Occupational Health and Safety Training — Level 1

1. Occupational Health and Safety Training — Level 1 Workplace Inspections Version 5

2. Action Objective This module will equip participants with an understanding of the importance of workplace inspections, how to prepare for and conduct workplace inspections and encourage them to use inspection results to make recommendations to improve workplace conditions. Version 5

3. Version 5

4. Learning Objectives • Explain the purpose of workplace inspections and what the Act directs in regards to inspections. • Discuss how to prepare for an inspection. • Explain how to conduct a workplace inspection. Version 5

5. Learning Objectives (Cont’d) 4. Identify the main points in preparing an inspection report and discuss the significance of keeping records. 5. Discuss follow-up activities. Version 5

6. Role of Workplace Inspections • listening to workers and supervisors • understanding jobs, tasks and work processes • identifying and recording potential and existing hazards and addressing those requiring an immediate response • recommending control measures • monitoring effectiveness of existing controls and programs Version 5

7. The Act and Workplace Inspections • worker members will designate a member to do inspection • if possible, inspection to be done by a certified member • not required to designate the same person to perform all inspections or a particular inspection • multi-workplace JHSC, worker members may designate a worker at the workplace to perform the inspection (must be trained) Version 5

8. The Act and Workplace Inspections (Cont’d) • unless required by a regulation or inspector’s order, designated member will inspect once a month • if not practicable, the workplace must be inspected once a year and part of it each month • the inspection must be done according to a schedule established by the committee Version 5

9. The Act and Workplace Inspections (Cont’d) • constructors, employers and workers must provide information and assistance to member • the member shall inform the committee of situations that are a danger or hazard…. • ….and the committee shall consider such information within a reasonable period of time Version 5

10. Duties of Employers in Regards to Inspections • must assist and cooperate with JHSC and representatives in carrying out their duties under the Act • includes giving the tools and information to perform inspections effectively • Act is silent as to time allowed to perform inspections • must give time to prepare for and attend meetings Version 5

11. Components of a Workplace Inspection The four sequential steps of an inspection are: • preparing for an inspection • conducting the inspection • writing the inspection report • monitoring/follow-up Version 5

12. Preparing for an Inspection Planning an inspection will require: • establishing policies and procedures • knowledge of designated member • inspection tools Version 5

13. Inspection Tools Tools to assist in an inspection include the following: • block diagrams • inspection checklists • flow charts • material records (Material Safety Data Sheets) • equipment inventory Version 5

14. Conducting an Inspection Inspections are a systematic examination of anything that may pose a hazard. There are six main hazard types: • physical • chemical • biological • ergonomic • mechanical and safety • stress Version 5

15. Talking with Workers and Supervisors • will give new insight into specific work areas • workers deal directly with work processes and procedures • they may alert designated member to hazards they may otherwise overlook • also report as to conditions at time of inspection being typical or not Version 5

16. Inspection Schedule • who is to carry out the inspection • when to inspect each area or item within the workplace • the degree of detail required to inspect each work area or process Inspection schedule will help organize the task. The schedule should define: Version 5

17. Advice on Performing the Inspection Tour • be methodical and thorough • follow a regular sequence to fully observe the space • check workstations, machinery, entrances and exits • check ventilation, lighting, signs and emergency equipment Version 5

18. Advice on Performing the Inspection Tour (Cont’d) • check storage areas • do not operate any equipment yourself • describe and locate each hazard • write down any questions or details • don’t rely solely on your senses and request professional measuring for exposure levels Version 5

19. Writing the Inspection Report In developing recommendations: • identify and control the hazard at the source, if possible • correct the cause—not just the symptoms • report conditions beyond your authority • inform management of potential consequences and recommend corrective measures Version 5

20. Monitoring/Follow-up The analysis of inspection reports may provide: • training needs for specific workers or departments • work areas, equipment and vehicles that require in-depth hazard analysis • priorities for corrective measures at related sites Version 5

21. Monitoring/Follow-up (Cont’d) • insight as to why accidents are occurring in particular areas of the workplace • establishing or improving safe work practices and procedures Version 5