Health, Safety and Wellness - Western University · Health, Safety and Wellness ... • Autoclave Validation Procedures based on Ministry of Environment ... • CCAC Course on WebCT

Health, Safety and Wellness 2009 Annual Report Occupational Health & Safety

and Rehabilitation Services

Board of Governors June 24, 2010

APPENDIX VI Annex 4

Table of Contents…

Section 1. . .

. . . Occupational Health & Safety Report

• Message from Occupational Health and Safety • A Year in Review – Achievements and Successes

o Regulations and Compliance Internal Inspections External Inspections

o Training o Committees o Program Updates o New Developments o New and Updated Legislative Requirement

• Priorities for 2010 • Challenges

Section 2. . .

. . . Rehabilitation Services & Wellness Program

• Message from Rehabilitation Services • A Year in Review – Achievements and Successes

o Mental Health Program o Hospitality Services Plot o Musculosketal Disorder Program

• Statistics and Trends for 2009 • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB Statistics

Section 3. . .

. . . Appendices

• Appendix A o Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Monthly Inspection Categories • Appendix B

o Public Health agency of Canada: Definitions of Biosafety Levels

` Health, Safety and Wellness 2009 Annual Report

3

Section 1 - Occupational Health & Safety Report

2009 Message from Occupational Health and Safety

In 2009, the Occupational Health and Safety group integrated numerous changes in regulations and standards into the Environmental Safety, Radiation Safety, Biosafety, Laboratory Safety and Facilities Safety programs at Western, such as,

• Occupational Health and Safety Act • Class II Nuclear Facilities • Human Pathogens and Toxins Act • Electrical Safety Standard

In response to an ever increasing awareness of the importance of workplace safety and the environment, regulatory agencies continue to strengthen their controls and monitor the accountability of employers. The Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Transport, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Environment Canada, Transport Canada, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission have all made regulatory changes that affect business at Western.

The programs in Occupational Health and Safety continue to expand to meet the new regulatory requirements, increased student enrolment and research activities. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) strives to anticipate and keep abreast of these changes, interpret how they apply and will affect Western, develop plans of action and implement targeted programs and training. It is our goal to be compliant while, at the same time, allowing research and teaching to continue as effectively and safely as possible.

The ‘Continuous Improvement Model’ that follows serves both as a summary, guideline and assessment tool for the major programs in Occupational Health and Safety.

Over the past year, Occupational Health and Safety has worked closely with inspectors from the Ontario Ministry of Labour. Inspectors from the Ministry visited campus regularly to review practices, to consult on various programs and to investigate workplace accidents. Areas of interest included laboratories, construction sites, university facilities and training programs. The University complied with all recommendations.

The Occupational Health and Safety team will continue to work with the campus community to monitor, sustain and enhance the safety culture at Western. Tony Hammoud, Hoa Ly, Anne Marie McCusker, Mike Mosley, Jennifer Stanley


4

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MODEL

A. Biosafety, Environmental and Laboratory Programs

Safety Model Biosafety Program Environmental Program Laboratory Program 1. Leadership • Biosafety Committee, and

two Subcommittees for Biohazards & Biosecurity

• Biosafety Coordinator • University Safety Group on

Biosafety

• Environmental and Laboratory Safety Committee

• Environmental Safety Coordinator

• RPR Environmental

• Environmental and Laboratory Safety Committee

• Laboratory Safety Coordinator

• Endorsement for Laboratory Health & Safety Manual

2. Risk Assessment • Biohazardous Agent Registry Form

• Accidents/incident reports

• Inspections – Level 2, Level 2 plus, Level 3

• Medical Surveillance • Biomedical Waste

Management • Animal Use Subcommittee

Safety Form • Biosecurity Plan • Emergency Response Plan

• Workplace Safety Inspections

• Hazardous Materials Use Form

• Chemical Inventories • Purchasing and Customs

Records/Forms • Specialized

Facilities/Standard Operating Procedures for Laboratory Research

• Workplace Accidents • Transportation of Dangerous

Goods Standards • UWO Waste Pickup Records

• Inspections • Medical Surveillance • Chemical Inventory • Laboratory Health and

Safety Manual. • Waste Management

Update/Review • Chemical Weapons

Convention


5

Safety Model Biosafety Program Environmental Program Laboratory Program 3. Strategy • Identify activities,

procedures, processes, resources, programs, and systems to effectively manage biosafety risks & achieve outcomes

• Determine those activities, procedures, resources, programs and systems necessary to manage hazardous materials and environmental risks, so that desired outcomes can be achieved and compliance met.

• Utilize the IRS and ensure those accountable for each area have applied the standards outlined in the UWO Laboratory Health and Safety Manual using the Laboratory Safety Self Assessment Checklist.

