Workplace Inspections

May 2015

ObjectivesAfter completing this awareness session, you will . . .

1. Understand the purpose of workplace inspections.2. Identify responsibilities of management, the joint health

and safety committee (JHSC), the site reps and workers (your colleagues).

3. Explain the process of workplace inspection. 4. Review hazard recognition opportunities commonly

found during school inspections.

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Workplace InspectionsUltimate Goal

To Prevent an Accident

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Purpose of Workplace Inspections

The purpose of workplace inspections is to:– listen to concerns– recognize substandard conditions / processes

and behaviors (hazards) to prevent accidents or loss

– assess the underlying causes of hazards to determine the risk

– make recommendations to implement controls to eliminate or reduce the risk to an acceptable level

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Responsibilities Section 9 -- OccH&S Act

9(23) members of the JHSC who represent workers shall designate a member representing workers to inspect the physical condition of the workplace.

9(26) shall inspect the physical condition of the workplace at least once a month, or

9(27) if it is not practical, inspect the physical condition of the workplace at least once a year, inspecting at least a part in each month.

9(28) schedule of inspections established by the JHSC9(29) employer shall provide information and assistance

for the purpose of carrying out the inspection9(30) member shall inform the JHSC of situations that

may be a source of danger or hazard to workers.

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Worker Input

The input of those in the workplace can provide detail to unanswered questions .

Workers’ right to participate

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Prevention opportunities

30 major loss injuries

300 recordable incidents

Identification and control opportunities

3,000near misses

30,000hazards, unsafe activity and/or unsafe conditions

Concerns that should be identified during a workplace

inspection.

1 Fatality

Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection or an investigation.

Red line is the impact of prevention

Failure of ControlAccident Ratio Triangle

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Prevention opportunities

30 major loss injuries

300 recordable incidents

Identification and control opportunities

3,000near misses

30,000hazards, unsafe activity and/or unsafe conditions

Concerns that should be identified during a workplace

inspection.

1 Fatality

Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection or an investigation.

Red line is the impact of prevention

Failure of ControlAccident Ratio Triangle

9

Prevention opportunities

30 major loss injuries

300 recordable incidents

Identification and control opportunities

3,000near misses

30,000hazards, unsafe activity and/or unsafe conditions

Concerns that should be identified during a workplace

inspection.

1 Fatality

Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection or an investigation.

Red line is the impact of prevention

Failure of ControlAccident Ratio Triangle

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Preparation

• Who?• how / forms / circulation / follow-up• entry arrangements• scheduling• what procedures / legislation applies• who supervises / manages• special hazards or PPE requirements

• What work is done?• What hazards exist?• What emergency plans apply?• What equipment is used?

− manuals− Inspections− maintenance

• Previous incidents reported?

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Planning and Pre-audit

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Tools to Help with the Inspection• floor plans / site plan• maintenance manuals• MSDS /inventories• Job Task Analysis• equipment list• record of materials purchased• copy of OHSA• checklist (s) • camera

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Workplace Inspection FormsA Workplace Inspection form must meet your needs. It should be:

– simple– detailed– provide documented proof– easy to use– practical

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The inspection process involves:• using your senses (sight, hearing, smell

and touch)• staying focused • discussing concerns with workers and

supervisors• indicating unsafe acts and conditions in

the inspection report

The Inspection ProcessThe Inspection Process

Hazard Isolation Areas such as roof access:– PPE and/or training required to protect the area.– The area will be secured with signage indicating

the restrictions.– Entry by non specifically qualified individuals may

be prohibited or special arrangements will have to be made to inspect these areas.

– These areas are usually inspected by regulating authorities and usually have there own operational committees.

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The Inspection Process Hazardous Areas

The Inspection Process Hazardous Areas

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The Inspection

– Look up and scan the ceiling area– Look down and scan the floor area– Look around – 360 degrees– Look in– Look for things that don`t seem “right ”– Look for physical damage– Look for the presence of hazards– Look at systems – HVAC, plumbing– Electrical and lighting

1. Before entering a room or site give it an overview from the entry.

2. When entering the room proceed to a central area and carry out a 360 degree overview of the room.

3. If part of the room is obstructed proceed to the obstructed area and redo the 360 degree overview.

4. Proceed with the full inspection.

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The Inspection Entering a Room or Site

