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Health and SafetyAwareness Training for
Supervisors
Human Resources Advisory Services
The number of people who suffer a work-related illness or injury in Ontario each year, would be able to fill the seats of a dozen large hockey
arenas.
Studies show that new and young workers are 4x more likely to get hurt during their first month on
the job than at any other time.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• The OHSA is a set of laws that spells out the duties of employers, supervisors and the rights and duties of workers.
• The Regulations that are attached to the OHSA contain more detailed laws about how to make the workplace safer in specific situations and industries.
• The purpose of the OHSA and Regulations is to keep workers from getting hurt or sick on the job.
• Ministry of Labour inspectors ensure workplaces comply with the OHSA and Regulations.
Health and Safety is Everyone’s Job
Everyone in the workplace from the employer to the newest worker have important roles in keeping
the workplace safe.
The Internal Responsibility System
The goal of the internal responsibility system is to have all personnel working together to identify
and control situations (hazards) that could cause harm. The ultimate objective is to ensure
everyone integrates health and safety into their work environment. This concept is the
foundation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
The OHSA supports a coordinated approach to workplace health and safety by giving
everybody duties according to their position in the workplace. The higher your
position is, the more duties you have. When you put all these duties together, you get a strong IRS in the workplace.
Due DiligenceThe idea of due diligence is closely related to the concept of the internal responsibility system. Due diligence means, anyone with responsibility for health and safety must “… take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to avoid a work related injury or
illness.”
The Occupational Health and Safety legislation provides the right to expect a safe and healthy workplace. Therefore, everyone is
accountable as an individual for carrying out the responsibility of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers have the most responsibility to ensure the health and safety of
their workers because they have the most authority in the workplace.
General Duties of Employers• Make sure workers know about the hazards and
dangers in the workplace and how to work safely• Appoint competent supervisors and make sure
every supervisor knows how to take care of health and safety on the job
• Create health and safety policies and procedures for the workplace
General Duties of Employers
• Make sure everyone know and follows the health and safety procedures
• Make sure workers wear and use the correct protective equipment for the job
• Do everything reasonable in the circumstances to keep workers from getting hurt or ill on the job
The Competent Supervisor• Employers have an obligation to appoint competent
supervisors• To be competent under the OHSA, supervisors
must:1. Have knowledge, training and experience to organize work for the
workers
2. Be familiar with the OHSA and the regulations that apply to the workplace being supervised
3. Have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace
If your workplace is small and the supervisor and the employer are the same person, then that person must comply with both the employer and supervisor duties.
Where there are five or more workers regularly employed in the workplace the employer must:– Create and review on an annual basis a
health and safety policy– Develop a program to implement that policy– Post the policy in the workplace
If you work in construction, you need to know that the constructor of the project also has duties to keep the workplace
safe. The constructor and the employer have distinct responsibilities under the law.
If the constructor is also the employer, they must comply with both constructor
and employer duties.
Under the OHSA, every supervisor is also considered to be a worker and has the same workplace duties and rights as a worker. But OHSA also gives specific
duties to supervisors.
The OHSA defines a supervisor as anyone who “has charge of a workplace or
authority over a worker.”
General Duties of Supervisors• Make sure workers work in compliance with the OHSA and its
regulations • Ensure any equipment, protective device or clothing required by the
employer is used or worn by workers • Advise workers of any potential or actual health or safety dangers
known by the supervisor • Where prescribed, provide workers with written instructions about
measures and procedures to be taken for the workers' protection • Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the
protection of workers
This means…• Telling workers about hazards and dangers and responding
to their concerns.
• Showing workers how to work safely and making sure they follow the law, and the workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
• Making sure workers wear and use the right protective equipment.
• Doing everything reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers from being hurt or getting a work related illness.
General Duties of Workers• Work in compliance with the OHSA and its regulations • Report any known workplace hazards or
contraventions of the OHSA to the supervisor or employer
• Use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing required by the employer
• Work and act in a way that will not hurt themselves or any other worker
Worker Rights• The OHSA gives workers three important
rights:1. The right to know about workplace hazards and
what to do about them
2. The right to participate in solving workplace health and safety problems
3. The right to refuse work they believe is unsafe.
Worker Rights & Supervisor Responsibility
The Right to know about workplace hazards and what to do about them
• It is the supervisor’s responsibility to tell workers about and health or safety hazards and to show them how to work safely.
