Workplace Health & Safety Manual

Transcription

1 Workplace Health & Safety Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION... 3 II. KAWARTHA CHILD CARE SERVICES HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY... 4 III. THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT AND REGULATIONS... 5 The Occupational Health and Safety Act... 5 Definitions from the Occupational Health and Safety Act... 6 Workplace Responsibilities... 7 IV. HEALTH AND SAFETY... 9 Health and Safety Committee... 9 Health and Safety Representative Responsibilities... 9 Health and Safety Boards First Aid Emergency Contact Information V. MANAGING HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE Workplace Inspections Personal Protection Equipment Safe Operating Procedures Reporting Hazards Refusal to Work Work Environment Health & Safety Hazards Chart VI. REPORTING INJURIES AND ILLNESSES... 16

2 VII. WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS) What is WHMIS? Responsibilities Labelling Material Data Safety Sheets Training WHMIS Symbols VIII. CONSUMER PRODUCTS Consumer Products Labelling Consumer Product Symbols Training Consumer Symbols Consumer Symbols Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 2

3 I. INTRODUCTION This Workplace Health & Safety Manual provides an overview of health and safety legislation and outlines employer, supervisor and worker responsibilities as prescribed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario. It also provides an overview of the fundamental health and safety policies, programs and procedures in place at Kawartha Child Care Services. All employees share legal responsibility under the OHSAO for workplace health and safety, and contribute to the overall success of the Health and Safety program at their location. This manual will assist you in fulfilling your obligations and serves as a training document for employees, site supervisors, directors and the Executive Director (representing Kawartha Child Care Services Board of Directors). Page 3 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

4 II. KAWARTHA CHILD CARE SERVICES HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY Kawartha Child Care Services Health and Safety Policy Statement is reviewed and signed by the Executive Director, the Supervisor responsible for each location and the Health and Safety Representative annually. A copy of the policy statement can be found at each location operated by Kawartha Child Care Services and on our website The statement reads: Kawartha Child Care Services makes every effort to provide a healthy and safe work environment. Management of Kawartha Child Care Services is committed to the health and safety of its employees to prevent injury and to maintain a healthy environment. All supervisors and workers must be dedicated to the objective of reducing the risk of injury and illness. As an employer, Kawartha Child Care Services is ultimately responsible for worker health and safety. As the Executive Director, I am committed to taking every reasonable precaution to protect employees from harm. Legislative requirements will serve as minimum acceptable standards for Kawartha Child Care Services. Supervisors are accountable for the health and safety of employees under their supervision. Supervisors are responsible to ensure that machinery and equipment are safe and the workers follow established safe work practices and procedures. Workers must receive adequate training in their specific work tasks to protect their health and safety. Every employee, sub-contractor and worker of sub-contractor must protect his or her own health and safety by following the law and Kawartha Child Care Services safe work practices and procedures. All parties are expected to consider health and safety in every activity. Commitment to health and safety must form an essential part of this organization from the Executive Director to the workers. Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 4

5 III. THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT AND REGULATIONS The Occupational Health and Safety Act The Occupational Health and Safety Act came into force on October 1, The Act provides the basic framework for making Ontario workplaces safe and healthy. It: requires that workplaces with more than 5 employees have an employee health and safety representative and a health and safety policy and program; makes officers of a corporation directly responsible for health and safety; imposes both general and specific duties on workers, supervisors and employees to protect health and safety; gives employees the right to know and receive training about potential hazards, the right to participate in resolving health and safety concerns and the right to refuse unsafe work except when it is a normal condition of their employment; sets out penalties for contraventions and provides inspectors with broad powers to inspect workplaces, investigate accidents and complaints, and issue orders for compliance. The Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations are posted on the Health and Safety Board at each Kawartha Child Care Service location and on the Kawartha Child Care Services website at Page 5 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

6 Definitions from the Occupational Health and Safety Act A workplace is any place in or near which an employee works. This would also include those areas outside of Kawartha Child Care Services where an activity may be taking place. An employer is a person who employs one or more employees or contracts for the services of one or more employees. Senior administrators and managers act as agents of the employer and perform many of the duties of the employer. A supervisor is a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over an employee. A worker is a person who performs work, or supplies services for monetary compensation. All employees (other than those employees in a supervisory role) of Kawartha Child Care Services are considered to be workers. Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 6