4. Standards • Biosafety Manual

• Inspection checklists based on Health Canada & CFIA guidelines & permits

• Autoclave Validation Procedures based on Ministry of Environment Biomedical Waste Regulations

• Tricouncil Schedule 13 • Canadian Council on

Animal Care • Transportation of

Dangerous Goods, IATA Regulations

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in animal research & imaging

• UWO Laboratory Safety Manual for General Laboratory Practices

• UWO Hazardous Materials Manual

• Government (International, Federal, Provincial and Municipal Standards) – See Appendix A

• WHMIS Standards • UWO Hazardous Chemical

Waste Policy (effective May 9, 2002)

• MOE Recommendations

• UWO Laboratory Health and Safety Manual

• Laboratory Safety Self Assessment Checklist


6

Safety Model Biosafety Program Environmental Program Laboratory Program

5. Procedures, Policies • Containment Level 3 Manual

• Containment Level 1 & 2 Manual

• Sheep Containing Unit • Primate Unit(s) SOPs • Purchasing processes • Autoclave Validation

Process • Transportation of

Dangerous Goods • Viral Vector Policy • Biosafety & Imaging Policy

• Laboratory Safety Manual for General Laboratory Practices

• Hazardous Materials Manual

• RPR Environmental Procedures

• Laboratory Health and Safety Manual

• Storage and Dispensing of Flammable and Combustible Liquids in Laboratories

• Special Hazard Alerts • Eye Protection Policy • Respiratory Protective

Equipment Policy • Glove Selection for

Chemical Use

6. Communication • Letter to Deans • Biosafety Committee

support • Occupational Health and

Safety (OHS) website • Training • Inspections and on-site

visits • Special Hazard Alerts • Electronic Communications

• Letters to Deans • Laboratory Safety

Committee Support • Occupational Health and

Safety Website • Training • One to one communication

with users

• Letters to Deans • Environmental and

Laboratory Safety Committee Support

• Occupational Health and Safety Website

• Training • Communication

electronically to leaders informing of changes and accountabilities.


7

Safety Model Biosafety Program Environmental Program Laboratory Program

7. Training • Biosafety and other courses currently offered by OHS

• CCAC Course on WebCT • Unique courses for specific

hazards identified (primates, sheep, autoclave, etc.)

• Others as identified

• Occupational Health and Safety Website

• Occupational Health and Safety Courses

• One to one communication with users during weekly pickups

• Each laboratory worker must attend the New Employee Health and Safety Orientation, WHMIS on Web CT, Laboratory Safety and Environmental Waste Management sessions. Refresher on WebCT - 2007

8. Measurement • Regular inspections • Database • Accident/incident reports • Purchasing & Material

Transfer Agreements

• Workplace Safety Inspection Results

• Training Attendance Records

• Waste Pickup Records and Experience

• Accident, Incident, First Aid Reports

• Records of Inquiries/Complaints/Compliments to OH&S

• Annual Inspections • Database of Laboratory

Spaces • Accident Incident Reports

9. Evaluation • Safety culture • Meaningful data &

information to committee to make decisions

• Client feedback

• Customer Attitude and Feedback

• Ministry of Environment Feedback and Reports

• Safety Culture • Meaningful data and

information to committee to make decisions

• Customer Feedback 10. Recognition • Presidents Banquet • Presidents Banquet • Presidents Banquet


8

B. Radiation, Facilities, and X-Ray Safety Programs

Safety Model Radiation Safety Program Facilities Safety Program X-ray Safety Program 1. Leadership • Radiation Safety

Committee • Radiation Safety

Coordinator • Deans, Departments Chairs,

Permit Holders and Lab Personnel

• Physical Plant Safety Committee

• Facilities Safety Coordinator

• Hazardous Materials Response Team

• Radiation Safety Committee

• Radiation Safety Coordinator

• Deans, Departments Chairs, Permit Holders and Lab Personnel

2. Risk Assessment • Planned Job/Task Observation

• Formal and Informal Inspections.

• Radiation and Radioactivity Monitoring for People, Environment and Property

• Emergency Response Plan

• Designated Substances Surveys

• Inspections • Medical Surveillance –

Asbestos Type 2 and Type 3 activities

• Controlled Products Evaluation and Substitution

• Safety Reminder Form • Haz. Mat. Emergency

Response

• Planned Job/Task Observation

• Formal and Informal Inspections.

• X-ray Radiation Monitoring for People.

• Emergency Response Plan


9

Safety Model Radiation Safety Program Facilities Safety Program X-ray Safety Program

3. Strategy • Internal Permit System • Inventory Control and

Physical Security • Radiation Work location

Authorization • Waste Disposal Control and

Authorization • Radiation Dose and

Contamination Control

• Frequently evaluate and monitor behaviours and adherence to procedures and protocols. The development of two internal resource rooms, one equipped with a computer connected to the internet to encourage staff to pursue information and inquire about current issues.

• Internal Permit System • Inventory Control and

Physical Security • X-ray Work/Location

Authorization • X-Ray Warning Signs

4. Standards • Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Acts, Regulations, Standards, Guidelines

• University Policies for Radiation

• Inspection Checklist

• The scope and requirements of the safety programs are well defined by desired outcomes. All affected parties are educated on their responsibilities and accountabilities towards the safety initiative.

• Occupational Health and Safety Acts, Regulations, Standards, Guidelines University Policies for X-ray Safety

• Inspection Checklist


10

5. Procedures, Policies • Standard Operating

Procedures • Laboratory Classifications • Purchasing, Transport,

Receiving, Use and Disposal Policies and Procedures

• Safety Policies and Procedures

• address unanticipated safety issues, develop procedures to address them and communicate these issues to the work force, supervisors, committee members and outside contractors.