Worker Rights & Supervisor Responsibility
The right to participate in solving workplace health and safety problems
• Supervisors must encourage workers to get involved by encouraging them to ask questions, raise concerns and give positive feedback, including joining the JHSC or becoming a health and safety representative
Worker Rights & Supervisor Responsibility
The right to refuse
• Supervisors must respect that right by taking “every precaution reasonable” in the circumstance to protect workers and comply with the process for work refusals specified in the OHSA
Workers must support Supervisors by:
• Following the law and workplace health and safety policies and procedures
• Using and wearing the protective equipment required by the employer
• Acting in a way that will not hurt themselves or others
• Reporting anything they become aware of that is unsafe or goes against the Act
No ReprisalsThe Occupational Health and Safety Act
prohibits the employer from reprising against a worker (including supervisors)
for such things as complying with the OHSA, seeking its enforcement, asking
questions or reporting issues.
Review• Which of the following groups of workers
are the most likely to get hurt on the job?a) Young workers
b) Workers in a new position
c) New workers
d) All of the above
Review• A supervisor has the greatest
responsibility for health and safety in the workplacea) True
b) False The Employer has the greatest responsibility because they
have the most authority in the workplace.
Review• The three basic rights of workers in the OHSA
are the right to know about hazards, the right to participate in health and safety activities, and the right to refuse work that they believe is dangerous to themselves or others.
a) True
b) False
Review• Which of the following is NOT an example of
how Employer’s support the worker’s right to participate in health and safety?a) Encouraging them to speak up and listening to their concerns.
b) Encouraging short-cuts to improve productivity
c) Doing what’s necessary to control the hazards that they identify.
d) Acknowledging their efforts to make the workplace safer and healthier.
Hazards• A hazard is anything in the workplace that could
cause injury or illness to you or the people you work with
• A hazard can take many forms, sometimes more than one hazard can combine to create an even bigger hazard
• Everyone needs to know about the hazards BEFORE they start working
Questions to Ask Yourself as a Supervisor
1. Do I understand the OHSA and the Regulations that apply to the work we do?
2. Can I explain theses sections of the OHSA and regulations to the workers?
3. Am I informing the workers about hazards?
4. Have I planned the work so that it can be done safely?
5. Am I making sure the workers wear or use the protective gear, clothing and devices necessary to work safely?
Know the Hazards in your Workplace
• Some of the most common hazards in Ontario workplaces are:– Repeating the same movement over and over– Slipping, tripping and falling– Motorized vehicles– Using or working near machinery– Workplace violence
Know the Hazards• Supervisors also need to think about the less
obvious hazards – things like chemicals, fumes, toxic dust, germs and viruses in the workplace.
• Some of these hazards can make workers very sick, and not always immediately after exposure to them.
• Sometimes the effects of these hazards don’t appear until days, weeks, months or even years after the worker was exposed.
Know the Hazards• It is a supervisor’s responsibility to help
plan and organize the work which requires knowing the hazards associated with the work and how to control them
• Supervisors must also communicate any potential hazards to the workers
Other Ways to Learn About Hazards
• Workplace health and safety policies and procedures developed by the employer
• WHMIS training– Labels– MSD Sheets
• Equipment manuals• Training
– JHSC– First Aid– Confined Space– Spill etc.
Dealing with Hazards• Recognize where there are potential
hazards
• Assess the hazard
• Control the hazard
• Evaluate how well the controls are working
Recognize
• Watch the work as it is being done.
• Talk to workers about the work and the areas where work happens.
• Participate in workplace inspections.
• Look at reports and records about the work.
• Listen to the concerns workers have about the work they are doing.
Assess
• How does the hazard compare to legislation, standards and guidelines?
• How can the worker get hurt or sick?
• How likely is the hazard to affect the workers health and safety?
• How badly could a worker get hurt or sick?
Control• Look for ways to remove the hazard or to make
the job safer.• The safest thing is to remove the hazard.• If removing the hazard is not possible, look for
ways to prevent workers from coming in contact with the hazard i.e. machine guards and barriers, protective equipment and clothing.
Evaluate• Talk about the work to the workers who
report to you.
• Watch them do their work.
• Listen to what they say and look for ways to improve health and safety.
The RACE process is a way to help deal with hazards, but supervisors still need to monitor
the work, and take steps to make sure workers understand the information given to
them and are following workplace safety procedures AND are using/wearing their
protective equipment.
Supervisors have to make sure the OHSA, and any other applicable regulations and
workplace safety procedures are being followed and enforce those procedures.
Supervisors who do not carry out their duties under OHSA can face fines, MOL compliance
orders and even charges.
Working Together
• It is the employer’s duty to make sure the supervisor knows enough and has enough experience and training to keep worker’s safe while they work (appoint competent supervisors)
• It is the employer and supervisor’s duty to inform workers of health and safety hazards
• It is the worker’s duty to report hazards they are aware of to the employer/supervisor as soon as possible so they can be corrected
Protecting You From Hazards• Eliminate the hazard. For example replacing a toxic
cleaning chemical with one that is non-toxic.• Reduce the hazard. For example putting a barrier/guard
on a piece of equipment (this is called an engineering control), or reducing the amount of time or frequency you come in contact with the hazard by arranging work differently to reduce exposure to the hazard (this is called administrative controls).
