BGC COMPANY HEALTH AND SAFETY - Bills General Cleaningbillsgeneralcleaning.ca/Documents/BGCHS.pdfThe company health and safety policy is the single most important part of the entire

BGC HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

COMPANY

HEALTH AND

SAFETY


PURPOSE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

A health and safety program is a systematic, organized approached to reducing the human and

financial costs of incidents. Three main reasons why every company should develop and

implement a safety program are:

� Financial Benefits

� Legal Requirements

� Moral Obligation

FINANCIAL BENEFITS

An effective health and safety program provides financial benefits by reducing costs due to

injuries and property damage. A good program will also reduce the “hidden” costs of incidents

such as:

� Job interruption when an incident occurs

� Hiring and training costs of replacement of workers

� Rental of equipment needed to replace damage equipment

An effective program can lead to a reduction of Worker’s Compensation assessments and

insurance premiums.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

To meet demands of society, governments have developed legal requirements related to worker

health and safety. To ensure compliance, wise employers make sure these requirements are

included in their health and safety. To ensure compliance, wise employers make sure these

requirements are included in their health and safety programs. Those legal requirements are

usually not difficult to follow, are seldom expensive, and are the result of considerable practical

experiences. Following them will reduce incidents and related costs.


MORAL OBLIGATIONS

Companies have a moral obligation which is based on the concept that everyone has a

responsibility for one another’s quality life. Society expects people in authority to protect their

subordinates from harm. In the workplace, this means that owners and managers have a moral

responsibility to take appropriate measures to protect their workers from illness or injury.

Workers, in turn, are responsible for cooperating and taking measures to safeguard themselves

and their fellow workers.

THE COMPANY HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

The company health and safety policy is the single most important part of the entire health and

safety program. It is a statement of principles that guide all of other actions necessary for an

effective program. It is also establishes that health and safety is ranked equally with other

principles (e.g. production, quality and cost effectiveness) that control the way a business is

conducted.

The key components are:

� The organization’s health and safety philosophy

� The management’s commitment to health and safety

� The objectives of the program

� Assignment of responsibilities

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

The management of this company is committed to providing active

leadership and complete support in order to develop and maintain:

� A program designed to prevent human pain and suffering from

personal injury or illness and to prevent economic losses from

property damage.


� A program that prepares all personnel to care for victims of an

incident or sudden illness until professional medical help is

available.

� A program that ensures security, protection and well-being of

personnel by preventing and controlling physical violence and

misconduct.

� A program that protects the property at our office and our job site

from theft or sabotage.

� Complete endorsement, active participation, and enthusiastic

cooperation of this vital program by everyone.

� Complete endorsement of the program by abiding by the company

rules and legislative requirements for the type of work undertaken.

� The information in this policy does not take precedence

over applicable government legislation, with which all

workers should be familiar.


ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

FOR SAFETY

MANAGER’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To provide information, instructions, and assistance to all supervisory staff in order to

protect the health and safety of all the employees.

2. To understand and enforce the accident prevention policy as well as the Occupational

Health and Safety legislation.

3. To provide all supervisory staff with an understanding of our accident prevention

program as well as relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

4. To provide all supervisory staff with proper, well maintained tools and equipment, as

well as any other special personal protective devices that may be required.

5. To provide ongoing safety education programs and approved first aid training courses as

required.

6. To monitor departments and projects and hold them accountable for their individual

safety performance.

SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To know and apply the firm’s safety policy and relevant Occupational Health and Safety

legislation.

2. To ensure that all employees are educated to work in a safe manner and that they use all

protective devices and procedures required by this firm and by legislation to protect their

health and safety.

3. To warn all employees of any potential or actual dangers and to advise them how to

isolate, prevent, or remove such dangers.

4. To arrange for medical treatment when required, in the case of injury or illness, including

transportation to a doctor or hospital when necessary.


5. To report all accidents immediately, to investigate all accidents fully, and to advise

management on how to prevent similar accidents in the future.

6. To carry out regular inspections of the work place to ensure a safe and healthy

environment.

WORKER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To read, understand, and comply with this firm’s safety policy, safe work practices,

procedures, and rules.

2. To wear the safety equipment and personal protective devices and clothing required by

legislation and their employer.

3. To notify their supervisor(s) of any unsafe conditions or acts that may be of danger to

other workers or themselves.

4. To report all accidents and injuries to their supervisor(s) as soon as possible.

5. To take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of other workers and

themselves.


WORKPLACE

HAZARD

ASSESSMENT &

CONTROL


WORKPLACE HAZARD ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL

DEFINITIONS Critical: Means a job/task which has a high potential for serious loss or injury

Hazard: Any circumstance that poses the risk of an incident

Hazard Assessment: A thorough examination of an operation (job site, shop, etc) for the

purpose of identifying what actual and potential hazards exist.