• Standard Operating Procedures

• Purchasing, Store and Use Policies and Procedures

6. Communication • Radiation Safety Coordinator communicates Department Chairs, Permit Holders and Nuclear Energy Workers on the regular basis

• Radiation Safety Committee meetings are held 4 times a year

• Inspection Report Cards to the Dean annually

• Training and Inspection • Radiation Safety Website

• Letters to Deans • Joint Health and Safety

Committee support • Occupational Health and

Safety (OHS) website • Training • Weekly meetings with

supervisors

• Radiation Safety Coordinator communicates with Department Chairs, Permit Holders and X-ray Workers on the regular basis

• Radiation Safety Committee meetings are held 4 times a year

• Inspection Report Cards to the Dean annually

• Training and Inspection


11

Safety Model Radiation Safety Program Facilities Safety Program X-ray Safety Program

7. Training • Radiation Safety Courses • Refresher training on

webCT Vista • Specific hands-on training • Radiation Safety

Awareness on website

• Due Diligence, OHS Act for Supervisors, Confined Space Entry, High Voltage, Asbestos Awareness, Construction Safety, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, Employee Orientation, Fall Arrest, and many other industrial safety courses.

• X-ray Safety Course • Refresher Training on

WebCT Vista • Specific hands-on

training

8. Measurement • Inspection Rating Reports • Database Management • Radiation Dose and

Contamination Reports

• Daily inspection of renovation and construction sites

• Annual inspections of Mechanical Rooms

• Accident/Incident reports

• Inspection Rating Reports

• Database Management

9. Evaluation • Internal Inspection Rating Trend Analysis

• External Audit, Evaluation & Inspection

• Safety Culture: People’s Skills, Training, Attitude and Behavior toward Safety at Western

• Incident/Accident Investigations

• Monitoring performance and observing behaviour in the workplace

• Weekly meetings with supervisors and monthly meetings with JOHSC

• Documentation of outliers and non compliance with procedures, recommendations for improvement

• Internal Inspection Rating Trend Analysis

• External Inspection • Safety Culture: People’s

Skills, Attitude and Behavior toward Safety at Western

• Incident/Accident Investigations

10. Recognition • Presidents Banquet • Presidents Banquet • Presidents Banquet


12

C. Personal Protective Equipment and Laser Safety Program

Safety Model Personal Protective Equipment Program Laser Safety Program 1. Leadership • Facilities Safety Coordinator

• Laboratory Safety Coordinator • Joint Occupational Health and Safety

Committee

• Radiation Safety Committee • Radiation Safety Coordinator • Deans, Departments Chairs, Permit Holders

and Lab Personnel 2. Risk Assessment • Inspection Results

• Medical Surveillance • Part of Risk Assessment for other

programs.

• Planned Job/Task Observation. Formal and Informal Inspections. Optical Radiation Measurement. Emergency Response Plan

3. Strategy • Identify protective equipment required as part of other programs

• Internal Permit System • Inventory Control and Security • Laser Work/Location Authorization • Laser Warning Signs

4. Standards • CSA Standards • Applicable UWO Policies

• Canadian Government Acts, Regulations, Standards and Guidelines

• University Policies for Laser Safety • Inspection Checklist

5. Procedures, Policies • Respiratory Protective Equipment Policy • Eye Protection Policy • Hearing Protection Policy (new) • Skin Protection Policy (new) • Personal Protective Equipment Program

• Standard Operating Procedures • Laser Laboratory Classifications • Purchasing, Store and Use Policies and

Procedures


13

Safety Model Personal Protective Equipment Program Laser Safety Program

6. Communication • Letter to Senior Leaders • Joint Occupational Health and Safety

Committee Support • Occupational Health and Safety Services

on Human Resources Website • Training

• Radiation Safety Coordinator communicates with Department Chairs, Permit Holders and Laser Workers on the regular basis

• Radiation Safety Committee Inspection Report Cards to the Dean annually

• Training and Inspection 7. Training • Incorporated as part of all Occupational

Health and Safety sessions • Laser Safety Course • Refresher training on WebCT Vista • Specific hands-on training

8. Measurement • Inspections • Database • Accident/Incident Reports

• Inspection Rating Reports • Database Management

9. Evaluation • Meaningful data to Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee

• Internal Inspection Rating Trend Analysis • External Inspection • Incident/Accident Investigations

10. Recognition • Presidents Banquet • President’s Banquet


14

Year in Review Achievements and Successes

The following provides an overview of the Safety Team’s outcomes over the past year.

Regulations and Compliance

• Internal Inspections

It is a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that members of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee “shall inspect the physical condition of the workplace at least once a year, inspecting at least a part of the workplace in each month”. OHS coordinates this program for the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC). The JOHSC includes worker members from all the unions and associations. Worker representatives from UWOFA, UWOSA, PMA, CUPE 2692, PSAC, CUPE 2361 and SAGE all contribute approximately 5 half days each to inspections across campus. This time commitment is significant.

In 2009, 377 compliance orders were issued by the JOHSC during workplace inspections.

This is a 31% increase in orders over 2008 and demonstrates the thoroughness of the program. All orders have been complied with and safety concerns corrected in all areas. The six categories in the histogram below are defined in more detail in Appendix A.