• Protective equipment and/or protective devices (PPE).
Correcting Hazards• Use your experience, information and training from
your employer to guide decisions on what to do
• Talk to your employer
• Involve the Health and Safety Representative (HSR) or Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)
• Refer to external sources of information, legislation, standards or consultants
• If necessary, stop the work until you know it is safe to proceed
Correcting Hazards• Talk to employees, make sure they are
wearing/using required protective equipment
• Enforce policies, procedures and regulations
• Listen to employee concerns and questions
ReviewCommon hazards in the workplace include:
a) Noise
b) Lighting or lack there of
c) Electricity and other energy sources
d) Confined spaces
e) Sharp objects or equipment
f) All of the above
ReviewIf a hazard can make you feel sick, you will
always start to feel sick right awaya) True
b) False Exposure to hazards do not always result in illness immediately.
Illness can occur hours, days, weeks or even years after the initial exposure.
ReviewMethods to protect workers from hazards
include:a) Replacing toxic chemicals for non-toxic varieties
b) Installing guards on machines
c) Increasing ventilation
d) Wearing safety glasses, hard hats and steel-toed shoes
e) All of the above
ReviewThe various ways to protect you from hazards
include:a) Eliminating the hazard
b) Reducing the hazard through engineering controls
c) Reducing exposure to the hazard through administrative/work practice controls
d) All of the above
Working Together
Understanding the Occupational Health and Safety Act is all about knowing
the health and safety duties of employers, supervisors and the duties
and rights of workers, and putting them into action.
Working Together• If an employer knows about a hazard and doesn't try to
eliminate or reduce it, or make sure the workers are told about it and how to deal with it, that employer is not doing what the law requires.
• If a supervisor knows about a hazard and doesn't explain to the workers how to deal with it, that supervisor is not doing what the law requires.
• If a worker knows about a hazard and doesn't report it to the supervisor or the employer, that worker is not doing what the law requires
Even when supervisors have the necessary knowledge, training and experience to be a competent supervisor, fixing a health
and safety problem will sometimes be out of your control. If that happens you need to let your employer know you need help
solving the problem.
Workers need to know you will do what is right for them and you need to know the
employer will do what is right for everyone.
The Right To Participate
• The OHSA gives workers the right to participate and get involved in keeping the workplace safe.
The Right To Participate• Some examples of ways to get involved
include:– Ask questions when you’re not sure about something– Volunteer to become a member of the joint health and safety
committee– Help your health and safety representative or joint health and
safety committee with health and safety inspections by pointing out possible hazards in your work area
– Take your health and safety training seriously and put what you learn into practice
Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC)
Number of Workers Legislative Requirement
1 - 5 There is no legislative requirement for a JHSC or a Health and Safety representative. However, if your workplace uses designated substances, a JHSC is required.
6 - 19 One Health and Safety representative, selected by the employees they represent, is required.
20 - 49 A JHSC is required. The committee must have at least two (2) members, with one member chosen by the workers. Minimum of one certified worker representative and one certified employer representative.
50+ A JHSC is required. The committee must have at least four (4) members, with two members chosen by the workers. Minimum of one certified worker representative and one certified employer representative.
Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC)
• Because the employer and the workers are represented on the committee, everybody has a role in recognizing, assessing and controlling hazards.
• A member of the committee who represents workers must regularly inspect the workplace. Information from these inspections is brought back to the committee. The committee then makes recommendations to the employer to improve health and safety.
• The employer has to respond to these recommendations within 21 days.
Health and Safety Representatives (HSR)
• The HSR has similar duties as JHSC committee members, including inspecting the workplace regularly and making recommendations to the employer about how to fix hazards and resolve health and safety problems
Health and Safety Information• The OHSA requires employers to post the
OHSA and other health and safety information in the workplace, such as an occupational health and safety poster.
• If the workplace has more than 5 workers, an company health and safety policy must also be posted.
