Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Safety Policy
Review safety policy with worker, highlighting that everyone plays a part in maintaining a safe
work site.
Safety Program
Here at (Quality Mind) we have developed a comprehensive safety program. program are found.
If you are unsure of the correct way to do a task safely then refer to the appropriate safe work
procedure and/or practice.
If you have an Employee Manual give them a copy, with the requirement to read and follow it.
Responsibilities of Worker, Supervisor, Management
Worker
Know and follow health and safety requirements affecting your job.
If unsure ask for instruction.
Work safely, and encourage your co-workers to do the same.
Correct any unsafe conditions or acts and immediately report them to your supervisor.
Immediately report any injury to the first aid attendant and supervisor.
Take the initiative. Make suggestions to improve health and safety and set a good
example.
Supervisor
Follow managements safety directives.
Instruct workers under your direction and control and ensure their work is performed
without undue risk.
Ensure new employees, sub-contractors and visitors have adequate training and a
safety orientation before they begin work.
Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Participate in accident investigations, or ensure adequate investigations are completed.
Take initiative to ensure all Company responsibilities are met.
Set a good example.
Management
Provide a safe and healthy workplace.
Ensure that workers are adequately trained.
Keep written records of training.
Establish and maintain a comprehensive occupational health and safety program.
Support supervisors, safety coordinators and workers in their health and safety
activities.
Take action immediately when a worker or supervisor tells you about a potentially
hazardous situation.
Initiate an immediate investigation into accidents.
Report serious accidents to the WCB Prevention Division.
Provide adequate first aid facilities and services.
Provide personal protective equipment where required.
Make available to all workers a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Worker Rights
The Workers Compensation Act gives you three basic rights. They are:
The right to refuse
According to Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, you have the right to refuse if you have
reasonable cause to believe that to do so would create an undue hazard to the health or safety of
any person. However, if you do, you must report the unsafe condition to your supervisor
immediately and comply with Section 3.12. This regulation, along with section 3.13 is printed
below for your information.
3.12 Procedure for refusal
(1) A person must not carry out or cause to be carried out any work process or operate or cause
to be operated any tool, appliance or equipment if that person has reasonable cause to believe
that to do so would create an undue hazard to the health and safety of any person.
(2) A worker who refuses to carry out a work process or operate a tool, appliance or equipment
pursuant to subsection (1) must immediately report the circumstances of the unsafe condition to
his or her supervisor or employer.
(3) A supervisor or employer receiving a report made under subsection (2) must immediately
investigate the matter and
(a) ensure that any unsafe condition is remedied without delay, or
(b) if in his or her opinion the report is not valid, must so inform the person who made the report.
(4) If the procedure under subsection (3) does not resolve the matter and the worker continues to
refuse to carry out the work process or operate the tool, appliance or equipment, the supervisor or
employer must investigate the matter in the presence of the worker who made the report and in
the presence of
(a) a worker member of the joint committee,
(b) a worker who is selected by a trade union representing the worker, or
(c) if there is no joint committee or the worker is not represented by a trade union, any other
reasonably available worker selected by the worker.
(5) If the investigation under subsection (4) does not resolve the matter and the worker continues
to refuse to carry out the work process or operate the tool, appliance or equipment, both the
supervisor, or the employer, and the worker must immediately notify an officer, who must
investigate the matter without undue delay and issue whatever orders are deemed necessary.
3.13 No discriminatory action
(1) A worker must not be subject to discriminatory action as defined in section 150 of Part 3 of the
Workers Compensation Act because the worker has acted in compliance with section 3.12 or with
an order made by an officer.
(2) Temporary assignment to alternative work at no loss in pay to the worker until the matter in
section 3.12 is resolved is deemed not to constitute discriminatory action.
The right to participate
All employees have a right to take part in health and safety activities. For example, you can be
chosen to be a health and safety representative or a member of a committee. You also have a
right to report unsafe practices and conditions with out worrying that you will be reprimanded
(get in trouble).