Inspection: An observational tour of workplace for the specific purpose of identifying

substandard acts and substandard conditions, and for determining the levels of compliance with

established safe work practices, procedures, and company rules.

Incident: unplanned or unwanted event, that results in damage or injury, or could have resulted

in damage or injury (i.e., loss-type incidents or no-loss incidents/close calls)

Job/Task: Are used interchangeably and commonly used to mean a specific work assignment

Audit: A comprehensive examination and evaluation of the organization’s health and safety

management system.

INTRODUCTION

Hazards can exist in many forms: they can be visible or hidden, a condition or an act.

Recognition and control of hazards are necessary to ensure that corrective actions are completed

on a timely basis. This is a critical step because the balance of the health and safety program

deals primarily with controlling these hazards. The control of hazards is discussed in the

following sections of the manual:

� Safe work Practices

� Job Hazard Analysis/safe Job Procedures

� Field Level Hazards Assessments

� Company Rules

� Preventive Maintenance

� Training and Communications

� Inspections


� Investigations and Reporting

It is through the control of hazards that the following can be accomplished:

� Reduce frequency and severity of incidents

� Reduce financial costs

� Reduce human suffering

HAZARD ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL PROCESS (SEE

CHART) This involves:

� Identifying the jobs/tasks performed by the company in the workplace

� Determining what hazards are present or could be present in the workplace

� Assessing the level of risk for the identified hazards

� Prioritizing job/tasks according to level of risk, and

� Identifying the appropriate control measures

� Implementing the control measures

� Monitoring and following up to ensure the control strategies chosen are implemented and

effective

� Re-assessing the hazard assessment prior to carrying out work should significant changes

to the work process be introduced

THE ROLE AND TYPES OF HAZARDS ASSESSMENTS

As identified on the chart, it is important to understand the role, types, application and limitations

of hazard assessments.

THE ROLE OF A HAZARD ASSESSMENT IS TO:

� Identify hazards and potential hazards which exist and where and when the job(s) are

performed, and

� Implement the appropriate controls which will minimize the potential for worker injury.


TYPES OF HAZARDS ASSESSMENTS:

Types of Hazards that may consider:

� Chemical – chemical agents in the forms of vapors, gases, fumes, and mists

� Physical – noise, vibration, hot or cold extremes

� Ergonomic – awkward posture, poor tool design, manual materials handling

� Biological – bacteria, viruses fungi

HAZARD REPORTING AND FOLLOW-UP

• Companies must have a hazard reporting and follow-up process which:

� Is communicated to all workers

� Allows workers to report unsafe acts/conditions to their immediate supervisor

without fear of reprisal/

HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Overview:

Effective management actively establishes procedures for timely identification, correction or

control of hazards.

Once hazards and potential hazards are recognized, a hazard prevention and control program can

be designed. This consists of implementing a hierarchy of controls. These controls provide a

systematic way to determine the most effective feasible method to reduce the risk associated with

a hazard.


Application of the hierarchy of controls takes into account the nature and extent of the risks

being controlled, the degree of risk reduction desired, the requirements of applicable federal and

state standards, recognized best practices in industry, available technology, cost effectiveness,

and internal organization standards. Often a combination of controls is most effective. When

controlling a hazard, first consider methods to eliminate the hazard or substitute a less hazardous

method or process. If this is not feasible, engineering controls such as machine guards and

ventilation systems should be considered. This process continues down the hierarchy until the

highest-level feasible control is found.

HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS:

• Elimination.

• Substitution of less hazardous materials, processes, operations or equipment.

• Engineering controls.

• Warnings.

• Administrative controls, training, job planning, rotation and scheduling, changes to work

procedure, implementation of work area protection (e.g, barricades), and similar measures.

• Personal protective equipment.

Establish and implement processes to identify and take appropriate steps to prevent and control

potential risks associated with new processes or operations at the design stage and changes to its

existing operations, products, services or suppliers. The design of machines, equipment, and

facilities should take human factors (that is, the characteristics and capabilities of humans) into

account. For example, warning lights should be designed to attract attention, based on the ability

of the human eye to detect and respond to light at different frequencies. Workstations should be

designed to minimize awkward postures and undue force.

Other areas to establish and implement controls:

• Procurement - evaluate potential safety and health risks associated with purchased products,

raw materials and other goods before introduction into the workplace.

• Contractors - evaluate and control potential safety and health risks to employees from

contractor’s planned and unplanned activities, operations and materials on the organization’s

premises, and to the contractors’ employees from the workplace environment.

• Emergency Preparedness - establish and implement a process to prevent, prepare for, and/or

respond to emergencies.