Total Compliance Orders for 2009

50

76

52

30 34

115

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

SafetyEquipment

FacilitiesSafety(PPD)

ChemicalSafety

ElectricalSafety

LaboratorySafety

GeneralSafety

Num

ber o

f Com

plia

nce

Ord

ers


15

The JOHSC inspections help to ensure a safe environment campus wide and may include areas and facilities used mostly by students and visitors, in addition to the ‘traditional’ workplace. For example, as a direct result of a routine annual JOHSC workplace inspection on November 16, 2009, Campus Recreation was issued a ‘Notification of Suspension’, by Occupational Health and Safety, indicating that the ‘Ball Hockey’ Rink, adjacent to the Tennis ‘Bubble’ would be closed until the facility could be made safe for operations. The facility was in “poor repair with many sharp fence edges, fence wiring, lower boards moulding loose, broken doors, padded protection missing, etc”. The Corrective Action Required was to “repair and make safe for recreational needs.” At year end, the facility remained closed while the Faculty of Health Sciences considered their options.

Also, in 2009, a laboratory safety inspection also resulted in a closure. The malfunction of the dust collection system for a piece of equipment resulted in silica dust being released into the engineering pilot plant, located in Thompson Engineering Building 28 (TEB 28). The risk was eliminated by closing the lab to prevent exposure to users. The laboratory remained closed with access restricted to those assigned to remove the silica. The equipment was then relocated to the Institute for Chemicals from Alternate Resources (ICFAR).

The Laboratory Safety Program which started in 2004 has an inventory of 550 research

labs in 5 faculties. Over the 5 years since inception, the combination of a Self Assessment Checklist and regular inspections have identified laboratory hazards and reduced the associated risks.

This year has seen a decrease in compliance during annual inspections. Of the 432 labs

inspected in 2009, 62% were found to be in full compliance, down from 80% compliance in 2008.

Laboratory Safety Compliance of Labs by Year

149

182

249

314

269

173162

101 105

163

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Year

Num

ber o

f Ins

pect

ions

Full ComplianceNon Compliance


16

Of the 38% of labs not in compliance, the inspection findings by category are below.

2009 Laboratory Safety Inspection Findings by Category

29%

24%

13%10%

7% 7%

1%0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Finding Category

Perc

ent

Labelling

Chemical Segregation

Safety Equipment

Housekeeping

Lab Equipment

Gas Cylinders

Signage

53% of the increase in non-compliance was in the areas of chemical labelling and chemical segregation. The focus of inspections was on chemical labelling and segregation as these areas are the most challenging to maintain compliance. The focus of the lab safety program in 2010 will be on increasing compliance in these areas as well as material safety data sheets (MSDS) and chemical inventories.

The following buildings were under construction or renovation:

• Biological & Geological Sciences Phase 3 and 4. • The new Ivey Business School. • Stevenson-Lawson Building. • University Community Centre. • Advanced Facility for Avian Research (AFAR). • Institute for Chemical and Fuel from Alternate Resources Center (ICFAR). • Claudette MacKay-Lassonde Pavilion (Green Building)

All construction and renovation activities were monitored regularly and strict compliance with UWO Procedures and Construction Projects Regulations (Ontario Regulation 213/91) was expected on each project.


17

A total of 129 permits covering 193 designated rooms in the area of radiation, X-ray and

laser were inspected by the Radiation Safety Coordinator. There was over 90% compliance in all three of these programs. The compliance performance of each area is shown below.

UWO Radiation, X-ray and Laser Safety InspectionsCompliance Performance Report

2009

5

92

300

100

0 06

91

30

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

A - Exceeds Requirements B - Meets Requirements C - Below Requirements D - Significantly BelowRequirements

Permit Grade

Perc

ent D

istr

ibut

ion

of P

erm

it G

rade

Radiation - 79 permits & 131 rooms X-ray - 17 permits, 20 rooms & 34 x-rays Laser - 33 permits, 42 rooms & 99 lasers

Several types of biosafety inspections were completed in 2009 to ensure compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Animal Facilities, such as the non-human primate facilities, were inspected. Level 2, Level 2 plus and Level 3 laboratories were inspected. There are currently over 90 laboratories on campus that have been inspected to meet Health Canada’s requirements for Level Two containment. For more details on containment levels, please see Appendix B.


18

• External Inspections and Reporting

The Radioactive Waste program continues to operate smoothly and meet all the

requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods.

Annual reports for the incinerator, waste transfer station and PCB facility were submitted to

the MOE to meet regulatory and certification requirements. In 2009, the PCB and HAZMAT facilities were inspected with no issues requiring attention identified.

The Level 3 facility is used for HIV research, including work relating to the HIV/AIDS

vaccine. The Public Health Agency of Canada issued a letter of recertification for Level 3 facility on June 15, 2009 and is valid for one year.

Each year, the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) launches what is called an

enforcement “blitz” of provincially regulated industrial and construction workplaces. The blitzes are designed to raise awareness of known workplace hazards and compliance with safety regulations. The overall goal is to promote a long–lasting increase in compliance and a decrease in the rate of injuries. In September 2009, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) conducted a large workplace inspection to review compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations as well as elements of the Internal Responsibility System with a particular focus on hazardous chemicals. Two MOL inspectors visited the new Recreation Centre pool area and issued a notice of compliance to have eight items corrected in the pool’s mechanical room.

In November 2009, a Ministry of Labour Inspector issued an order against a University

worker for using a ladder without maintaining a 3-point contact. The MOL requirement for a 3-point contact is an appropriate (adopted) safety measure for ladder users when climbing up or down the ladders; no such requirement is outlined in the regulations when working on a ladder. Occupational Health and Safety challenged the inspector’s decision and requested that the MOL revoke the order against the worker who was using the ladder properly. This request has triggered a “policy debate” at the MOL. The MOL has decided that their position on the issue requires more clarification.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour approved five permanent x-ray locations on campus

including two brand new veterinary imaging x-ray facilities in West Valley Building. Western now has 17 X-ray permits, 20 designated rooms with 34 non-medical X-ray machines.