The right to know
All employees have a right to know what hazards are present on the job, and how these
hazards can affect them. You learn about the hazards during health and safety training
sessions and through on-the-job instructions. Learning about chemical safety through WHMIS the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System - is also part of the "right to know"
system.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
As explained in the general safety rules, no worker is to report to work under the influence of
alcohol or any mind-altering drug or substance. The use of drugs or alcohol on site is strictly
prohibited. We reserve the right to remove from the site any person who is, or appears to be,
affected by the effects of drugs or alcohol, or any other condition that may otherwise inhibit the
workers ability to protect their health and safety while on this construction site.
Disciplinary Action Process
Failure to comply with the Company safety rules will result in disciplinary action.
1. One Day Suspension
2. One Week Suspension
3. Indefinite Suspension Determined by Management.
Reporting: Injuries, Accidents, Close Calls, Hazards
All workers are required to report any accidents, incidents or near misses to the supervisor
immediately.
Report any unsafe acts or conditions you observe, or know of, to your Supervisor as soon as
possible. If you are capable of correcting the unsafe condition yourself, do so. ALWAYS make
sure the Supervisor is aware of the unsafe acts or conditions observed, even if they were
corrected.
Accident / Incident Investigations
Investigations are completed on all serious accidents (medical treatment, property damage)
and near misses, to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. If you are involved
or witness an accident or near miss, report it immediately to your Supervisor. Provide as much
detail as possible, such as the time, location of the event and a description of what happened,
or what almost happened. You may be asked to assist in the investigation process, such as
preserving an accident scene (tape off the area, keep people out or away), implementing
emergency response, or providing a witness statement. Management is required to complete
an accident / incident report, and all available details of the event are needed.
First Aid
The Company is required by WCB to have a first aid level 1 trained person on all crews of 15
employees or less. A first aid assessment is done annually to ensure we have the correct
supplies and attendants.
Injury Response
1. Alert the First Aid Attendant / Supervisor using the communication system in place.
2. Call 911 if equipped to do so (State emergency, location, name, contact #, and instruct
emergency services to come to your location). If not, call out for help. Do not leave an
injured worker alone, unless absolutely necessary.
3. Assess the scene; ensure the work area is safe. If not, remove the injured worker to a
safe location if possible.
4. Administer first aid if qualified to do so. Be prepared to assist the attendant if not.
5. Go to the site entrance and direct emergency services to the location of the injured
worker. Extra workers may be needed if there is a distance is involved.
7. Hazardous materials must be identified, stored and handled in accordance with the
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulations.
8. Never work alone in isolated areas unless arrangements have been made for periodic
checks with another person.
9. Underground utilities must be located with the use of utility maps and hand-digging
procedures, prior to digging mechanically.
10. Entry into excavations greater than 4 ft. deep is strictly prohibited, unless it is sloped or
shored.
11. Confined space entry procedures must be followed when entering a confined space.
12. Fighting, scuffling, horseplay, practical jokes and theft are prohibited.
13. The use of alcoholic beverages and drugs (including prescription or over the counter
medications which may cause impairment) is strictly forbidden on the job or job-site. No
person shall enter a job site while his or her ability to work is impaired.
14. Smoking in non-smoking areas (offices, plant offices, shops, vehicles, flammable areas) is
strictly forbidden. The only exception to this rule is if a worker is riding in a vehicle alone
and there is adequate ventilation available.
15. No worker shall ride on the outside of equipment unless the vehicle has been designed or
modified for this purpose. All workers are to ride in the cabs of vehicles.
16. Seatbelts must be worn when operating ROPS equipped machinery, and company
vehicles.
17. Never do maintenance or work under, on, or around a piece of running equipment. Shut it
off and lock it out until your work is completed.
18. No worker shall operate damaged tools, equipment or machinery. If it is not operating
correctly, or needs maintenance, tag it out of service, fill out an equipment repair form,
and return it to the Equipment Manager.
19. No worker shall operate or use any equipment in a manner that endangers themselves or
other workers. Only persons properly trained and authorized by their Supervisor shall
operate any equipment or machinery.