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The Inspection – Don’ts

• interrupt workers performing critical tasks

• touch potentially hazardous equipment, objects or work surfaces

• just perform the quick once over and leave

• leave serious hazards unaddressed• become distracted

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Workplace Inspection Report

identify location of hazard describe hazard in detail indicate if repeat item assess or prioritize hazard suggest possible causes recommend corrective actions indicate person responsible follow-up

Risk Assessment

Classify Hazard Severity:• “Severe or Critical”

- Major Hazard - Fatal / Critical• “Serious”

- Moderate Hazard - Serious Injury• “Minimum”

- Minor Hazard - Minor Injury

Risk Assessment

Classify Hazard Probability:

• “high” - Very Likely

• “medium” - Possible

• “low” - Very Unlikely

Put them together to create a Risk Assessment

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The Final Inspection Report

• Send the final report to the individual delegated the responsibility by management.

• Send the final report to the individual delegated the responsibility by the JHSC for committee action and follow up.

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What is a "hazard?"

An unsafe _________________ or _________________ that may or may

not cause damage to property, equipment, materials or the environment

OR an ___________ or _______________ to an employee.

condition practice

injury illness

How can a person be an “accident waiting to happen”?

A physical agent is a source of energy that may cause injury or disease. Examples:−noise and ultrasound −vibration −radiation – x rays lasers, UV−electrical/arc flash−heat or cold

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Hazards RevisitedPhysical Agents

• A chemical agent is a chemical or chemical compound that has harmful effects on human health.

• There are a many of many different types.

• Anytime a worker is exposed to any chemical (solid, liquid or gas) in the workplace a chemical hazard is present.

Refer to WHMIS and regulations on

designated and controlled products.

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Hazards RevisitedChemical Agents

A biological agent is ...1. an living organism, 2.product of an organism (exotoxin), or;3.component of an organism (endotoxin)

... that has harmful effects on human health.

Refer to WHMIS and biohazards training

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Hazards RevisitedBiological Agents

Examples:−electrical

− frayed cords, missing ground pins− spills, liquid slipping hazards− tripping hazards and obstructed

hallways, aisles or stairs−unguarded equipment −working at elevations

− ladders, step stools −weather related outdoor assignments−mobile equipment

− carts, trolleys, material moving devices

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Hazards RevisitedSafety or Physical Hazards

Examples:−poor lighting−improperly adjusted workstations and chairs−frequent lifting−poor posture−awkward movements−repetitive movements−using too much force

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Hazards RevisitedMSD’s and Ergonomics

Ergonomic hazards are hazards that put a strain on a person’s body due to: 1 - the type of work,

2 - body position, or3 - forces exerted while

working

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Hazards RevisitedMSD’s and Ergonomics

They are generally difficult to identify without speaking to and observing workers

Psychosocial stress results from perceived threats (real or imagined) when a person feels they have no control nor the ability to directly deal with the threat.

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Hazards RevisitedPsychosocial (stress)

Examples:− work overload or under load− loss of control− role uncertainty and conflict− Isolation, working alone− workplace bullying or violence

Harassment (bullying) and violence are now regulated .

What can you see …

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Looking for …

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CHECKING . . . Safety Board Postings

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CHECKING . . . Safety Board Postings• JHSC members names and contact numbers • JHSC meeting minutes – previous summaries

• JHSC site inspection previous reports

• Occupational Health & Safety Policy

• Occupational Health & Safety Act / WSIB In case of Injury poster

• First Aid Attendant name & location

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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CHECKING . . . General Items• Visitor signing in and out • Signs and fixtures are securely fastened to the wall

• Signage directing visitors accordingly

• Washrooms and common areas accessible

• Appropriate policy manuals for staff available

• Internal security measures implemented

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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CHECKING . . . Grounds & Public Areas• Outside stair and sidewalks are in good condition

and free of tripping hazards • External lighting is adequate, parking spots are

well marked and walkways lighted• Areas of concealment by scrubs and trees are

removed• Speed limit signs are posted and traffic flow is

controlled and monitored• Scrubs are cut back away from entrances to

minimize rodents

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

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CHECKING . . . Storage Areas• Heavy items, e.g. paper, stored on lower and

middle shelves • There is a CSA approved step stool or ladder

available to reach the top shelves • All chemicals labelled, e.g. photocopying toner,

MSDS available for the products stored• Shelving is stable and secure

• Items stored on shelves are well organized to minimize falling of loose materials