• Medical Program – implement a medical care program to assist injured workers and maintain

cost containment.

• Rules/Procedures – implement system for consistent and fair enforcement of rules and work

practices.

Topic 2: Safety and Health Inspection

WHEN CONDUCTING A SAFETY AND HEALTH INSPECTION,

OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Material.

• Equipment and machinery.

• Environment.

• Employee work practices.

TO ENSURE THAT YOU CONDUCT THE BEST POSSIBLE

INSPECTIONS:

• Talk to workers.

• Observe workers at their jobs.

• Record observations with clear notes.

• Take photos or videos or make drawings.

• Look at control systems.

• Use direct reading equipment:

• Noise levels.

• Temperature and humidity.

• Light, meter, etc.

ON INSPECTIONS REPORTS BE SURE TO INCLUDE:

• Potential hazard (including location, equipment, and personnel).

• Action taken (or to be taken).

• Responsible person for actions.

• Correction date.


Follow-up to implement needed corrections must be planned as a part of the self-inspection

process. During follow-up, you may discover additional areas of concern that should be

addressed. You may also need to develop a written report and recommendations to address

concerns that require authorization or approval from upper management. Your report may

include recommendations for:

a) A better process.

b) Relocation of a process.

c) Redesign of a work area, process, equipment or tool.

d) Provisions for Personal Protective Equipment.

e) Changes to training programs.

f) Retraining of staff.

g) Increased attention to maintenance programs.

ACTIVITIES:

SAFETY AND HEALTH INSPECTION

Checklists remind us of what to look for and provide a place to record observations. After time,

we use them without thinking about what we’re seeing. In this activity, you will have a chance

to see another person conduct a safety or health inspection in your work area – and find out what

he/she sees that you may be missing.

a) Work in pairs. In your work area, find a location where an accident has occurred that may

have been prevented through better inspections. If that doesn’t apply, then find a location

that has a lot of activity and potential hazards.

b) One person will do the safety and health inspection, while their partner observes and also

write down their observations. Create a blank form that contains two columns. The first

column is: Items Observed – materials, equipment, environment, employee work practices.

The second column is Potential Hazard—What to Look For. Write down every item you

observe and the potential hazard.

c) Then, compare your notes with each other. Compare the items written down to those on your

regular inspection checklist. Discuss any suggestions to modify the checklist, to include

those items in your safety and health inspection checklist.


TOOLS

� Self-Inspection Checklist.

� Hazard Correction Tracking Form.

� Excavator-Backhoe Annual Inspection Report.

� Construction Checklist for Safe Crane Operation.

� Construction Job Site Safety Review.

WORKPLACE HAZCOM INSPECTION

As a means to keep employees informed of hazardous materials, this inspection activity provides

a good way for employees to refresh their knowledge about the hazardous chemicals that they

use.

a) Use the Workplace HazCom Inspection form or use your company’s form.

b) Prepare to conduct the inspection:

• Select and jot down 5-6 hazardous chemicals used in your work area.

• Identify whether the chemical is non-hazardous or hazardous. Refer to the label and/or

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS.)

• List the hazards of each chemical.

• List whether the containers are properly labeled—minimum requirements include the

name of the chemical, address of the manufacturer, and hazards of the chemical.

• Record whether a MSDS is available and where it is located.

• Record whether personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when using the

chemical, and if so, what type is recommended.

• Record whether hazcom training has been provided.

Tool

WORKPLACE HAZCOM INSPECTION FORM.

Topic 3: Emergency Evacuation Drill

Because we understand what to do in the event of an emergency, we seldom practice what to do.

The result is that if an emergency occurs, we may not do the right thing—we won’t remember to

activate the fire alarm, or where we’re supposed to regroup after an evacuation, or any of the


important details. The ability to understand how to do something is not the same as the ability to

do it.

Activity

Practice Drill

On a designated day, supervisors review evacuation procedures with their people, and locations

outside the building where evacuees should regroup. Review the entire facility plan with

employees in case a fire breaks out when they are in another area of the building. Finally,

conduct an actual drill when everyone evacuates the company and is accounted for in the

designated outside areas.

Tool

� Emergency Procedures - Safety Checklist.

Safety and Health Work Practices and Rules

Work practices and rules are essential for any organization because they prescribe the accepted

behavior and practices the employer expects of employees. Ask employees for their input in

composing rules and practices. The following examples can be considered for safe work practice

and rule development:

• Practicing good housekeeping.

• Wearing PPE.

• Practicing ergonomic principles.

• Using and following lockout/tagout procedures.

• Using and following confined space entry procedures.

• Using and following machine guarding procedures.

• Demonstrating negligence with company equipment or materials.

• Engaging in horseplay.

• Stealing company property.