20. Comply with the requirements of the Safety Program, WCB and other applicable
regulations.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in disciplinary action up to and including
termination.
Personal Protective Equipment
Hardhats - Employees must wear hardhats whenever there is a potential hazard to the head
from falling, flying, or suspended objects. Hardhats must also be worn in designated hardhat
areas and as required by site specific guidelines.
Hearing Protection We supply the appropriate hearing protection. See your supervisor for
replacements.
Eye/Face Protection All employees must wear appropriate eye or face protection whenever
doing work that causes a danger to the eyes or face.
Safety glasses do not offer the same protection as safety goggles, and safety goggles do not offer
the same protection as face shields or welding helmets. The appropriate protection or
combination of protection must be worn for the work being performed.
If prescription glasses are worn, check whether they are CSA/ANSI certified. All safety
glasses, including prescription safety glasses, must have side shields. Contact lenses may be
worn at work, but they do not offer eye protection.
Hand Protection -Employees handling material likely to cut, puncture, abrade, burn, stain or
irate hands or arms must wear gloves or other appropriate devices to protect hands and arms
from injury.
Foot Protection - All footwear must be of a steel toe and steel shank design complying with
C.S.A. standards, and must not be in a deteriorated state.
High Visibility Vests - You are required to wear company issued high visibility vests which
comply with the MOT standard.
Respiratory protection - Respiratory protection must be worn when exposed to workplace
atmospheric conditions that could result in injury. This includes but is not limited to sawcutting/grinding concrete, painting, or handling chemicals. Before receiving a respirator you
are required to have a fit test to ensure the proper fit of the respirator.
Life Jackets - WCB approved life jackets are required to be worn by The Company employees
who are:
Working on barges without skirting.
Working within 3m (10 ft.) of an open dock face.
Working in conditions that present the possible risk of drowning.
Fall Protection -Harness type fall protection must be worn by employees when work is being
done at a place where a fall from:
3m (10ft) or more may occur.
A lesser height involves an unusual risk of injury (e.g. 5 ft. above rebar).
Hazard Awareness
Typical hazards associated within our scope of work are:
Traffic Traffic Control is a major issue within this industry as there are many TCPs and
workers struck by vehicles so ensure that you stay within the Safe Work Zone
MSIs Back strains and shoulder injuries are a concern we will talk about these in more
detail within the Ergonomics Section.
Mobile Equipment Working around all mobile equipment is hazardous as there has been
many injuries within industry. Always make eye contact with the operator when you are
about to cross their path.
Confined Space / Entry There are confined spaces everywhere. A few examples are
manholes, vaults, large tanks etc. Do not enter a confined space until you have completed
confined space training.
Use extra caution when working around the grader. The grader may at times be
travelling at high speeds so always give the grader operator the right of way, and stay in
his line of vision
If you enter into the swing of an excavator or into a machines blind spot, do not assume
the operator saw you. Go up and inform the operator of your intentions.
Equipment operators are responsible for ensuring that the machine they are operating is in
good working condition and that they are in full control of it at all times.
Do not operate any equipment unless authorized and competent to do so.
Operate equipment in a manner that does not endanger others.
Complete a walk around inspection before starting equipment.
Defective equipment must not be operated. Park the equipment and notify your
Supervisor.
When refuelling equipment the engine must be stopped, and all ignition sources
eliminated (i.e. cigarette).
Do not ride or stand on equipment that is not designed to accommodate a second
person.
Seatbelts
Must be worn on equipment with ROPS (roll-over protective structure) and company vehicles.
W.H.M.I.S. (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System)
Workers have a right to know what the hazardous ingredients are in the products they are likely
to be exposed to on the jobsite, what to do to protect themselves from those hazards and
where to get additional information on controlled products used or stored at the workplace. All
controlled products should be labelled, and workers must be trained to safely handle or use
these products, and shown where the MSDSs are kept. All MSDSs are required to have the
following information on them: Product information (name), hazardous ingredients, physical
data, fire and explosion hazards, reactivity data, toxicological properties (health effects),
preventative measures (PPE, ventilation), first aid measures, MSDS preparation information.