• TVs, VCRs, DVD players or other loose devices secured

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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Stairwell

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CHECKING . . . Hallways and Walkways• Main hallways and foyers are clear of materials or

equipment• Floors are kept dry, clean and free of oil or grease

• Wet floor signs are available

• Carpet or tiles are in good condition ( no lifting carpets or loose tiles)

• Doorways and exits are clear of materials or equipment

• Lighting levels and emergency lighting in hallways are adequate

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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Office

CHECKING . . . Libraries/Computer Labs• Bookshelves situated with clear paths for exit in

case of emergency • All wall mounted shelves securely fastened to the

wall• Computer cabling and power bars secured to

prevent tripping hazards• Workstations, chairs and tables are in good

condition and are organized in a safe fashion• Computer, video or audio workstations utilize but

do not piggyback power bars• Network cabling devices are arranged to prevent a

tripping hazard

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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Classroom

CHECKING . . . Satellite buildings/houses• Area around and under buildings is well drained,

interior free from water leaks• Steps, porch, ramps and hand rails are in good

working condition• Snow and ice is removed at both doorways and

approaches to the doorways• There is adequate interior and exterior lighting,

emergency lighting functioning• Heating and ventilation units are functioning and

grills are clean and clear of books, paper, etc.

• There is a communication system that links the building to the main office

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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CHECKING . . . Gymnasium• Suitable restraints for volleyball net posts,

handball nets & storage to prevent tipping and falling

• Fixtures such as bleachers and basketball backstops secured properly and safely

• Retractable bleachers, basketball backstops and floor sockets operating properly and safely

• Balls, other sporting equipment organized and stored safely, prevent release or

obstruction• Fixed equipment, ropes, climbing racks, external

field equipment in good operational shape • Secure guards are over any lighting/alarms/PA to

ensure no damage by normal gym activities

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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CHECKING . . . Kitchen/Food Prep Areas• Appliances in good condition, pot holders, mitts

accessible, fire extinguisher nearby• Local exhaust ventilation (where installed)

operating with filters and hood is clean• Area around and above stoves or hoods kept free

from combustible materials • Food is stored in appropriate containers and not

left out to attract rodents and insects• Fridges clean (no old food), dishes are cleaned

regularly, garbage removed daily• Juice cans, tetras, are properly rinsed out for

recycling

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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Custodial Closet

CHECKING . . . Custodial Work Area• Heavier weighed items are stored below shoulder

height, chemicals stored below eye level • Flammable safety cans are stored in outside

storage areas, or as per Board policy• Floors are clear of tripping or electrical hazards

and exits are not blocked• Ladder and or stepping stool is available and in

good working condition• All chemicals labelled, including proportioners

MSDS available for the products stored

• Custodial room is not made available to students of the public

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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CHECKING . . . Electrical Safety• Power bars connected to main receptacle, not to

another extension cord • Electrical equipment grounded / CSA approved

• Cords secured under desks or along baseboards

• Three wire plugs have the ground pin securely in place

• Electrical panels are not obstructed

• Cords, fixtures & plugs are in good condition

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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Maintenance Shop

CHECKING . .

.Shops/Metal/Wood/Auto• Appropriate machine guards in place, ear plugs

shields, safety glasses, etc, available• Hearing protection, Safety Glasses signage posted • Ventilation/exhaust systems operable,

compressed gases are stored securely

• Material Safety Data Sheets available

• Flammable materials stored according to WHMIS Regulations

• Eye wash station well maintained

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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Receiving Area

CHECKING . . . Fire Safety & Emergency• Less than 20% of total wall surface area is covered

by combustible art/paper materials • Emergency exits marked and free from obstruction

• Emergency lighting system functional

• Fire doors are closed as required, door stops removed

• Fire alarm pull stations marked and free from obstruction, smoke/fire alarms are in place

• Fire extinguishers are clearly marked, secured and inspected with tags

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

YesNo

Yes No

YesNo

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After the inspection is complete:• JHSC reviews the report• Follow up, validate controls are

being followed• Review implementation of any

recommendations• Evaluate effectiveness

After the InspectionAfter the Inspection

May 2015

SummaryTogether we . . .

1. Understood the purpose of workplace inspections.2. Identified responsibilities of management, the joint

health and safety committee (JHSC), the site reps and workers (your colleagues).

3. Explained the process of workplace inspection. 4. Reviewed hazard recognition opportunities commonly

found during school inspections.