐contaminatedaircanbreatheinthefibres.Thismaycauseserioushealthproblems,suchaslungdiseaseandcancer.Mostworkerswhohavediedfromoverexposuretoasbestosfibreshavebeenintheconstructiontrades.

ASBESTOSMUSTNOTBEDISTURBEDORREMOVEDBYANYONEOTHERTHANACERTIFIEDCONTRACTOR.InPrinceEdwardIsland,anAsbestosAbatementContractorCertificateisonlyissuedbytheDirectorofOccupationalHealthandSafety.AnAsbestosAbatementNotificationPermitmustbepostedattheworksitebythecertifiedcontractor.

Ifyoususpectasbestosispresentinyourworkarea,checkwithaqualifiedasbestossamplingserviceproviderwhocantestitforasbestoscontent.SpecifictrainingandstepsMUSTbetakenbeforeworkingwithasbestos.

Itisthejointresponsibilityoftheinsurancecompany,propertymanager,buildingowner,and/orcontractortocomplywiththeOccupationalHealthandSafetyActandGeneralRegulationswheneverarenovation,restorationordemolitionprojectisundertaken.ContractorsMUSTensureallhazardousmaterials(includingasbestos)areidentifiedandabatedinasafemanner.Failuretodosocouldexposeworkers,occupantsandthegeneralpublictohazardousmaterialswithsignificantpotentialliabilityissuesforallinvolved.Contractfirmsthatmeetthelegalrequirementstoprotectthehealthandsafetyofworkersemployedontheprojectsite.

ThecontractorMUSThaveaqualifiedpersoninspectthesitetoidentifyanyonsitehazardssuchasleadandasbestos,orotherhazardousmaterialsthatmaybepresent.Ifthecontractorisunabletoprovidedocumentationforahazardousmaterialassessment,itmayresultinaStopWorkOrderattheprojectsitebyanOHSOfficer.

Additional Resources Visit the websites below for additional health and safety resources. Canadian provincial and territorial sites can be accessed through the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) website. Workers Compensation Board of PEI Phone: 902‐368‐5697 wcb.pe.ca Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Phone: 1‐800‐263‐8466 Fax: 906‐572‐4500 ccohs.ca/ohsanswers/ Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) wsps.ca National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cdc.gov/niosh/ WorksafeBC – Asbestos: Hidden Killer www.hiddenkiller.ca

14 Weymouth Street, P.O. Box 757Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7L7

Telephone: 902-368-5697Toll‐Free in Atlantic Canada: 1‐800‐237‐5049

Fax: 902-368-5696www.wcb.pe.ca

Information for Workers

14 Weymouth Street, P.O. Box 757Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7l7

Telephone: 902-368-5680Toll Free in Atlantic Canada: 1-800-237-5049

Fax: 902-368-5696Website: www.wcb.pe.ca

Guide to Workplace Safety for Construction Sites...Guide to Workplace Safety for Construction Sites...

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