It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Transcription

1 STAFF REPORT To: From: Board of Management Robin D. Hale Chief Operating Officer Subject: 2010 HEALTH & SAFETY STATUS REPORT Date: Summary: This report will brief the Board on the Toronto Zoo s Occupational Health & Safety Programs. Several safety initiatives were carried out in In 2011 we will continue our prevention efforts by maintaining our current training programs, revising current policies, and introducing new safety programs to assist in meeting legislative changes and ensure continued due diligence. Recommendation: It is recommended that this report be received for information. Background: The Health & Safety Status Report for the period January to December 2010 is attached hereto. During this period, the Toronto Zoo reported 128 employee accidents and 22 Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) claims that resulted in lost time of 103 days. Ten of the 22 WSIB claims were lost time. Comparatively, in 2009 a total of 99 employee accidents and 31 WSIB claims resulted in 115 days of lost time. This represents an increase of 29 employee accidents and a decrease of 12 lost days. The three prior years of historical data, including the number of lost time accidents, duration and associated costs of these claims, determines whether or not an employer receives a rebate or surcharge on yearly WSIB costs. The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board issued a total rebate of $46,682 for the 2009/2010 NEER (experience rating) statement. In 2010, 42 new items were raised at the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) and a total of 47 items were resolved. The JHSC continues to have a positive impact on safety in the workplace. The Safety & Security Branch continues to provide training services on Occupational Health & Safety topics. In 2010, a total of 1,198 participants attended 15 training sessions. We have enhanced safety programs through policy revisions, program development, assessments and inspections.

2 2010 Health & Safety Status Report Page 2 of 2 The Safe Driving Program, administered by the Safety & Security Branch, processed 70 invehicle assessments in The majority of these were seasonal staff and included Zoomobile drivers. Motor vehicle collisions decreased from 28 in 2009 to 24 in R. D. Hale Chief Operating Officer List of Attachments: 2010 Health & Safety Status Report BRDGRP/2011/FEB/Health & Safety Report.doc

3 TORONTO ZOO 2010 HEALTH & SAFETY STATUS REPORT JOINT HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE A. Committee Activities: In 2010 the Toronto Zoo s Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) held nine meetings. A total of 42 new agenda items were raised through inspection or reporting systems. Forty seven items were discussed and actions were taken to resolve issues by management staff. Greater health and safety awareness was accomplished with the creation of identifiable health & safety bulletin boards across the site. It is hoped that this effort will improve the effectiveness of our Health & Safety Program. Some key issues discussed before the Committee included: finalizing the Ground Guide Training for Zoo drivers and passengers, continuation of hazard assessments, and completion of the Ladder Safety Training. The Committee also reviewed 10 safety related draft Zoo Policies. Division Heads are briefed on current issues discussed at the JHSC on a regular basis. B. Inspections, Orders & Charges: There have been no Ministry of Labour visits, inspections, orders, or charges during OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMS C. General Safety Training Programs: In 2010, the Safety & Security Branch conducted Occupational Health & Safety related training programs for employees. The course type and total number of employees trained are identified below:

4 -2- Course Staff Trained Back Care & Repetitive Strain Injury 256 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) 196 Administered Seasonal Refresher Exams 168 Seasonal Health & Safety Orientation 132 WSIB Information Training 124 Safe Driving Program (New drivers) 70 First Aid/CPR/AED 61 Robbery Prevention 61 Firearms Safety Training & Qualification Shoot 30 Duty Director/Manager Training 27 Radio Training 22 Zoomobile Driver Training 18 Defensive Driving Course/PDIC 13 Bring Your Kids to Work 13 Bear Spray Training 7 Total Participants 1,198 A total of 1,198 participants attended training sessions instructed by staff of the Safety & Security Branch. Attaining participation in training programs that are legislated or mandatory by work practice continues to be a significant challenge due to operating requirements. SAFE DRIVING PROGRAM D. Safe Driving Program Evaluations: In accordance with the Safe Driving Program, all Zoo employees and Food Service employees that are required to drive a vehicle on site must fulfill the following requirements that are administered by the Safety & Security Branch. Following the completion of a driver s abstract, the employee s supervisor orientates the employee to the vehicles he/she is required to drive. The Safety & Security Branch then administers a written exam to ensure basic knowledge of Zoo policies and road awareness. Lastly, an in-vehicle evaluation is conducted by Safety & Security s licensed Driving Instructor. During 2010, a total of 70 new drivers were processed by the Safety & Security Branch. The majority of these were seasonal employees. E. Zoomobile Training: An in-house Zoomobile Training Program has been in operation since This program includes classroom training combined with field experience and driver evaluations conducted by the Safety & Security Driving Instructor. During 2010, two courses were held for 18 employees participating in this program.

