Workplace Inspections

1. Workplace Inspections

2. Objectives Aftercompleting this awareness session, you will . . . • Understand the purpose of workplace inspections. • Identify responsibilities of management, the joint health and safety committee (JHSC), the site reps and workers (your colleagues). • Explain the process of workplace inspection. • Review hazard recognition opportunities commonly found during school inspections. May 2015

3. Workplace InspectionsUltimate Goal To Prevent an Accident

4. 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

5. 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 JHSC 9(29) employer shall provide information and assistance for the purpose of carrying out the inspection 9(30) member shall inform the JHSC of situations that may be a source of danger or hazard to workers.

6. Worker Input The input of those in the workplace can provide detail to unanswered questions . Workers’ right to participate

7. Failure of ControlAccident Ratio Triangle 1 Fatality Red line is the impact of prevention 30 major loss injuries 300 recordable incidents Prevention opportunities 3,000near misses Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection or an investigation. 30,000hazards, unsafe activity and/or unsafe conditions Identification and control opportunities Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection.

8. Failure of ControlAccident Ratio Triangle 1 Fatality Red line is the impact of prevention 30 major loss injuries 300 recordable incidents Prevention opportunities 3,000near misses Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection or an investigation. 30,000hazards, unsafe activity and/or unsafe conditions Identification and control opportunities Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection.

9. Failure of ControlAccident Ratio Triangle 1 Fatality Red line is the impact of prevention 30 major loss injuries 300 recordable incidents Prevention opportunities 3,000near misses Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection or an investigation. 30,000hazards, unsafe activity and/or unsafe conditions Identification and control opportunities Concerns that should be identified during a workplace inspection.

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

11. Planning and Pre-audit • What work is done? • What hazards exist? • What emergency plans apply? • What equipment is used? • manuals • Inspections • maintenance • Previous incidents reported?

12. 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

13. Workplace Inspection Forms A Workplace Inspection form must meet your needs. It should be: • simple • detailed • provide documented proof • easy to use • practical

14. The Inspection Process 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

15. The Inspection Process Hazardous Areas 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.

16. 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

17. The Inspection Entering a Room or Site • Before entering a room or site give it an overview from the entry. • When entering the room proceed to a central area and carry out a 360 degree overview of the room. • If part of the room is obstructed proceed to the obstructed area and redo the 360 degree overview. • Proceed with the full inspection.

18. 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

19. 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

20. Risk Assessment Classify Hazard Severity: • “Severe or Critical” - Major Hazard - Fatal / Critical • “Serious” - Moderate Hazard - Serious Injury • “Minimum” - Minor Hazard - Minor Injury

21. Risk Assessment Classify Hazard Probability: • “high” - Very Likely • “medium” - Possible • “low” - Very Unlikely

22. Put them together to create a Risk Assessment

23. 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.

24. What is a "hazard?" condition practice An unsafe _________________ or _________________that may or may not cause damage to property, equipment, materials or the environment OR an___________ or _______________ to an employee. injury illness How can a person be an “accident waiting to happen”?

25. Hazards RevisitedPhysical Agents 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

26. Hazards RevisitedChemical 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.

27. Hazards RevisitedBiological Agents A biological agent is ... • an living organism, • product of an organism (exotoxin), or; • component of an organism (endotoxin) ... that has harmful effects on human health. Refer to WHMIS and biohazards training

28. Hazards RevisitedSafety or Physical Hazards 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

29. Hazards RevisitedMSD’s and Ergonomics Examples: • poor lighting • improperly adjusted workstations and chairs • frequent lifting • poor posture • awkward movements • repetitive movements • using too much force

30. 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, or 3 - forces exerted while working They are generally difficult to identify without speaking to and observing workers

31. Hazards RevisitedPsychosocial (stress) 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. 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 .

32. What can you see …

33. Looking for …

34. CHECKING . . . Safety Board Postings

35. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

36. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

37. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

38. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

39. Stairwell

40. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

41. Office

42. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

43. Classroom

44. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

45. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

46. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

47. Custodial Closet

48. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

49. 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 • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No • Yes • No

50. Maintenance Shop