19

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) conducted security inspections at

three licensed buildings on campus. As a result of these inspections, three action notices were issued to improve the physical security protection at the University, as well as to meet regulatory requirements. The University has responded to the CNSC with regard to the action notices. The University submitted three successful annual compliance reports to CNSC for nuclear substances and radiation devices license, and Tandetron operating and servicing licenses. Also in 2009, The University achieved successful CNSC routine inspections for the nuclear substances and radiation devices licenses in 10 buildings on campus.

The University achieved a successful International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

complementary access inspection in two licensed buildings on campus. This is required per CNSC and international agreements with the Canadian government.

Training

In 2009, more than 153 safety training sessions were provided by Occupational Health and

Safety in the areas of laboratory safety, biosafety, radiation safety, general safety, and equipment usage to support research and academic initiatives on Western. Staff, students, and researchers from many segments of the University have benefitted from this training, including Physical Plant and Capital Planning Services Division (PP&CPSD), Information Technology Services (ITS), and engineering.

Seventeen industrial training modules were prepared and presented to staffs who work in

potentially hazardous locations. In 2009, training was also provided to Campus Community Police Services to help them better control emergency situations arising from our research activities.


20

Committees The seven safety committees at the University of Western Ontario are responsible for outlining policies and procedures that promote a culture of safety among the employees of the University. University Health and Safety Committee – This committee is responsible for reviewing the overall safety performance of the University of Western Ontario. This committee recommends health and safety policies for the University and oversees the activities of the various subcommittees. Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee – This committee is composed of representatives of all Employee groups and the University. This committee is responsible for identifying situations or practices that may be a source of danger or hazard to workers or other members of the University community. Members of the committee are responsible for inspecting all areas of the workplace over the course of the year. The JOHSC met 8 times in 2009. In addition to any special concerns the committee reviews and assesses trends in

• Accidents and Injuries • Critical Injuries • Work Refusals • Workplace Inspections

Biosafety Committee – This committee monitors and promotes compliance with established policies and procedures involving biohazardous agents used at the University. The committee approves protocols involving the use of potentially biohazardous agents to ensure that appropriate procedures for the use, storage and disposal of the agents are followed. Biohazards Sub-committee – This sub-committee reviews all protocols involving work with potentially biohazardous materials and makes recommendations to the Biosafety committee on all matters related to the use of potentially biohazardous materials at Western. Biosecurity Sub-committee – This committee examines the biosecurity risk of agents used and recommends any necessary biosecurity measure to be taken to the Biosafety committee. Environmental and Laboratory Safety Committee – This committee is responsible for reviewing the operational safety of both teaching and research laboratories at the University and for recommending policies and procedures to improve health and safety in these areas.


21

Radiation Safety Committee – This committee advises on matters of all radiation safety including nuclear substances and radiation devices, particle accelerators, X-ray equipment, lasers/laser systems and other non-ionizing radiation sources. Departmental Safety Committees - Western Libraries worked with OHS to form their own committee and began developing a safety program specific to their operations. OHS provides support to nine internal safety committees which include:

o Physical Plant Safety Committee o Hospitality Services Safety Committee o Engineering Safety Committee o Chemistry Safety Committee o Western Retail Services Safety Committee o Visual Arts Safety Committee o Robarts Research Safety Committee o Western Libraries Safety Committee o Earth Sciences Safety Committee


22

Program Updates

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) program supports research in the shipment of hazardous goods around the world for collaborative projects and testing. Western researchers are provided with advice on documentation, packaging and labelling so that their materials will reach their destination safely and quickly. In 2009, 88 non-radioactive shipments were made from Western. All of these were shipped as biohazardous.

In 2009, the use of the Hazardous Waste disposal program has continued to

increase to support the needs of teaching and research at Western while meeting all legislative requirements.

The First Aid program ensures compliance with WSIB Regulation 1101 – First Aid

Requirements. This includes meeting requirements with respect to kit locations and compositions, training of first aid representatives, and monthly kit inspections records.

In 2008, the University submitted the documentation for the Biotron Level 3 Facility to

the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The work required to certify the facility continued through 2009.

The Biosafety Manual for Level 1 and Level 2 laboratories was reviewed and

revised. The Level 3 Manual was completed for the new Biotron facility.

The safety portion of the Animal Use Subcommittee process was reviewed and significantly modified by safety officers to facilitate research while addressing safety issues relating to animal projects.

There is a great deal of innovative biomedical research done at Western. This research

poses unique biosafety challenges. In response, the Viral Vector Transduction policy was modified to better access the growing number of projects involving viral vectors.


23

In 2009, 169 Biohazardous Agents Registry Forms were reviewed for research projects.

This is more than a forty-two percent increase in biosafety projects over 2008 for the Biosafety Program. There was a ten percent increase in the number of biohazardous Material Transfer Agreements and Purchase Orders reviewed in 2009.