• Provoking or engaging in an act of violence against another person on company property.

• Using alcohol, illegal or non-prescription drugs.

• Driving company vehicles unsafely.

Activities

Review Accident

� Develop a new or review a safety or health work practice. Review a recent accident and see

if there is a written safety or health work practice. If not, obtain employee input and develop


a written safe work practice. If there already is a written practice in place, review for

accuracy and use as a training tool with employees.

List of Violations

� Make a list of the kinds of violations that you consider major or serious. Make another list of

safety and health or other behaviors, which are not acceptable. Use these lists as a starting

point to develop safety and health rules.

Conclusion

Workplace hazard assessment and controlsthat have or may have a potential to affect the health

or safety of workers are a mandatory part of a health and safety program. Managers, supervisors,

office staff, equipment operators, construction personnel (workers), contractors and sub-

contractors all have major roles in identifying and controlling workplace hazards.

Fewer injuries and illnesses, increased productivity, and reduced costs associated with incidents

and increased health and safety awareness are some direct result of a hazard assessment process.

Recognition, evaluation, and control of workplace hazards are such fundamental health and

safety concepts that they should be understand and practice by everyone.

It is very important to recognize that the hazard assessment does not deal strictly with things that

are wrong at the present time. Rather, this assessment must deal with what could go wrong.

When examining the four areas and the process that combine these items to produce goods or

services, keep asking the question “What if?”. The knowledge and experience of the people

conducting the assessment is of vital importance in this step.

Before any work at the worksite begins, an initial hazard assessment shall be conducted. The

team approach, (supervisors and the affected workers), achieves the best results. Site drawings

and proposed schedules are critical tools for identifying potential health and/or safety hazards,

evaluating them, and for making recommendations for corrective actions and controls.


SAFE WORK

PRACTICES


Safe Work Practices (SWP’s) Getting the job done safely means the people involved follow the Safe Work Practices.

Definition

Safe Work Practices are a set of general guidelines or “Do’s and Don’ts” – on how to perform a

specific task.

Safe Work Practices do not specifically include the environmental conditions applicable to where

the task(s) are being performed. To reduce risks, organizations must have a written set of Safe

work Practices. These must be developed to fit the particular company. Management must

understand and fully endorse these Safe Work Practices, and ensure that:

� They are in writing.

� They are related to the scope of work.

� All workers understand the Safe Work Practices that apply to them.

� Supervisors and workers ensure that all Safe work Practices are followed.

Safe Work Practices Annual Review

At a minimum, it is a good practice to have the supervisors and workers review the company’s

Safe Work Practices at least annually. It is also a good practice to review them whenever an

incident happens; there is a change in the way the task is performed, or the work process

changes. The Safe Work Practice relating to that particular job/task should be thoroughly

reviewed by the workers and supervisor to ensure the practice meets the requirements of the job

and current applicable legislation.


This review information should be recorded on the “Annual Review” form.

SAFE WORK

PRACTICES


SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Aerial Work Platforms

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with use of aerial work platforms

APPLICATION As per job description

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Safe work procedure

Permit system

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As per manufacturer instructions

ERP (emergency Response Plan)

SELECTION

AND USE

Safe work procedure

Job requirement

SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY

To facilitate and/or provide proper instruction to their workers on protection

requirements

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Read and follow manufacturer operator’s instructions.

2. Perform job site inspection and walk around inspection of the equipment.

3. Ensure ground is firm and level.

4. Be aware of power line proximity.

5. Ensure correct aerial platform is utilized.

6. Do not overload the machine at any time.

7. No platform is to be made higher by the use of a scaffold, boxes, or ladders.

8. Wear the applicable safety harness attached to the machine when operating any

aerial platform.

9. Get on and off the platform when it is in the lowered position.


SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Operation of air tools

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with operation of air tools

APPLICATION Air tools are powered by compressed air supplied by rubber hoses.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Safe job procedure

PPE

ERP (Emergency Response Plan)

SELECTION

AND USE

As per job requirement

Provincial OH&S Legislation

SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY

Supervisors are responsible to facilitate and/or provide proper instruction to their

workers on protection requirements

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Regularly inspect tools and hoses before using.

2. Obtain underground utility locates for the work area.

3. Wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment.

4. Use proper shoring or slope equipment when air back tools are used

in ditch.

5. Get assistance before lifting or moving heavy objects.

6. Practice good housekeeping.

7. Keep loose fitting clothing away from rotating equipment.

8. Bleed air before disconnecting hoses.

9. Shut-off equipment while re-fuelling.

10. Do not use an air tool for any purpose other than what it is intended for.

11. Follow Air Tool Safe Work Practice step by step.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Using Cleaning solvents

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with the use of cleaning

solvents

APPLICATION Cleaning solvents are used in construction work to clean tools, equipment and

within shop, for general cleaning.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

WHMIS

MSDS in place & current

PPE


Respiratory protection {if required}


SELECTION

AND USE


SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY


requirements

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Ensure all WHMIS requirements are met.