Fire Response
1. Alert supervisor immediately using the communication system in place.
2. Ensure there is a safe path away from the fire.
3. Attempt to extinguish the fire using the extinguisher(s) provided. (Remind worker where
the fire extinguishers are located).
PASS Method
Pull the pin that is locking the lever open.
Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever on top.
Sweep the hose side to side at the fire.
4. If the fire is too big or out of control, or if your escape route is threatened, report to the
emergency muster point. Wait there until a headcount has been conducted and you
have been given further instructions.
Spill Response
1. Alert your supervisor immediately using the communication system in place.
2. Ensure your own safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (See
MSDS), eliminating sources of ignition, and ensuring adequate ventilation.
3. Stop the flow of the material at the source, if possible, by shutting down pressurized
equipment, closing a valve, plugging a hole, or up righting the container.
4. Secure the area by taping it off, putting out traffic cones, or using a traffic control person
to re-direct traffic.
5. Contain the spill by using absorbent booms, pads, crystals, or soil birms. (Remind
worker of spill kit location(s))
6. Dispose of used spill kits through approved disposal agency.
Evacuation Plan
1. Proceed directly to emergency muster point upon hearing designated emergency signal.
2. Wait there until a headcount has been conducted. If workers are missing, relay their last
known whereabouts to the supervisor if you know.
3. Be prepared to assist with rescue or recovery operations.
Hearing Conservation
All employees who may be exposed to worksite noise exceeding 85dBA will have their hearing
tested every 12 months.
Rules of thumb to identify noise levels out in the field are listed in the table below:
Table: Noise Level Determination-Rule of Thumb
Ear
Protectio
n Status
Nois
e
Level
(dB)
75
Shout at ___feet.
Ear
2
8
Protection
Not
80
1
6
Required
Ear
1
4
85
Protection
2
90
Required
Hearing protection is available in three general types:
1. Disposable earplugs (made of pliable material, one-size fits all but can be used only
once).
2. Permanent plugs (must be fitted to provide a good seal but can be washed and reused).
3. Earmuffs (when properly fitted and worn, these generally provide more protection than
earplugs).
Ergonomics
Musculoskeletal Injuries
MSI are defined as soft tissue injuries include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is important
to recognize early signs or symptoms of MSI so treatment can be started right away. A sign
can be observed, such as swelling, redness or difficulty moving. A symptom can be felt but can
not be observed, such as numbness, tingling or pain. Report these symptoms to your
supervisor and first aid attendant.
Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a safety issue within the industry. It is any act in which a person is
abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment. Workplace violence
includes:
threatening behaviour - such as shaking fists, destroying property or throwing objects.
verbal or written threats - any expression of an intent to inflict harm.
harassment - any behaviour that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, annoys, alarms or
verbally abuses a person and that is known or would be expected to be unwelcome. This
includes words, gestures, intimidation, bullying, or other inappropriate activities.
verbal abuse - swearing, insults or condescending language.
Dealing with the general public increases an employees risk of experiencing workplace
violence. Frustrated drivers and pedestrians are prime examples of possible antagonists.
When confronted, calmly back away, DO NOT enter any situation or location where you feel
threatened or unsafe.
Housekeeping
Maintaining a clean work area will prevent accidents. Keep vehicles clean and organized. Do
not litter, keep garbage in a location where it can be disposed of properly at a later time. When
leaving a job, check to ensure that there are no tripping hazards, and that it is safe for the
general public (excavations barricaded, sidewalks closed, tools picked up).
Cell Phone Use
The use of personal cell phones or pagers is not permissible while on the job-site. These
devices must be left in the employees vehicle for use prior to the start of a shift, at a scheduled
lunch break, after a shift or as deemed permissible by the direct supervisor.
Supervisors who have been issued COMPANY CELL PHONES may use them on the job-site;
however they are reminded to use caution while doing so. Before answering or using a cell
phone on-site, ensure you are in a safe area (Out of the line of fire of equipment and vehicular
traffic).
