Safety in the Workplace

1. Safety in the Workplace Science Courses – LHHS Safety Component

2. Incidents • If a workplace ONLY investigates serious accidents, workers and employers are not getting a clear picture of their workplace safety • Investigation of NEAR MISSES can show where the workplace needs improvement! Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

3. Incidents • For every 600 incidents, there are 30 property damage accidents, 10 minor injuries and 1 serious or major accident Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

4. How Do Accidents Happen? • Many factors: • Lack of control: Not trained to use the table saw properly and regularly reach over it. • Basic causes: Saw was being used without a guard • Immediate causes: Employee loses balance while working • Incident/Accident: Employee’s hand comes in contact with the blade • Loss: Employee loses fingers as a result Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

5. What are the Effects of Accidents? • Some people do not realize that a workplace injury effects a person’s quality of life. • Family life, recreational activities and financial comfort can all be negatively impacted by injury • Self-esteem/depression may result • Hidden damages and costs (medical, legal, wages, overtime, etc.) Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

6. We ALL Have Rights!!! • NO MATTER WHAT JOB RESPONSIBILITIES A WORKER MAY HAVE, ALL WORKERS HAVE THE FOLLOWING 3 FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS: • Right to Know: receive training needed to do the job properly, workplace hazards, safe work procedures, and emergency procedures. • Right to Participate – in JHSC (Joint Health and Safety Committee) – workplaces over 20 employees. 3. Right to Refuse Dangerous Work – if you believe your workplace is dangerous to yourself or others. Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

7. Refusing Dangerous Work If workers are unsure about their safety at work, be sure to follow these steps: • Report concern to supervisor (if solved, then return) • Report matter to the JHSC (if still not resolved…..) • Call the WHSCC and explain the situation. Return when the situation is no longer dangerous **In all cases, stay at work until your shift is finished! Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

8. Types of Hazards Chemical Hazards • Liquids (cleaning products, paints, acids) • Vapours and fumes • Gases (oxygen, propane, CO) • Flammable, combustible, and explosive materials • Chemical hazards that can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, absorption, or injection. Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

9. Types of Hazards Physical Hazards • Machinery (exposure to moving parts) • Electricity • Vibration • Noise • Temperature (hot/cold) • Dust • Fibres • Radiation Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

10. Types of Hazards Biological Hazards • A biological agent is anything living that can cause illness or disease • Bacteria, moulds, mildew, fungus, viruses • Biological hazards involving food, food prep, animals (bites), plants (poison), sewage, sanitation • Improperly stored medical waste Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

11. Types of Hazards Ergonomic Hazards • Ergonomics is defined as fitting the task to the worker • Can have a significant impact on well-being • Ex: lighting, workstation layout, shift work, physical demands, etc. Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

12. Assignment • Go to www.ccohs.ca/youngworkers/ and answer the following: • Outline 2-3 important statistics identifying the risks of young Canadian workers. • Select one of the jobs listed on the side panel and outline what you have done or would possibly do and outline the Health and Safety Hazards in point form. • Go to http://www.youngworkerquilt.ca/ and read a number of workplace accidents that involved people your age. In a paragraph or two reflect on the following: Were there any similarities between accidents, similar causes, how were they personally affected by their accident, can we learn anything from them? Free Template from www.brainybetty.com