2. Check toxic hazards of all solvents before use. (M.S.D.S.)

3. When breathing hazards exists, use the appropriate respiratory protection.

4. Use non-flammable solvents for general cleaning.

5. Store flammables and solvents in special storage containers/areas.

6. Ensure that proper containers are used for transportation, storage and field use

of solvents/flammables.

7. Do not use solvents in areas where food may be contaminated.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Power and Hand Tool Use

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with the use of power and hand tools

APPLICATION Power tools and hand tools to be used and maintained in compliance with

manufacturers guidelines.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Safe work procedures

PPE

Manufacturers specifications


SELECTION

AND USE

As manufacturers safe job procedures

SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY


workers on protection requirements and training

Required tools.

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Electrical tools must have 3 wire (grounding) cord and plug, excluding double

insulated tools.

2. Grinder discs, buffers and stones to be used only for designed application and at

rated speed.

3. Stationary grinders must have properly adjusted tool rests and stones to be

properly dressed.

4. Angle grinders to have Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.) guard.


5. On/off switches must be functional and positioned so Operator has access.

6. Accessories can only be used that are designed for use with the tools specified.

7. Saw blades must be designed for the product being cut and at the rated speed,

O.E.M. guards must be in place and functional.

8. Chisels, punches, hammer, wrenches, etc. to have all burrs ground from striking

area.

9. Chisels, punches, screwdrivers, etc. to have tips properly dressed.

10. Cracked a/o splintered handles to be replaced.

11. All tools must be cleaned after use and repairs made before being properly

stored.

12. Tools to be used for designed purpose only.

13. Repairs to tools must be performed by qualified personnel, using O.E.M. parts

or equivalent.

14. Follow tool safe work procedures step by step.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Working on Live Electrical Apparatus

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with working on live electrical

systems

APPLICATION Electrical apparatus, equipment and circuits shall be designed and operated in

accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Safe job procedure

Permit system

P.P.E

E.R.P. [Emergency Response Plan]

SELECTION

AND USE


SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY


requirements and training

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. When working on connections, shut off power if possible.

2. Ensure what amperage and voltage you are working on.

3. Electrical installations should be carried out by a properly trained and qualified

journeyman or registered apprentices.

4. Two or more journeyman should work together on any energized circuit with a

potential to 480 volts or more between conductors.

5. Remove panel covers with care, ensuring cover screws or panel space fillers are

removed.


6. Ensure ladders are made of non-conductive materials.

7. Be conversant with E.R.P. (Emergency Response Plan).

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Scaffolding

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with erecting and working with

scaffolding.

APPLICATION All scaffolding used shall be erected, maintained and dismantled by a competent

worker, in accordance with manufacturers specifications and legislation.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Permit system


Fall protection devices

Safe work procedure

PPE


SELECTION

AND USE

As per safe job procedure


SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY




Determine the type of scaffold required

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Ensure grounding on a firm and level base.

2. Maintain the established minimum clearances from all power lines.

3. Provide a safe access ladder.

4. Ensure scaffold has a platform perimeter handrail.

5. Anchor or tie a free standing scaffold according to legislation.

6. Do not use a ladder sloped against the side of a scaffold at any time.

7. A toe board is required on all platforms.

8. Ensure tube and clamp modular construction is utilized. Wood construction is

to be used only when absolutely necessary.

9. Ensure proper safe scaffold tags are installed.

10. Utilize a tag line when hoisting material.

11. Minimize tools, material and debris on the platform.

12. Ensure a hand line with a tool bag for tools is utilized.

13. When working at 3m (10 ft.), fall protection system must be used.

14. Follow scaffold safe work procedure step by step.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Fall Protection

GENERAL Protect workers from injuries associated by not utilising proper fall arrest protection

APPLICATION Fall Arrest Protection shall be utilized where there is or may be a danger to workers

falling. NO person shall use fall protection devices until they have received

adequate training.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Permit system

ERP ( Emergency response plan )

Fall protection plan

PPE


Safe work procedure

Barricades and warning signs

SELECTION

AND USE

Manufacturers specification


As per safe work procedure

SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY


requirements and training

Hazard analysis

Work site inspection

Determine type of equipment required

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Be fully conversant with Fall protection systems.

2. Ensure you know capabilities of Fall Protection Equipment.

3. Ensure barricades, ribbons and signs identify restricted areas.

4. Ensure you understand the procedures for rescue of workers who may be

unable to rescue themselves from an elevated work area.