Number of Biosafety Projects Reviewed by Year and Research Institution

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Num

ber o

f Fo

rms

LRCP UWO LHRI CPRI OTHER

29 34

63

36

56

113 119

169

The program of Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) Safety

Inspections is being reviewed and revised to accommodate the changes in the workplace. All campus JOHSC inspections are being performed by the same person in OHS so that meaningful comparisons can be made and recommendations can be developed. The Health and Safety team will be reviewing the JOHSC, Laboratory, Biosafety and Radiation inspections programs to see if there are opportunities to optimize and combine resources

There has been a 51% increase over the last 2 years on the number of people fit

tested to wear respirator. This is largely due to units such as Student Emergency Response Team, Campus Police, Student/Workplace Health, and others being fit tested as directed by the Emergency Operations Control Group as part of pandemic planning.


24

The ten Hazardous Materials/Confined Spaced Rescue Team members were

trained in the “Disciplined Approach to Emergency Response.” They are capable of rescuing workers trapped in our confined spaces in addition to being able to mitigate small to medium size spills or releases of chemical, nuclear, and biological material. The team maintained a very close relationship with the London Fire Department. Several tours to potentially hazardous locations such as the level 3 facility were conducted. The objective of the tours was to familiarize the internal and external teams with the access routes and physical structures at the University.

Above: UWO Hazardous Materials/Confined Space Rescue team members performs qualitative chemical analysis during a mock emergency situation.


25

New Developments

The Institute for Chemicals and Fuels for Alternative Resources (ICFAR) was opened in the fall of 2009. This facility is a pilot plant industrial scale research lab that presents a unique challenge for OHS who has been working with the researchers in ensuring that standard operating procedures are put in place and that research proceeds in a safe manner. The focus for OHS in 2010 will be to work with the researchers in assessing and minimizing the risk associated with research of this scale and developing a comprehensive safety program of the facility.

Claudette MacKay-Lassonde Pavilion (Green Building) opened in late 2009. Much

of the research in this building is in the field of Nanotechnology. During the design stage of the building OHS worked with the researchers to ensure that the facilities included adequate controls for this emerging technology. In 2010, this building will be added to the lab inspection program and risk assessments will be completed for processes that use nanotechnology.

OHS implemented an Eyewash and Safety Shower Testing Program to comply with

the Ministry of Labour’s requirement that eyewashes and safety showers are tested according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard. OHS worked with PPD in designing equipment to test the showers and a comprehensive ergonomics assessment was completed which found no ergonomics risk associated with the process. Eyewashes are now tested weekly by lab users and showers are tested monthly by the caretaking staff.

A new electrical safety standard (CAN/CSA Z462-08) to protect workers exposed to

potential arc flash hazards was published in 2008. According to this standard, electrical contractors and business owners are required to evaluate work site hazards and use appropriate personal protective equipment to protect workers from potential electric arc flash dangers. These hazards may be in the form of electric shock, electrocution, and arc blast. Proper awareness, training and the development of arc flash safety personal protection strategies can minimize the likelihood of injury and fatality. Physical Plant and Occupational Health and Safety are working together to educate our workforce on the new standard and to develop a new policy for working on energized electrical equipment.


26

Occupational Health and Safety, Campus Community Police Services and Physical Plant

oversee many student activities on campus; most of them aim to raise awareness of social issues affecting our society or others abroad. One of those events in 2009 was the Pumpkin Drop organized by the engineering students where pumpkins of approximately 750 pounds in size and with the words "Poverty" spray painted on them were dropped from 100-feet in the air. The group used the Pumpkin Drop as a fundraising initiative to help send Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Western volunteers overseas. An inspection by occupational health and safety before the pumpkin drop ensured that the crane operations adhered to the Ministry of Labour (MOL) requirements and the crowds were kept safe behind strategically placed screen fencing.


27

New and Updated Legislative Requirements

Biosafety continues to be an evolving program. In 2009, the Committee commented on proposed changes to the Waste Guideline C-4. There is also a new requirement under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to declare biohazards for the Domestic Substances List. This year the Biosafety Committee created or modified two manuals, the policy on imaging, a medical surveillance policy for rabies and a procedure to safely use estrogen inhibiting drugs in animals.

The Human Pathogens and Toxins Act was passed in June, 2009. Phase I of this

legislation required that the University register specified buildings and research in September, 2009. Phases II and III are expected to have more stringent requirements such as inventories and more government inspections.

The Ontario Labour Relations Board has ruled that employers and contractors are

required to report critical injuries to non workers to the Ministry of Labour under subsection 51 (1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). This broad interpretation of the OHSA turns all areas into workplaces. Hence all critical injuries to any person must be reported. At the university we have a large number of non-workers including students, visitors and the general public. This creates the need to report critical injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls occurring during “non-work” activities as well as those occurring during sporting events and Sports Western activities. As a result of this recent interpretation of the OHSA where a failure to report could result in the University being prosecuted by the MOL, occupational health and safety calls to and dialogue with the MOL has increased. The Council of Ontario Universities through the Council of Environmental Health and Safety Officers of Ontario will be working with the law firm Hicks Morley on addressing the impact of this interpretation of the OHSA on Universities. Hicks Morley will be meeting with the MOL and will be providing legal advice on any liabilities that may be experienced by Universities by non-workers who decide to sue the university.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour enforces the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA),

which sets out the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers. The main purpose of the act is to protect health and safety of workers on the job. The university will need to comply with the new amendments (known as Bill 168) to the Occupational Health & Safety Act related to workplace violence, workplace harassment, and domestic violence in the Ontario legislature by June 15, 2010.