Ask for Instruction
If you unsure about how to perform a job safely, notify your supervisor that you are unfamiliar
with the task and ask for a demonstration or further clarification on how to perform the job
safely.
Drivers Program
Driver safety practices are essential to reducing the risk of accidents and injuries associated
with the operation of vehicles. Therefore all drivers, while operating company vehicles or
equipment, as well as employees using their personal vehicle for company business are
required to comply with the Motor Vehicle Act and regulations.
Have employee read program and sign Letter of Acknowledgement.
Housekeeping
Maintaining a clean work area will prevent accidents. Know where the nearest spill kit is to your
location and what to do with the items inside. Do not allow spilled materials to get into local
waterways, we need to dam or cover the catch basins in the vicinity. If there is a backhoe or
excavator on site, enlist his help in the spill containment effort if needed. Make sure the supervisor
has been notified immediately of any spills, and help with the completion of the spill report.
PPE
As mentioned in the general rules, the minimum PPE is a hard hat, high visibility apparel, steel
toed boots and safety eyewear (when required). Noise protection is required in many areas
around the plant and should be worn at all times.
Replacement where to find, who to ask, types that are supplied
Requirements of the site typically hi-viz vest, CSA boots, hardhat.
Documentation concerning respirator fit-testing, medical monitoring, etc. (if required)
Vehicle / Equipment Inspections
A pre trip inspection is a careful inspection performed by truck drivers and equipment operators of
the vehicle they will drive or operate that day. The inspections must be performed prior to the start
of shift. The pre trip information must be entered on a vehicle inspection sheet and signed by the
operator. The inspection report is to be turned into the foreman at the end of shift.
Safety Meetings
The Safety Meeting is a way of discussing and understanding safe work practices, hazard
controls, site specific requirements, etc.. These talks are held
, but often occur
more frequently when the need arises. The foreman or supervisor usually gives the crew talk, but
any crew member can lead the discussion. All employees are encouraged to take an active part.
WCB regulations
Where to find them
Confined Space
Show the location of the confined spaces and discuss the proper procedure and requirement
for training before conducting a confined space entry.
Lockout
The purpose of a lockout program is to ensure the highest level of worker safety while working
with hazardous energy. The lockout program covers all work, servicing and maintenance of
machines, equipment or systems in which the unexpected energization or inadvertent release of
stored energy could cause injury.
Manual Lifting
Before manual lifting consider the following options. Can I:
1. Use mechanical means to assist in the lift (excavators, cranes, wheelbarrows, dollies,
vehicles..,)
2. Ask for assistance with the lift. (Be sure to agree on when to lift On 3 1, 2, 3)
3. Use safe lifting practices if you are safely capable of making the lift.
Safe lifting includes:
Plan the lift:
Clear a path where you will be carrying the load, watch for trip/slip hazards
and eliminate where possible.
Make the lift:
Rule of Thumb-Look up as you lift, this ensures that you are lifting with your
legs and not your back. Crouch down to the load facing it, keep your back as straight as
possible, tighten the abdominal muscles, ensure you have a firm grip on the load, and lift
smoothly with the legs.
Move the lift:
Keep the load close to the body and avoid twisting and side bending.
Lower the lift:
Use the same technique in reverse from Make the lift and watch your
fingers for pinch points.
3 Point Contact: Mounting / Dismounting Procedure
When mounting and dismounting equipment, or climbing ladders, use the 3 point contact
system. This means you must have three extremities holding onto the equipment at all time:
Furthermore you must:
Ensure the equipment is completely stopped,
Make eye contact with the operator,
Ensure that the operator is not going to start moving while you are on the machine,
Use the 3 point contact system to mount and dismount equipment.
Face the equipment while mounting and dismounting.
Do not twist while dismounting equipment
Beware of slippery surfaces,
Do not carry anything while mounting or dismounting equipment.
Never ride on a piece of equipment unless it has been specifically designed for this purpose.
New Employee Evaluation
Inform Employee that within 15 days they will be required to complete an employee evaluation
with their supervisor or safety officer/orientator.