5 -3- F. Defensive Driving Training: The Defensive Driving Program is open to all Toronto Zoo drivers and includes theoretical and practical classroom discussions concerning driving habits. The program has been expanded to include training on backing and ground guide use. The intention of the Defensive Driving Program is to make drivers aware of issues that will aid in improving their personal driving skills. Drivers that have had a motor vehicle collision are directed to attend these training sessions. G. Motor Vehicle Collisions: In 2010, there were 24 motor vehicle collisions compared with 28 in Of the 24 collisions, 20 were deemed preventable. Eleven resulted from failing to correctly judge surroundings, four from failure to be aware of surroundings, four from failing to maintain sufficient care and control of vehicle and one from failing to drive to weather conditions. The 24 collisions occurred in the following Units: Horticulture (12), Facilities & Services (5), Animal Care (2), Food Services (2) and Retail & Rides (1), Public Relations (1), and Safety & Security (1). Areas that had decreased Motor Vehicle collisions in 2010 when compared to 2009 were Horticulture (11 vs. 15), Retail & Rides (1 vs. 3) and Safety & Security (1 vs. 4). Areas that increased were Facilities & Services (3 to 5) and Food Services (0 to 2). Animal Care (2) and Public Relations (1) remained unchanged. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAMS H. Policy & Program and Testing Initiatives: The Zoo participated in a Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) Risk Management Assessment in July of this year. The plan identifies ways in which we can improve various aspects of our Health & Safety Program. Using the recommendations provided by the WSIB, an action plan was developed which identifies the required action and a timeline for completion. One aspect assessed by the WSIB during the process was the hazard recognition process. As recognizing hazards in the workplace are looked upon as the first step in eliminating them, great efforts were undertaken throughout the year to complete our hazard assessments. The assessments are looked upon as an on-going document and must be updated regularly to ensure they capture the true hazards of the organization. Through this hazard identification process, it was identified that ladder training was required throughout the Zoo to advise staff on the correct use of common ladders. As a result, a training package was developed and reviewed, and will be ready for implementation in early Enhancements to our Back Care & Repetitive Strain Injury Prevention training program are ongoing. In 2010, the training was expanded to include an overview of the WSIB process to give staff a better understanding of how to report workplace strain injuries.

6 -4- The Safety & Security Branch continues to strive towards increasing safety awareness among staff as well as visitors. Programs with respect to public and staff site inspections, defensive driving, and general safety awareness continue to be delivered and developed. I. New & Pending OH&S Developments: Occupational Health & Safety legislation continues to change placing more requirements on employers for specific safety programs that require large amounts of documentation and administrative support to run effectively. Bill 168, which amends Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to workplace violence and harassment, came into force on Under this new legislation, there are specific requirements placed on employers to develop workplace violence and harassment policies and programs, take reasonable precautions to protect workers from domestic violence in the workplace, and allow workers to remove themselves from violent situations if they have reason to believe they are at risk or imminent danger. ACCIDENT HISTORY In 2010, there were 128 employee accidents. This represents an increase of 29 employee accidents in 2010 when compared to The charts and graphs in this report will provide a means of comparing accident frequencies, injury types, as well as lost time, and claims management. J. Year End Branch Accident Summary: The Branch Accident Frequency Rate (BAF) is determined by dividing the number of accidents a Branch has by the budgeted number of full time equivalent employees (FTE s including permanent and non-permanent staff). The BAF can be useful in identifying accident trends while excluding the effect of staffing levels and, is therefore, a relevant manner of comparing reported accidents by Branch. Branch 2009 B.A.F B.A.F. Animal Care Horticulture Facilities & Services Animal Health Safety & Security Retail & Rides Education Member & Guest Services Project Management Human Resources Curatorial & Records Animal Nutrition Reproductive Totals:

7 -5- Decreases in the frequency of accidents in 2010 versus 2009 were reported by Horticulture (19 vs. 24), Animal Health (8 vs. 10), Safety & Security (8 vs. 10), and Education (3 vs. 4). Increases in the frequency of accidents in 2010 versus 2009 were reported by Animal Care (37 vs. 27), Retail & Rides (18 vs. 4), Members & Guest Services (4 vs. 1), Project Management (2 vs. 0), Human Resources (2 vs. 0), Curatorial & Records (4 vs. 0), Animal Nutrition (3 vs. 0) and Reproductive (1 vs. 0). Facilities & Services remained unchanged with 19 accidents. The contrast between the 2010 Branch Accident Summary and BAF is illustrated in Figures 1 & Branch Accident Summary Figure 1 Workplace Accidents

8 Branch Accident Frequency Figure Accident Frequency K Accidents by Type: Type 2009 Percent 2010 Percent Strains Contact Slips/falls Exposure Animal Action Totals: Slip/Fall and Exposure accident types remain relatively consistent with the previous year for the same time period. Contact related injuries have increased from 25 in 2009 to These types of injuries relate to how staff interacts with their work environment. Traditionally, fitting the worker to the work space was standard practice, however current ergonomic thinking recommends making the workplace more environmentally friendly to the worker. During the Hazard Assessment Process, areas of concern will be addressed and recommendations made for corrective action if necessary. In 2009, Strain related accidents increased by one to 19. Strain specific to back injuries has remained consistent with increases seen in strains to other body parts including shoulders, necks, arms etc. Updates to our Back Care & Repetitive strain training have been completed and presented to staff with positive results. An aging work force and an increased awareness of strain related injuries amongst workers are factors in the increase.