7 Workplace Responsibilities As an Employee with Kawartha Child Care Services your responsibilities are to: Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, and KCCS policies and procedures. Use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that is required by Kawartha Child Care Services or OHSA, or temporary replacements if necessary. Report to supervisors violations of the OHSA, defective equipment and actual or potential hazards. Not use or operate anything in a manner that may endanger themselves or another employee. Not engage in any rough conduct. Comply with all instructions from Kawartha Child Care Services concerning the health and safety of employees. As a Supervisor with Kawartha Child Care Services your responsibilities are to: Ensure employees use protective devices, measures, equipment, clothing and procedures required by Kawartha Child Care Services and the OHSA and its regulations. Advise staff of the existence of any potential or actual danger to their health or safety. Provide staff with written safe work practices. Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. Perform workplace inspections. Conduct information sessions (safety talks, staff meetings). Conduct incident investigations. Conduct employee training. Correct substandard acts or conditions. Commend positive employee health and safety performance. Observe employees to ensure correct health and safety procedures are being followed. Comply with Section 27 of the Occupational Health & Safety Act. Page 7 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

8 The Employer s responsibilities are to comply with Sections 25 and 26 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, specifically to: Ensure employees use protective devices, measures, equipment, clothing and procedures required by Kawartha Child Care Services and the OHSA and its regulations. Advise staff of the existence of any potential or actual danger to their health or safety. Provide staff with written safe work practices. Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. Perform workplace inspections. Conduct information sessions (safety talks, staff meetings). Conduct incident investigations. Conduct employee training. Correct substandard acts or conditions. Commend positive employee health and safety performance. Observe employees to ensure correct health and safety procedures are being followed. Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 8

9 IV. HEALTH AND SAFETY Health and Safety Committee Although not required under legislation to have a Joint Health & Safety Committee, KCCS established and maintains a Health and Safety Committee to study workplace incidents, discuss solutions and make recommendations regarding workplace health and safety issues. Consistent with regulations we have Health and Safety Representatives chosen by the workers for programs with more than five staff. A Terms of Reference guides the work of the committee. It can be found on the KCCS website. Health and Safety Representative Responsibilities Perform monthly workplace inspections with supervisors. Identify workplace hazards and potential hazards and make recommendations. Make written recommendations for improving health and safety in the workplace. Recommendations will be signed and dated and include the nature of the concern with background information and recommended corrective actions. Attend quarterly Health and Safety Committee meetings. Relay information from Health and Safety Meetings to fellow staff members. Be present for work-refusal investigations. Be available to accompany a Ministry of Labour Officer during inspections. Assist in critical or fatal incident investigations. Page 9 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

10 Health and Safety Bulletin Boards Legislation requires that Health and Safety information and notices be posted in conspicuous locations in the workplace. Health and Safety Bulletin Boards are found at each KCCS location. Each bulletin board displays the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations; the name of the location s Health and Safety Representative; Poster #82 ( In Case of Injury at Work); Workplace Health and Safety Roles and Responsibilities; KCCS Health and Safety Policy letter; monthly inspections; summary of incidents reported, and any Ministry of Labour orders. First Aid First aid stations are located in all KCCS locations. All KCCS program staff is trained in First Aid and CPR. All employees should be aware of the closest location of the first aid kit. Emergency Contact Information For emergencies requiring Police, Fire or Ambulance, dial Every location has emergency numbers posted at each phone site. Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 10

11 V. MANAGING HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE A hazard is a practice, behaviour, condition or situation that can contribute to and/or cause injury, illness or property damage. Workplace Inspections Workplace inspections are conducted monthly by the Supervisor and Health & Safety Representative. Actual or potential hazards are identified, recorded and rectified. Personal Protection Equipment Your supervisor will inform you of any Personal Protection Equipment required. Please inform your supervisor immediately of any damaged equipment and wait for replacement before proceeding. Safe Operating Procedures Kawartha Child Care Services strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for staff, children and volunteers. Ratings and safe operating procedures for potential hazards are provided in the Workplace Health & Safety Hazards Chart, found on the KCCS website. Please familiarize yourself with the information contained in this document. Page 11 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