5. Ensure you know your anchor points.

6. Ensure you do not wrap the lanyards and/or rope around beams, girders, pipes,

etc.

7. Utilise buddy system and continually check each other’s harness and D ring to

ensure that the harness is not too lose and or the D ring has not slipped down

the back.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Transportation Of Flammable Liquids

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with transporting flammable

liquids

APPLICATION Transportation and handling of flammable liquids is a integral part of daily

construction activity involving workers and equipment.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Safe work procedure

TDG ( Transportation of Dangerous Goods ) Legislation

Spill Kit

PPE

WHMIS (MSDS)


Fire Extinguisher


SELECTION

AND USE



SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY



WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Ensure TDG trained.

2. Ensure shipping documentation in place.

3. Ensure labels and placards as per TDG regulations.

4. Flammable liquids must be transported and stored in approved containers

bearing the CSA, ULC and WHMIS labels.

5. Ensure flammable liquids are not carried in passenger compartment of a

vehicle.

6. Ensure that the containers are not damaged and that caps or fittings are

properly secured after filling.

7. Ensure contained in an upright position and are secured to prevent overturning.

8. Follow flammable liquid transportation safe work procedure step by step.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Batteries /Charging and Servicing

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with charging and servicing

batteries

APPLICATION Batteries contain sulphuric acid and should be handled by trained personnel and be

charged in approved battery charging areas.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Safe work procedures

MSDS

PPE as per company policy

Safety shower and eyewash station


SELECTION As per safe work procedure


AND USE

SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY


requirements and training.

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Ensure the charger is off before attaching or removing clamp connections.

2. Attach clamps to the battery in proper polarity (i.e., negative to negative).

3. Ensure proper ventilation is in place where batteries are charged.

4. Inspect for defective cables, loose connections, corrosion, cracked cases or

covers, loose hold-downs and deformed or loose terminal posts.

5. Replace worn or unserviceable parts.

6. Tighten cable clamp nuts with the proper size wrench.

7. Utilize a cable puller to remove a cable clamp from the battery terminal.

8. Remove corrosion on the terminal posts, hold-down tray and hold-down parts.

9. Use a tapered brush to clean battery terminals and the cable clamps.

10. Clean dirt from the battery with baking soda solution.

11. Utilize a battery carrier to lift a battery.

12. Ensure battery cells are not filled above the level in indicator.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Portable Ladders

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with the use of portable ladders

APPLICATION Portable ladders should only be used when there are no permanent or temporary

stairways or work platforms available for task.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Safe work procedure


PPE


SELECTION

AND USE




Provincial OH&S Legislation

SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY



Work site inspection

Selection of equipment

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. All ladders shall be inspected prior to performing a task.

2. Wooden ladders shall not be painted.

3. Conductive metal ladders or wire or wire reinforced wooden ladders shall not

be permitted in energized areas.

4. Ensure surface is level and firm.

5. Ensure ladder is tied off and set at the proper angle.

6. Ladders shall not be climbed higher than the second step from the top.

7. Three points of contact should always be maintained when climbing up or

down.

8. Ladders should not be erected on boxes, tables, scaffold platforms, man lift

platforms or on vehicles.

9. A ladder shall not be placed against an unsafe support.

10. Follow portable ladder safe work procedure step by step.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE

TITLE Manual Lifting And Carrying

GENERAL Protecting workers from injuries associated with material lifting and carrying.

APPLICATION Most lifting accidents are due to improper lifting methods. All manual lifting

should be planned and safe lifting procedures followed.

PROTECTIVE

MECHANISMS

Permit system

Safe work procedure

Safe lifting procedures

PPE



SELECTION

AND USE


Safe lifting procedure

SUPERVISOR

RESPONSIBILITY



Selection of lifting equipment

WORKER

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Ensure that you know your physical limitations and the approximate weight of

materials.

2. The use of power equipment or mechanical lifting devices should be considered

and employed where practical.

3. Obtain assistance in lifting heavy objects.

4. Ensure a good grip before lifting and employ proper lifting technique.

5. Avoid reaching out.

6. Pipes, conduit, reinforcing rods and other conductive materials should not be

carried on the shoulder near exposed live electrical equipment or conductors.

7. Be aware of hazardous and unsafe conditions.


SAFE JOB

PROCEDURE

A Job Procedure is a written, specific step-by-step description of how to complete a job safely

and efficiently from start to finish.

In carrying out their tasks at work, what workers don't know can hurt them. In the realm of Job

Procedures, one way to increase knowledge of hazards is to conduct Job Hazard Analyses on

individual jobs or tasks. A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a procedure which provides for the

integration of accepted safety and health principles and practices into a particular operation. In a

JHA, each basic step of the job is examined to identify potential hazards and to determine the

safest way to do the job. The end result is called a Safe Job Procedure.