• How you work, and the way you think and talk about the work can affect the safety of the people you work with
• Be a good role model for a safer workplace
ReviewIf you see a hazard on the job, you have a
duty to speak upa) True
b) False
Review• Employers with 5 or more workers must
post a company health and safety policya) True
b) False
ReviewJHS Committees must have at least 2 people on
them – one chosen by the workers and one chosen by the employer. In workplaces with 50+ employees, there must be at least 2 members chosen by the workers and 2 chosen by the employer.a) True
b) False
What if…..?• If employees report a hazard to their
supervisor and/or employer and it does not get addressed, they can contact the Ministry of Labour
• The job of the MOL is to help prevent injuries/illnesses through enforcement of the OHSA
• The MOL wants to hear if there is a problem that is not getting fixed
• You can call 1-877-202-0008 anytime 24 hours per day / 7 days per week
• You do not have to give your name and/or number when you call
• Your employer cannot fire or punish you in any way for contacting the MOL
The Act is quite clear, an employer or supervisor cannot fire or punish an
employee in any way for doing what the OHSA expects them to do, or because they were asked to do what the OHSA
expects them to do. It’s even against the law for an employer or supervisor to
threaten to fire or punish an employee for these things.
The Right to RefuseIf an employee has reason to believe that the
work they are doing or the equipment they are using might hurt them or someone else,
they can refuse to do that work.
The Right to RefuseIt’s important to know that employees can
also refuse work if they have reason to believe that the area where they are
working is likely to endanger themselves or any other worker, or that they are in
danger from workplace violence.
The Right to Refuse• When a worker comes to the supervisor refusing to
do particular work because they feel it will endanger themselves or others, the supervisor must look into the worker’s concerns and do everything they can to address them.
• Often the supervisor can correct the issue, but if the worker still feels the work is unsafe, the Ministry of Labour must be called in.
Work Refusal Process
Supervisors are also workers, and may also exercise the right to refuse unsafe work
specified in the Act.
The Right to Refuse
Some workers, such as nurses, firefighters and police officers cannot refuse work if the danger is a normal part of their job or if
refusing work would put someone else in danger.
More Information and Resources
• Sometimes you may not understand what the OHSA and Regulations are telling you to do, even your employer might not fully understand. When that happens it is okay to look for outside help.
• Ontario has a health and safety “system” made up of a number of partners.
Ministry of LabourDevelops, communicates and enforces occupational
health and safety requirements and employment standards. Develops, coordinates and implements
strategies to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and can set standards for health and
safety training
1‐877‐202‐0008
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca
WSIBAdministers Ontario’s no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers
1-800-387-0750
http://www.wsib.com
Worker’s Health & Safety Centre
An occupational health and safety training centre for workers, representatives and
employers.
1‐888‐869‐7950
http://www.whsc.on.ca
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers
Six medical clinics located across Ontario that provide occupational health services
and information.
1‐877‐817‐0336
http://www.ohcow.on.ca
Health & Safety OntarioFour health and safety associations that provide sector specific
consulting, training, products and services. http://www.healthandsafetyontario.ca
• Infrastructure Health and Safety Association – serves electrical, construction and transportation sectors.
1-800‐263‐5024
• Public Services Health and Safety Association – serves health, education and municipal sectors.
1-877-250-7444
Health & Safety Ontario• Workplace Safety North – serves mining, pulp and paper
and forestry sectors.
1‐888-730-7821
• Workplace Safety and Prevention Services – serves industrial, farming and service sectors.
1-877-494-9777
The system is there to serve everyone in the workplace – employers, supervisors and workers.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Another place for information is the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. They have information and fact sheets on
their website.
1‐800‐668‐4284
www.ccohs.ca
ReviewThe job of the MOL is to help prevent
injuries/illnesses through enforcement of the OHSA.
a)True
b)False
ReviewSupervisors are also workers and have the
right to refuse unsafe work.
a)True
b)False
ReviewOntario has a health and safety “system”
made up of a number of partners.
a)True
b)False
ReviewHealth and Safety Partners include:a)Ministry of Labour
b)Workers Health & Safety Centre
c)Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers
d)Health & Safety Ontario
e)All of the Above
When it comes to health and safety there is no such thing as a silly question
Knowing your health and safety rights and duties, the duties of supervisors and your employer, is an important step in staying
safe at work
Be a Role ModelAlways lead by example!
• Wear protective equipment• Follow workplace safety policies and
procedures, OHSA and Regulations• Work in a safe manner• Listen to your staff, and act on what they tell
you
Now What?• Learn about the health and safety specific to your
workplace:– Specific hazards in your workplace– The procedure to follow when reporting health and safety concerns, incidents or injuries– Any protective equipment you are required to wear or use – Where the company’s health and safety policy is posted (in workplaces with more than 5
workers)– Where the first aid station is and the names of qualified first aid providers– The company’s emergency plan– Information on hazardous materials in your workplace– The workplace violence and harassment prevention policy– Where a copy of the OHSA is posted– Where the names of your joint health and safety committee members are posted
If you don’t feel that you know enough to carry out your health and safety duties as a supervisor, it is important you speak to your employer and make sure you get the
information you need.
If you always show your commitment to health and safety, the people you
supervise will follow your example.