28

Bill 168 objectives are to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace. It requires employers to prepare two separate policies to protect workers - a workplace violence policy and a workplace harassment policy. These policies along with other workplace policies incorporate a workplace violence program which must control the risks that "could cause injury due to physical force by a person". This program must be communicated to workers who must report incidents of violence to their employer or supervisor. The employer must investigate and deal with all complaints of workplace violence.

Important elements of the violence and harassment prevention program are to assess

violence that may arise from the nature of the workplace, advice the JHSC of the results in writing, and reassess the violence policy and program as often as necessary to protect the workers.

The Operating Tandetron license has been amended by the Canadian Nuclear Safety

Commission (CNSC) to comply with the changes in the Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations

New Consolidated Import License for Tritium (Hydrogen 3) has been issued to the

University by the CNSC to comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations. Western now has four radiation licenses


29

Priorities for 2010

Biomedical research continues to evolve at Western to include new biohazardous agents for which government or other standards do not exist. As a result, the biosafety program is challenged to develop strategies, policies and programs to protect faculty, staff, and students from the risks these new agents potentially pose.

The Laboratory Safety Program priorities in 2010 include increasing compliance

in the areas of chemical segregation and labelling, working with the Institute for Chemicals from Alternate Resources (ICFAR) researchers to develop a comprehensive safety program, and implementing the lab safety and nanotechnology program in the Green Building.

The university will comply with three Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

(CNSC) action notices to improve the physical security protection at the University, as well as to meet regulatory requirements.

Occupational Health and Safety will develop a new policy for working on energized

electrical equipments (Arc flash) and educate our workforce on new CSA standards.


30

Tony Hammoud, DOHS, CRSP, CIM Occupational Health and Safety Diploma Canadian Registered Safety Professional Certificate in Management

Hoa Ly, CRSP, CRPA(R), CLSO Canadian Registered Safety Professional, Registered Canadian Radiation Protection Professional, Certified Laser Safety Officer

Anne Marie McCusker Higher National Certificate Biomedical Sciences (Biochemistry)

Michael J. Mosley, B Sc. (Hons), B Ed. Honors Bachelor Science – Chemistry Bachelor of Education – Chemistry and Mathematics

Jennifer Stanley, M.Sc.(A), ROH, CRSP, RBP Masters of Science (Applied), Occupational Health Registered Occupational Hygienist Certified Registered Safety Professional Registered Biosafety Professional


31

Section 2 - Rehabilitation Services & Wellness Program

From Left to Right Christine Stutt Wellness Information Coordinator Renee Uruski Senior Ergonomic Coordinator Rebecca Hansen Rehabilitation Leader Barbara Froats Rehabilitation Coordinator


32

Year in Review

Achievements and Successes

The following provides an overview of the Rehabilitation Team’s outcomes over the past year:

Mental Health Program

Delivery of the Mental Health First Aid course continued to leaders at Western. Seven additional instructors were trained in January 2010 to facilitate delivery of the course on a broader scale. A strategy for “roll out” of the program will be developed in 2010 with priority given to those individuals who supervise staff and who provide direct support to students. Continued partnerships with the Safe Campus Advisory Partners and key stakeholders on campus will enable the efficient use of resources and integrated service delivery to the Western community. Mental Health First Aid Instructors represent a variety of work areas including: Student Health, Rehabilitation Services, Learning and Development, Housing and Ancillary Services and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Hospitality Services Plot

Rehabilitation Services launched a pilot program in the fall of 2009 in partnership with Hospitality Services. An alternate model of service delivery was implemented in order to address the unique needs of this group. The project was undertaken with the objective of aligning ergonomic prevention strategies and injury case management through a reassessment of processes, roles and responsibilities. Early indicators demonstrate a reduced number of WSIB lost time injuries for Hospitality Services. Further analysis will be completed at the end of the academic year to determine how best to support this group in the future.


33

Musculosketal Disorders Program

Rehabilitation Services began implementation of a prevention-based system to address

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) utilizing the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO) guidelines. The goal of the program is to increase ergonomic awareness through education regarding better and healthier work techniques. By identifying risks with regular workplace inspections and worker feedback, the goal is to decrease MSDs, their risk factors and to eliminate ergonomic-related injury costs while increasing worker performance and satisfaction. Hospitality Services was the first group chosen to participate in this program. A departmental MSD Team was established in 2008 and management and supervisors were trained in 2009. One full round of implementation through 25 units is expected to be completed by the end of April, 2010. As we continue into 2010, the goal is to implement MSD Prevention to other departments, such as Physical Plant and/or ACVS.

Statistics and Trends for 2009

68 of individuals approved for Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits successfully returned to work at Western. This exceeds the industry average of ~ 40% for like industries insured with Manulife Financial Services. This is evidence of effective return to work program with good support from all levels in departments and faculties.

Mental & Nervous Disorders was the number one diagnosis accounting for 32% of all LTD

claims with Musculoskeletal Disorders coming second with 22%. Malignant Neoplasms (cancer) claims dropped sharply from 30% in 2008 to 5% in 2009.

Individuals between 50 and 65 years of age accounted for 64% of approved LTD claims.


34

Rehabilitation Services Case Management Statistics

Rehabilitation Services 2005-2009Number of Cases by Employee Group

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

FAC HOSPSERV

IUOE POLICE PMA P/T PPD SAGE UWOSA GTA

Employee Groups

Num

ber o

f Cas

es

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Rehabilitation Services 2009 Work Status of Cases as of December 31, 2009

At Work Modified15%

Off Work13%

At Work Full72%

Consistent with trending in recent years, 87% of cases seen by Rehabilitation Services had successfully return to full work or modified duties by the end of the year. This is a dynamic measurement and does not indicate that the remaining 13% will not return to work in 2010 with successful rehabilitation and accommodation.