JHAs should always be team efforts. By involving others in the process, you reduce the

possibility of overlooking an individual job step or a potential hazard. You also increase the

likelihood of identifying the most appropriate measures for eliminating or controlling hazards.

The ACSA has not developed sample job procedures for every job in the construction industry.

Each job is done in a different way depending upon conditions, hazards, types of equipment,

company structures, and other factors. -Samples of Job Procedures have been included at the end


of this document to provide a model. You can modify the format or structure to meet your own

needs and the requirements of the law.

An effective JHA team should include:

� the supervisor;

� the worker most familiar with how the job is done and its related hazards;

� other workers who perform the job; and

� experts or specialists such as maintenance personnel, occupational hygienists, ergonomists, or

design engineers.

By involving as many knowledgeable and experienced people as possible, you ensure the JHA

will be accurate and complete.

Once the JHA team has been selected, you need to make sure everyone involved is familiar with

what a Job Hazard Analysis is and how it is performed.

1. Developing Safe Job Procedures

The terms 'job' and 'task' are commonly used interchangeably to mean a specific work

assignment, such as 'operating a grinder,' 'using a pressurized water extinguisher' or 'changing a

flat tire.' JHAs are not suitable for jobs defined too broadly, such as 'overhauling an engine,' or

too narrowly, such as 'positioning car jack.' Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) identify the materials

and equipment needed and how and when to use them. Safe Job Procedures usually include:

� Regulatory requirements

� Personal Protective Equipment requirements

� Training requirements

� Responsibilities of each person involved in the job

� A specific sequence of steps to follow to complete the work safely

� Permits required

� Emergency Procedures


Basic stages in developing Safe Job Procedures are:

� Identifying/selecting the job to be analyzed

� Breaking the job down into a sequence of basic steps

� Identifying potential hazards in each step

� Determining preventative measures to overcome these hazards

IDENTIFYING/SELECTING THE JOB TO BE ANALYZED

� Ideally, all jobs should be subjected to a JHA. However, there are practical constraints posed by

the amount of time and effort required to do a JHA. Another consideration is that each JHA will

require amendments whenever equipment, raw materials, processes or the environment change.

For these reasons, it is usually necessary to identify which jobs are to be analyzed. Even if an

analysis of all jobs is planned, this step ensures that the most critical jobs are examined first.

� Often a Safe Job Procedure is required by law. This is commonly referred to as a Code of

Practice under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, where required by regulation. (This is not

to be confused with a Safe Work Practice.) It is developed to ensure a particular work process is

performed by competent workers in compliance with all appropriate regulations, and is made up

from a list of specific job procedures. Specific examples include confined space entry work,

machinery lockout/tagout procedures, provisions for working alone, trenching, and working near overhead power lines. These should be the first ones you assign for completion.

Safe Job Procedures should be completed first.

Other factors to be considered in assigning a priority for analysis include:

� jobs with a high frequency of accidents or near misses which pose a significant threat to health

and safety;

� jobs that have already produced fatalities, disabling injuries, illnesses or environmental harm;

� jobs that have the potential to cause serious injury, harm, or damage, even if they have never

produced an injury or illness;

� jobs involving two or more workers who must perform specific tasks simultaneously;

� newly established jobs whose hazards may not be evident because of lack of experience;

� jobs that have undergone a change in procedure, equipment or materials;

� jobs whose operation may have been affected by new regulations or standards; and

� infrequently-performed jobs where workers may be at greater risk when undertaking non-routine

jobs.

Keep in mind that every job should eventually undergo a JHA. Even the most routine jobs can

include unrecognized hazards. By performing a thorough JHA you may be able to discover a

safer or healthier way of performing the job.

TOP


2. Breaking the Job Down Into a Sequence of Basic Steps

After a job has been chosen for analysis, the next stage is to break the job into small steps. A job

step is defined as a segment of the operation necessary to advance the work.

The form should be completed one column at a time, in other words, all of the basic job steps

should be listed before moving to the second column. Then, all of the existing and potential

hazards for each job step should be identified before listing any recommended solutions in the

third column. Concentrating on one column at a time helps ensure that the information in each

column is accurate and complete.

Care must be taken not to make the steps too general, thereby missing specific steps and their

associated hazards. On the other hand, if they are too detailed, there will be too many steps. A

rule of thumb is that most jobs can be described in less than ten steps. If more steps are

required, consideration must be given to dividing the job into two segments, each with its

separate JHA, or to combining steps where appropriate.

An important point to remember is to keep the steps in their correct sequence. Any step which is

out of order may invalidate the analysis by missing potential hazards or by introducing hazards

which do not actually exist.