9 -7- Animal Action injuries increased from 11 in 2009 to 27 for the same period in Six of these injuries were the result of direct contact sustained by Animal Care staff required to handle animals in their care. This number is consistent with reporting in previous years. In all cases, supervisory accident investigations were completed with a goal of improving existing procedures and personal protective equipment. The remaining incidents all involved minor bee/wasp stings sustained by Retail & Rides staff and represents a significant increase in this category. Nests continue to be reported to our Horticulture Branch and methods are undertaken to remove the problem areas. Efforts will continue into 2011 with increased emphasis on reducing contact related injuries through training and awareness. Additional Physical Demands Analyses will be conducted with the goal of completing all prior to the end of L. Toronto Zoo Lost Time Accident Rates: Accident Frequency and Accident Severity are used to monitor increases or decreases of accidents in the workplace. Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) is calculated based on the number of new lost time injuries multiplied by 200,000 hours, representing the average total hours worked for 100 workers. This is divided by the number of total budgeted hours. This represents the number of disabling injuries per 100 workers, which can be used for comparison purposes. Accident Severity Rate (ASR) is calculated by the total number of lost days multiplied by 200,000 hours representing the average total hours worked for 100 workers. This is divided by the number of total budgeted hours. Severity relates the amount of the lost time to the number of accidents for comparison purposes. Year Accident Frequency Rate Accident Severity Rate AVERAGE Accident Frequency of 2.5 for 2010 is below the five year average of 4.2. Accident Severity of 26.0 for 2010 is below the five year average of Accident Frequency and Accident Severity are illustrated in Figure 3.

10 -8- Accident Rates Figure Rate Accident Frequency Accident Severity WSIB SUMMARY In 2010 there was a total of 22 claims submitted to the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), of which ten WSIB claims resulted in 103 days of lost time. This compares to 31 claims, 19 of which were lost time totalling 115 days in M. Lost Time Accidents by Branch: Branch Horticulture Animal Care Facilities & Services Animal Health Centre Safety & Security Conservation, Education & Research Retail & Rides Human Resources Education Totals

11 -9- There were 10 lost time accidents in 2010, which was a decrease of nine from Lost time has decreased by 12 days over the same period. Facilities & Services experienced the largest decrease from five lost time accidents to two in Figure 4 illustrates the lost time accidents for the period 2005 to Lost Time Accidents Figure Number of Accidents Average 2010 N. Lost Time Accidents by Type: Type 2009 Percent 2010 Percent Slips/falls Strains Contact Exposure Animal Action Totals: Figure 5 shows Lost Time Accidents by Type.

12 Lost Time Accidents by Type Figure 5 Slip/Falls 10.0% Strains 70.0% Contact 20.0% O. Modified Work Summary: Of the 22 Workplace Safety & Insurance Board claims in 2010, 12 claims resulted in no lost time. Ten claims resulted in lost time, seven of which resulted in lost time that was of short duration (four days or less) and three of the claims resulted in lost time that exceeded five days. For all of the above the claims that resulted in lost time, all but one of the employees has since returned to full duties. This worker continues to be accommodated in their own work area and is working full hours. P. WSIB Cost Summary: Under the WSIB, New Experimental Experience Rating Plan (NEER) employers receive rebates or surcharges based on their accident frequency and length of the accident claims. Calculated at the end of September, and using historical data for the past three years, the current results are compared to current trends within the rate group. Starting on December 1, 2010 the WSIB has introduced the new Draft NEER Policy; this will affect our future NEER rating as it expands our current NEER window from a 3 to a 4 year review. The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board charged a total rebate of $46, for our 2009/2010 NEER (experience rating) statement. This is in sharp contrast to the surcharge of $208, for the 2008/2009 NEER statement. As in previous years, the credit calculation was based on a three year window for the accident cost years of 2009, 2008 and This year s rebate can be attributed to the low number of total WSIB claims and their associated in costs in 2007, and the relatively low number of WSIB claims that incurred lost time greater than 5 days in both the 2008 and 2009 year. The short duration of claims that involved lost time is directly related to early and safe return to work initiatives.

13 -11- Every year, the WSIB sets a premium rate for each rate group based on the collective workrelated injury experience of its members. This rate covers the costs of new injuries and overhead expenses, and the cost of paying off the unfunded liability. Our current WSIB rate of $1.83 per $ will rise to $2.10 in Q Targeted Efforts: In 2010, the Safety & Security Branch will focus efforts on training, awareness and assisting various areas of the Toronto Zoo in designing programs with specific objectives to include: Increase health & safety awareness with all Toronto Zoo staff through training. Completion of WSIB Risk Management Plan. Resume Physical Demands Analysis with targeted areas on Zoo site. Review and update Occupational Health & Safety Policies. Completion of Hazard Assessments on targeted areas with the goal of identifying and preventing workplace accidents. Review all safety training programs and introduce new programs as required. Together it is hoped that these efforts will maintain legislative compliance and continue to improve the overall workplace safety conditions at the Toronto Zoo. S. Alexander Manager, Safety & Security