12 Reporting Hazards Hazards are to be reported immediately to your supervisor. Do not wait for a formal inspection of the area to occur or expect someone to deal with the hazard before you report it. Health and safety legislation requires all employees to report hazards to their supervisors. Your supervisor will investigate your concern; the action taken will be determined by the severity of the hazard. Please familiarize yourself with the detailed Health & Safety Policy found on the KCCS website. Refusal to Work Employees in Ontario have the right to refuse work if they have reasonable grounds to believe that to do so will endanger themselves or another worker. Exceptions are situations where the dangers cited are an inherent part or normal condition of their job. If you have reason to believe your work situation is a danger to yourself or a colleague, explain the situation to your Supervisor immediately. The appropriate steps to handle your concerns will be taken. Where the right to refuse unsafe or dangerous work is covered by legislation, the legislation also protects employees from any reprisals by the employer due to a work refusal. Full details are in KCCS s Workplace Health & Safety Rights and Responsibilities Policy found on the KCCS website. Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 12

13 Work Environment Health & Safety Hazards Chart Ratings Definitions Major: High risk (immediately dangerous to life or health) Medium risk (medium term potential for non-life threatening injury) Low risk (long term potential for slight injury or illness) Hazard Rating Safe Operating Procedure Musculoskeletal Hazards: lifting children Moderate - only lift children when necessary - have children use stools wherever possible - use proper lifting principles moving furniture, putting out beds, playground equipment Moderate - do stretching exercises before moving or lifting - ask for assistance with awkward or heavy items handling groceries/deliveries Minor - follow proper lifting procedures handling chemicals & wastes Minor - read MSDS for proper handling - follow established policies & procedures for universal precautions wrist injury from repetitious movement during keyboarding Minor - ensure work station is ergonomically correct getting down to children s levels Minor - ensure appropriate sized equipment is used shoveling snow Minor - share responsibilities with other staff members - take breaks as required - talk to Supervisor if unable to complete Page 13 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

14 Chemical Hazards: using medical products for children/clients Minor - dispose of properly - follow instructions on boxes using chemicals for cleaning/laundry Minor - read labels on products & follow instructions - read MSDS if WHMIS classified or follow company instructions Physical Hazards: noise level in playrooms Minor - redirect activities as necessary playground supervision: exposure to temperatures and UV rays Minor - use sunscreen as provided - dress appropriately for weather: wear light-coloured clothing & sunhat - follow Environment Canada s recommendations Biological Hazards: exposure to persons who may be ill Minor - separate ill children - contact parents - use proper handwashing & cleaning procedures needle sticks or other sharps Minor - dispose of in appropriately labeled containers exposure to potential biological hazards as a result of close personal contact or care Work Practice Hazards: Minor - use PPE as appropriate - contact Health Unit for further information appropriate foot wear for job Minor - ensure footwear protects feet - use foot wear necessary to assist clients quickly playground duties Minor - wear sunscreen provided & sunhats - dress appropriately for weather spills Minor - ensure spills are dealt with immediately - use Caution: Wet Floor cones when floors are wet chemical dilution Minor - follow guidelines on container to dilute or decant chemicals - read MSDS sheets for WHMIS classified products universal precautions Moderate - follow all universal precautions Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 14

15 salting sidewalks & playgrounds in winter Minor - use salt as required - read MSDS sheet taking short cuts Minor - always take time to complete task properly - avoid distractions driving Minor - drive safely, following rules of the road: don t speed or use cell phone knife safety Minor - read knife safety policy before using knives Energy Hazards: lock-out procedures of equipment Minor - disconnect sources of power prior to work being done maintenance & repair Minor - disconnect sources of power prior to work being done - do not use equipment in need of repair Violence & Aggressions: aggressive behaviour from child/client such as biting, punching, hair pulling, throwing of toys & equipment Machines/Equipment: equipment that can result in electric shock moving parts and equipment such as shredder, cutting tools (knives, food processors, etc.) Organizational Stresses: Moderate Minor Minor - review behaviour guidance techniques - follow policies and strategies dealing with challenging behaviour - do not use faulty equipment - disconnect source of power if there is a problem working short staffed Minor - ask supervisor for assistance working without adequate resources Minor - discuss with supervisor minimal control over tasks Minor - talk to supervisor - use Voice Box to make suggestions Page 15 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