Each step is recorded in sequence, noting what is done, rather than how it is done. Each item

begins with an action verb. A form which can be used as a worksheet in preparing a JHA is

included at the end of this section. JHA forms can differ from company to company, but most

are similar to the samples provided.

The JHA is initiated by observing a worker doing the job. The observer is normally the

immediate supervisor. The worker to be observed should be experienced and capable in all

facets of the job. To foster full cooperation and participation, the reason for the exercise must

be clearly explained. The JHA is neither a time and motion study in disguise, nor an attempt to

uncover individual unsafe acts. The job, not the individual, is being studied in an effort to make

it safe by identifying hazards and making modifications to eliminate or reduce them. The

worker's experience is important in making improvements.

The normal conditions under which a job is performed should apply during the period of

observation. For example, if a job is routinely only done at night, the JHA scrutiny should also

be conducted at night when typical light levels prevail. Similarly, only standard tools and

equipment should be used. The only difference from normal operations is the fact that the

worker is being observed.

When completed, the breakdown of steps should be discussed by all the participants (always

including the experienced worker and, if necessary, recognized experts in the field like


occupational hygienists, ergonomists, and engineers) to ensure that all basic steps have been

noted and placed in the correct sequence.

TOP

3. Identifying Potentiial Hazards in Each Step

Once the tasks have been broken down into the basic steps and have been recorded, potential hazards

must be identified for each. Based on observations of the job, knowledge of accident causes, personal

experience and imagination, the things that could go wrong are listed for each step.

A second observation of the job being performed is advantageous. Since the basic steps have

already been recorded, more attention can now be focused on potential hazards. At this stage, no

attempt is made to solve any problems which may have been deterred.

For each step, determine "potential accidents" or "hazards" (the middle column of the form) and

ways to correct them. Some hazards to think about include:

� Can any body part get caught in or between objects?

� Do tools, machines, or equipment present any hazards?

� Can the worker make harmful contact with objects?

� Can the worker be struck by objects falling from above?

� Can the worker slip, trip, or fall?

� Can the worker suffer strain from lifting, pushing, or pulling?

� Is the worker exposed to extreme heat or cold?

� Is excessive noise or vibration a problem?

� Is lighting a problem?

� Can weather conditions affect safety?

� Is harmful radiation a possibility?

� Can contact be made with hot, toxic, or caustic substances?

� Are there dust, fumes, mist, or vapours in the air?

Once potential hazards are identified, they can be listed in the middle column of the worksheet,

numbered to match the corresponding job step.

TOP

4. Determining Preventative Measures to Overcome These Hazards


The final stage in a JHA is to determine measures to eliminate or control the hazards identified.

TOP

5. Conclusion

We have described how to conduct a JHA by observing a worker actually performing the job,

and by using the three column method. The major advantages of this method are that it does not

rely on individual memory.

Note: For infrequent or new jobs, observation may not be feasible. With these, one

approach is to have a group of experienced workers and supervisors complete the JHA through

discussion. An advantage of this method is that more people are involved, allowing for a wider

base of experience and promoting a more ready acceptance of the resulting Safe Job Procedure.

Where one exists, members of the Joint Worksite Occupational and Health Committee should

participate in this process.

The initial benefits of conducting a JHA will become apparent in the preparation stage. The

analysis process may identify previously undetected hazards and increase the job knowledge of

those participating. Safety awareness is raised, communication between workers and

supervisors is improved, and acceptance of Safe Job Procedures is promoted.

The completed JHA, or better still, a written safe job procedure based on it, can form the basis

for regular contact between supervisors and workers regarding safety. It can serve as a teaching

aid for initial job training and as a briefing guide for infrequently performed jobs. It may be used

as a standard for safety inspections or observations and it will assist in completing

comprehensive accident investigations.

JHA is a useful technique for identifying hazards so that measures can be taken to eliminate or

control them. Once the analysis is completed, the results must be communicated to all workers

who are, or will be, performing that job. There are different ways of communicating these to

workers; either style suggested is effective.

Three-Column Style The side-by-side (three-column style) format used in JHA worksheets is not an ideal one for

instructional purposes. Samples using this method are shown at the end of this section.

Narrative-Style Format Better results can be achieved by using a narrative-style format.

For example, the Safe Job Procedure based on the partial JHA developed as an example in this


document might start out like the samples #1 & 2.

Sample Safe Job Procedures

Procedures are shown for the "Column" style and "Narrative" style on the samples below

Safe Job Procedures Annual Review

Whenever an incident occurs, the Safe Job Procedure should be thoroughly reviewed by the

worker and supervisor to ensure that no important step is missing and that the Job Procedures

meet current regulations.

This review information should be recorded on the "Annual Review" form