35

Rehabilitation Services 2009 Total Cases - WSIB vs Non-Occupational

WSIB 21%

Non-occupational79%

Rehabilitation Services 2009WSIB vs Non-Occupational Cases by Employee Group

520

014

0 3 0

91

0

40

109

46

0

140

0 6 1

122

5

204

0

50

100

150

200

250

FAC HOSPSERV

IUOE PMA POLICE P/T GTA PPD SAGE UWOSA

Num

ber o

f Cas

es

WSIB Cases Non-Occupational Cases

While UWOSA accounts for the greatest number of cases seen in Rehabilitation Services, Physical Plant has the greatest number of WSIB cases with 91 of the total 173 cases. UWOSA employees were second in WSIB cases with 40.


36

Rehabilitation Services 2003-2009 Cases Top 3 Diagnosis

210

46 39

201

6448

249

89

49

315

10081

336

124

82

108

66

421

11089

356

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Musculoskeletal System Mental Disorders Injury

Num

ber o

f Cas

es

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

“Musculoskeletal Disorders” was the number one diagnosis seen in Rehabilitation Services,

with “Mental Disorder” ranking number two, followed by injury (motor vehicle accident, falls etc…).

Total Number of Cases - Rehabilitation Services - 2003-2009

369401

510

627

702 698

806

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Tota

l Num

ber

of C

ases

The total number of cases seen by Rehabilitation Services rose by 15% in 2009 with 806 individuals receiving case management support.


37

Rehabilitation Services Total Cases - 2005-2009 WSIB vs Non-Occupational

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Perc

enta

ge o

f Tot

al C

ase

WSIB Non-Occupational


38

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Statistics

NEER (WSIB Cost Statement) - As of September 30, 2009 Year Total Number of Claims Total NEER Costs Performance Index** 2009* 49 $ 672,566.25 1.432008 87 $ 816,066.48 1.772007 83 $ 876,657.73 2.032006 97 $ 422,166.84 1.07 * 9 months of Data ** >1=Surcharge, <1=Rebate, 1=Break Even

The University of Western Ontario WSIB Claims 2005-2009

166

208192 183

156151176

145160

141

63 62 51 5131

0

50

100

150

200

250

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Num

ber o

f Cla

ims

Claims Reported Claims Accepted Lost Time Claims


39

The University of Western Ontario Accident/Incident Summary 2005-2009

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Rep

orts

Incident Reports Received Hazardous Situation First AidHealth Care Claims Lost time Claims

The University of Western Ontario Accident/Incident Summary 2005-2009

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Rep

orts

Incident Reports Received Hazardous SituationFirst Aid Health Care ClaimsLost time Claims


40

The University of Western Ontario WSIB Claims 2005-2009

0

50

100

150

200

250

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Num

ber o

f Cla

ims

Claims Reported Claims Accepted Lost Time Claims

The number of reported claims and lost time claims dropped in 2009, however the duration

of the claims was high; this resulted in a surcharge. The longer duration of claims is likely attributable to the increased severity of the injuries and the prolonged recovery for an aging workforce.

Number of Employees Utilizing Rehabilitation Services, 2005-2009 as a Percentage of Total Number of Employees in Each Group

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

PPD SAGE HOSPSERVICES

CCPS UWOSA PMA IUOE FACULTY

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009


41

Section 3 - Appendices

Appendix A Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee Monthly Inspection Categories:

Category Types of Issues Safety Equipment Personal Protective Equipment

Not Available Signage Monthly Checking

Facilities Safety (PPD) Monthly/Annual Checking Maintenance Safety Equipment not installed

Chemical Safety Storage Waste Labelling Cylinders

Electrical Safety Extension Cords Line Cords Equipment Condition CSA Approval, etc.

Laboratory Safety Hygiene (Food, Housekeeping) Inventory and MSDS Signage Lab/Equipment Condition Training Other – describe

General Safety Housekeeping Facilities Condition Equipment Condition Training Signage


42

Appendix B Public Health Agency of Canada: Definitions of Biosafety Levels Level 1 (low individual and community risk)

Any biological agent that is unlikely to cause disease in healthy workers or animals.

Level 2 (moderate individual risk, low community risk)

Any pathogen that can cause human disease but, under normal circumstances, is unlikely to be a serious hazard to laboratory workers, the community, livestock or the environment. Laboratory exposures rarely cause infection leading to serious disease; effective treatment and preventative measures are available, and the risk of spread is limited.

Level 2 plus According to Health Canada, Level 2 plus agents require additional requirements, or Level 3 operations, an example of this are lentiviral vectors. Projects that may require these measures are assessed on a case-by-case basis with the Biosafety officer, Biohazards Subcommittee and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Level 3 (high individual risk, low community risk)

Any pathogen that usually causes serious human diseases or can result in serious economic consequences but does not ordinarily spread by casual contact from one individual to another, or that causes diseases treatable by antimicrobial or antiparasitic agents.

Documents

Health, Safety and Wellness - Western University · Health, Safety and Wellness ... • Autoclave Validation Procedures based on Ministry of Environment ... • CCAC Course on WebCT