16 VI. REPORTING INJURIES AND ILLNESSES Kawartha Child Care Services is required to report to the WSIB, within three days, any incident that necessitates medical attention outside the program. When injured or ill at work you must notify your Supervisor immediately. First aid, if appropriate, will be administered. If medical attention outside the program is required, transportation will be arranged and the Supervisor will accompany you. Minor incidents and near misses are recorded in the Health and Safety binder on the Minor Incidents/Near Misses Report form. Incident Report forms are used to record occurrences requiring medical attention outside the program. All occurrences reported via the Incident Report form will be investigated. The Injury or Illness at Work Policy found on the KCCS website outlines full procedures and the agencies necessary to contact. Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 16

17 VII. WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS) What is WHMIS? The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a comprehensive national communication system for safe management and use of hazardous materials that is legislated by both federal and provincial jurisdictions. There are three components to the WHMIS system: 1. Labelling identification. 2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 3. Training for employees that is workplace-specific. The goal of the WHMIS program is to create a safer workplace by providing employees with the knowledge and tools to enable them to work safely. KCCS minimizes the number of WHMIS products by reviewing information prior to purchase and use, ensuring they do not have hazardous contents or elements. Responsibilities KCCS is responsible to: 1. Inventory all hazardous materials in the workplace. 2. Create a floor plan showing locations. 3. Ensure all hazardous material is labelled. 4. Obtain and provide free access to MSDS for all materials. 5. Conduct assessments of materials to determine if they are hazardous. 6. Provide workplace-specific and performance-based training. 7. Review the training program annually and as changes occur. 8. Ensure the training has been received and understood. Page 17 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

18 Employees are responsible to: 1. Participate in training. 2. Apply the knowledge. A list and location map of WHMIS products is found on the Health and Safety bulletin board of each location. Labelling The labels of workplace WHMIS products, decanted and produced, require Product Identifiers (the name by which the product is commonly known), MSDS Statements and Safe Handling Information (the personal protective attire that should be used while handling the product). This information is required whether the product has been produced within the company for internal use only, or has been decanted from a larger container into smaller containers. Products produced for external use also require a Supplier Label. Material Data Safety Sheets Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) list the compounds and effects of hazardous materials. MSDSs can be found in the WHMIS binder in the Health and Safety area at each location. Training WHMIS training is provided during the orientation process and is mandatory. This training program provides employees with basic knowledge required for both recognition and safe handling of hazardous materials, and is reviewed annually. Program supervisors can arrange for additional training for a specific chemical(s) used in the workplace. Your supervisor will inform you of hazards and risks associated with these products. Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 18

19 WHMIS Symbols Page 19 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

20 VIII. CONSUMER PRODUCTS Consumer Products Consumer products are typically used for personal or household purposes. Suppliers and users are exempt from the WHMIS requirements for supplier labels and MSDS if the products are packaged as consumer products and used within the intent of the regulations. A consumer product must be available to the general public and packaged in a size typically available to consumers in retail outlets. Consumer products are partially exempt from WHMIS requirements. Labelling Labels must be in French and English, and the hazard information must be clearly separated from the rest of the container. The specific layout and wording for hazard warnings, instructions and first aid are defined within each hazard category. The Consumer Symbols poster summarizes the information relevant to each hazard category. Consumer Product Symbols Consumer products have their own symbol identification system. Products are grouped according to specific hazard categories; each group has been assigned a symbol enclosed in a border that is different from WHMIS identifiers. Training Training on how to read and understand consumer product labels, recognize consumer product symbols and properly use, handle, store and dispose of the products takes place during orientation and is reviewed annually. Training for site-specific hazardous consumer products takes place in each centre. Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 20

21 Consumer Symbols Page 21 Workplace Health and Safety Manual

22 NOTES Workplace Health and Safety Manual Page 22

23 NOTES Page 23 Workplace Health and Safety Manual